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Water Softener media for iron

16 years ago

We are looking to purchase a water softerner for our cottage (part-time home). The water has 3 ppm iron and 24 grains of hardness. A local supplier suggested that we get a softener with a media that will not allow the iron to oxidize on it. Is anyone familiar with this? Does it have a name so that we can research it further? Lorie

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Comments (6)

andy_c
16 years ago
My first approach would be to ask your "supplier" what is meant by that statement. My first impression is that he is trying to leave an impression on you that he has the solution to your problem. Always ask questions when you don't understand.

A properly set up water softener can handle those iron and hardness figures. Some additional water results would be needed. With high iron, a twin tank system can be effective.

Andy Chrsitensen, CWS-II
lokuz16
Original Author
16 years ago
Andy - our main concern is the fact that the softener will not be in constant use. This "supplier" understood this concern and suggested this alternate media due to the iron content and possible oxidation build-up which can render the media ineffective over time. We did ask many questions, but in typical salesman fashion, he had something better than the other guy - thus the need to research on our own.
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If you don't know how to read your city's water report, post it or post a link to it. 75-90 gallons per person per day is high water use, well above the average of 60. Is this a guess or actual usage? Does it include outdoor water use? Softened water should be plumbed for indoor use only to avoid high salt usage and potential damage to lawn and plants. Now to your questions: The way to account for variable needs is to purchase the size you will need, sized for 4 people and then allow the softener to go longer between regens initially - it will regulate itself. Regen time will shorten as you use more water. Just use a standard GAC. For residential applications the additional expense for the KDF-55 will not work out in the cost/benefit analysis. Post the report or a link to it and go off the city's numbers. You have to plan for maximum chlorine. Additionally, you need to know: pH, TDS, particulates, sulfates, odor, color. Any other complaints about your water?
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Local water treatment companies will always cost more than online sellers because they actually have to maintain a store front and install what they sell. Reasonable markup is at least 100%, probably higher because of installation, testing, etc. Get more than one quote. If you like the online prices, you could purchase online and hire a plumber to install for you - get a few install-only quotes. Plumbing into your gutter drainpipe seems a little suspicious, but perhaps that is acceptable in your locality. I would check on that if I were you.
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There are things you need to think about here. You've been quoted a fairly small softener for your hardness level. It will be fine if you only have two people in your household, but inadequate for three or more. It also won't handle the flow of a high-water-use fixture, such as a jetted tub or a multi-head shower. The iron removal system quoted will handle only 3.6 gpm on a steady basis and 5.5 gpm maximum for short periods of time. This is quite low and may not be adequate, depending upon your situation. The information you have provided is not adequate to determine what you need. How was the testing done? Did the dealer go to your home or did you bring water to them? Did you see them do the testing? Did they titrate (add drops of liquid until the color changed) or use test strips? How many people in your home? Is the iron clear-water (dissolved and you can't see it in the water), or is it particulate? Well water or city? TDS (total dissolved solids)? pH? bacteria (if well water)? Does the water have any color or odor? If so, please describe. Any particulates?
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Your plumber was likely referring to a 40-lb bag of "rust remover" or "iron fighter" softener salt. Super Iron Out generally comes in a plastic container, not a bag. Regardless, I seriously doubt the advice is good. You either need to use Iron Out in the correct manner, OR use all Iron fighter/rust remover salt. Do you know how much iron you have in your water and in what form (dissolved or particulate)?
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User
16 years ago
Did your local supplier actually name the media he is recommending? Brand name? Specific product number?
geniere
16 years ago
I've used Diamond Crystal Red-Out Pellets in my softener but I also have a charcoal filter and chlorine injection. The pellets do seem to help.

I believe the pellets have a anti-microbial additive that kills an iron oxidizing bacteria that can produce a red/brown stain.
zl700
16 years ago
I forget my softening calcs, so with 3ppm of iron, she has an adjusted hardness of 33?

Also, no one asked or said what type of iron, this certainly matters?
lokuz16
Original Author
16 years ago
I took my numbers from the "c-man"'s measures. I have no idea what type of iron it is. After further research, we believe that the "media" the local guy (not the c-man) is referring to is "fine mesh media".

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