to_the_hurricave asked:
We have nasty water and would like to invest in a water softener. We are a small family (just mom, dad, and baby boy). Any recommendations on a water softener? I was thinking about buying it at Lowe’s and having them install it… I wonder how much installation would be? Thanks for the advice!
We have nasty water and would like to invest in a water softener. We are a small family (just mom, dad, and baby boy). Any recommendations on a water softener? I was thinking about buying it at Lowe’s and having them install it… I wonder how much installation would be? Thanks for the advice!
February 17th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
WHIRLPOOL & GE OK
BE SURE TO PUT 1 ( 2 BETTER ) WHOLE HOUSE FILTERS B-4 THE SOFTENER, OR DON’T DO IT AT ALL.
BUILDER, WELL WATER SINCE 1992, HEY, I HAVEN’T PAID A WATER/SEWER BILL SINCE 1992….YEEEEEEE-HAAAAAA!
February 19th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
The first thing to do is to get your water tested (or test it yourself) to determine the quantity of dissolved elements. There are a number of eleiments that are considered contaminants, and you need to know about these. But the elements of interest for hard water are calcium and magnesium. Numbers for this are expressed in either grains per gallon, or parts per million (equivalent except for a factor of 17). Suppose that your water is at ten grains per gallon (considered quite hard), and you use 100 gallons per day. (YMMV.) Then the softener has to eat 1000 grains of hardness per day. If the softener has a capacity of 14,000 grains, then you will need to rejuvenate it once every two weeks by running a salt solution through it. Modern softeners handle this chore automatically; all you need to do is to fill the salt reservoir and provide a drain for the wastewater. (It is okay to run it into a septic tank.) Take your numbers to Lowe’s or Home Depot, or Sears, and inquire further.
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Get your water tested before hand. Without this knowledge you will not know what size and type water treatment system to purchase. Installation is relatively simple. Cut the main input line to the house, connect to the water softener input, and then the output line connects to the house. I installed two 1 micron particulate filters at the input of my water softener to help keep it clean. I’ve also decided to use iron removal type salt due to a small amount of iron in the water.
Have a look at some of the pictures on my web page.
February 25th, 2010 at 9:10 am
We also have nasty well water. We had a Rainsoft representative come to the house and they test your water for free and give you an analysis even if you don’t buy their product. They offer financing and whether you own your home or rent the softener can move with you. Maintenance is minimal and you will NEVER go without a softener after you are used to it! I never knew coffee could taste so good! Also when your water is softer you use less soap products, etc. And it cuts down cleaning time especially in the bathroom.
February 27th, 2010 at 8:21 am
a water softener wont make the water taste better….it will actually make it taste worse. sounds like you need a filter ststem. at any rate, dont buy it at lowes or home depot. go to a local business and get a good one if you decide to use one
Possum