Water conditioning and treatment

[stl]

We built a new house but used the well from the old house that was still working fine. The well was serviced, and a new pump installed, etc.

Problem is that the water is very, very hard and has iron in it.

Any recommendations for water conditioning/filtration companies, products to look at (also to avoid)?

 

[bigtiller]

We built a new house but used the well from the old house that was still working fine. The well was serviced, and a new pump installed, etc.

Problem is that the water is very, very hard and has iron in it.

Any recommendations for water conditioning/filtration companies, products to look at (also to avoid)?

Culligan.

I have had one for 35 years. The one we have now is much more economical to run than the old ones were.

 

[dodge man]

We just got rural water a few months ago but before that we were on a well that had good water but was somewhat hard. We had a whole house water filter, and after that a regular water softner. The water softner is the kind you add salt to, maybe 40 lbs a month or so. It works well, is simple to run, and other than adding salt, pretty much maintance free. The filter I changed maybe once a month. After several years I know you have to change the media in the softner. When we got the rural water, I did away with the water filter system but was advised by the rurarl water company to leave the softner in place.

 

[RobertN]

Sounds like my water.

Our house was 7 years old when we got it; all the sinks, toilets, dishwasher, were iron stained. The people living here used bottled water for drinking.

Immediately after moving in, we got a Rainsoft unit. Pre/sediment filter, then commercial grade softener because the water is so hard. In the kitchen, we also have a reverse osmosis filter. It worked for about 15 years, with a couple minor issues. The RO is still working fine(with regular filter maintenance ect).

When the Rainsoft softener went out, we changed to Kinetico. I like this unit better. It is two tank; when one tank is flushing, we have good soft water on the second tank. It is mechanical, and based on water use, not just a timer.

I like this unit better. It uses less salt, on demand as compared to timed; timed regenerates whether you need it or not. And, the neighbor has had a Kinetico for 28 years. With no issues, same hard iron water.

First thing I would do, is have your water tested to see just how hard it is... That will help you with figuring how many grains of softening you need. We, needed a lot.....

Problem is that the water is very, very hard and has iron in it.

 

[RobertN]

I have done landscape irrigation off and on for a few years now. It never ceases to amaze me how much sediment there is in piped water systems. I always put incoming filters on everything. Spray heads clog, and drip, well, clogs worse. Easier to service a filter.

When we got the rural water, I did away with the water filter system but was advised by the rurarl water company to leave the softner in place.

 

[SandburRanch]

I have done landscape irrigation off and on for a few years now. It never ceases to amaze me how much sediment there is in piped water systems. I always put incoming filters on everything. Spray heads clog, and drip, well, clogs worse. Easier to service a filter.

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A gas hot water heater makes for an excellent sediment tank and saves on filter changes. All the pipe connections needed are there. As for maintenance, open the drain a couple of times a year. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Pete Judd]

We have had an Iron problem for years, turn the inside of the dishwasher red, as well as the toilets, I have bought now 2 green sand filters from granger over the years, they back flush, with no salt. I worry about putting the salt into the creek. The green sand has to be "cleaned" every few years, and I just find a couple of strong friends to tip the tank over and lay it out in a kids swimming pool, and clean it. I just checked grangers website, and did not find one, but they will take care of the iron. These used to cost around 5-6 hundred bucks, but again no salt, and very little ongoing costs. Oh also, you need to introduce air into the system before the filter for them to work, and you may want to put a air bleed after to keep the stuff in the house from burping. I did away with the latter, as they I found that they are a PITA in the pump house.

 

[stl]

Has anyone had Sears or Home depot install a water softener and filter setup, and how dies that compare to the high dollar national chains like culligan.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

My only experience was with Rainsoft - They did fako tests and high pressure sales. I eventually had to demand that the salesman leave. Similar systems available locally were a fraction of their "one time deal" price of $6000 for a water softener. The lifetime guarantee only covered the resin.

This web site seems to have sensible info and pricing but I have not used them personally.
Water Softener Systems, Iron Filters, Water Treatment Systems for Home or Business.

 

[RobertN]

You need to have your water tested to know how many grains of hardness you have, and if there is anything else you have to treat for. That, will give you the information to figure how many grains of softening you need. With my bad water, we needed a LOT more than what a Kenmore or HD unit could provide.

You won't know what you need, till you know what you're dealing with. Sometimes you can get your water tested at the county offices, for a fee.

Has anyone had Sears or Home depot install a water softener and filter setup, and how dies that compare to the high dollar national chains like culligan.