Water softener - bleach every year????
#1
09-25-07, 01:58 PM
Water softener - bleach every year????
I have a well and water softener. The water has iron and iron bacteria (am going to get chlorination done very soon).
It was recently suggested to me to use the Iron Out per directions once a year, and then on the other 6 month boundary (so once a year also), pour a cup of bleach at the bottom of the salt tank.
Does this seem reasonable?? I usually use the Iron Out every time I fill the salt.... and was told this is too much...
Thanks!
It was recently suggested to me to use the Iron Out per directions once a year, and then on the other 6 month boundary (so once a year also), pour a cup of bleach at the bottom of the salt tank.
Does this seem reasonable?? I usually use the Iron Out every time I fill the salt.... and was told this is too much...
Thanks!
#3
09-26-07, 01:37 PM
Water softener
Thanks for replying!
I actually had a test done when we first moved in (tests done by a university if I recall). I'll see if I can track down the results and include here.
I actually had a test done when we first moved in (tests done by a university if I recall). I'll see if I can track down the results and include here.
#4
09-27-07, 09:41 AM
Sanitizing the softener can be vital to maintaining the system. Normally, we don't advice mixing strong solutions of bleach to the resin beds as it can quickly deminish its capacity. Even small levels of chlorine, as from municipal supplies, can damage the resins.
But when iron bacteria is present, an occasional shocking of the resin bed may be the better of two evils. Make sure you immediately and completely put it through its cycles as to flush out the chlorine.
Also, the brief rentention time that chlorine has in contact with resins may or may not be sufficient to adequate handle the organics. It may sanitize but there is no guarantee of disinfection if pathogens were to be present.
Normally, the brine tank has some chlorine remaining and the next couple regenerations may repeat the process to a degree. I prefer to use hydrogen peroxide at a 7% solution but it is harder to find and more expensive. Hydrogen peroxide (H202) reverts to pure water after oxidation=losing an atom of oxygen (H202 - 0 = H20).
Also, I may suggest an iron out salt rather sprinkling the power over the salts, especially if your iron is more than 2ppm. This gives a more even application. Always use a quality salt, as well. The iron powder is very strong and many people over use it.
Andy Christensen, CWS-II
But when iron bacteria is present, an occasional shocking of the resin bed may be the better of two evils. Make sure you immediately and completely put it through its cycles as to flush out the chlorine.
Also, the brief rentention time that chlorine has in contact with resins may or may not be sufficient to adequate handle the organics. It may sanitize but there is no guarantee of disinfection if pathogens were to be present.
Normally, the brine tank has some chlorine remaining and the next couple regenerations may repeat the process to a degree. I prefer to use hydrogen peroxide at a 7% solution but it is harder to find and more expensive. Hydrogen peroxide (H202) reverts to pure water after oxidation=losing an atom of oxygen (H202 - 0 = H20).
Also, I may suggest an iron out salt rather sprinkling the power over the salts, especially if your iron is more than 2ppm. This gives a more even application. Always use a quality salt, as well. The iron powder is very strong and many people over use it.
Andy Christensen, CWS-II
