Water softener/iron stains

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carlherrnstein
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Post by carlherrnstein » Sun. Aug. 13, 2017 1:33 pm

I installed a water softener a few months ago. After that I thoroughly cleaned all plumbing fixtures, tubs/showers, toilets, an all faucet aerators, thinking that will be the last time I have to scrub hard water junk off of them. Then about two weeks later I started to notice iron stains in the shower again. I have switched the salt to the green bag iron fighter, cleaned the stains off again and have backwashed the softener once a week with iron out for about 2 months and the rust stains still keep coming back.

I was really hoping to not have to deal withe the rust stains anymore. I am concerned that either the water softener isnt able to handle the amount of crap in my water. Or maybe hard water deposits in the pipes/water heater are leaching back in the soft water. The water is soft soap does a much better job and the water doesn't taste hard anymore.

The water softener is a waterboss model 700. I bought it because it is a compact size plus it is made right here in Ohio.

Anyone have any ideas?

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Sun. Aug. 13, 2017 3:34 pm

A water softener can only deal with a small amount of iron. Beyond that, an iron treatment system is needed. I suggest you get your raw well water tested and see how much iron is in it.

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Sun. Aug. 13, 2017 4:33 pm

Manganese pretreatment before the softener.

 
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lsayre
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Post by lsayre » Sun. Aug. 13, 2017 5:57 pm

coaledsweat wrote:Manganese pretreatment before the softener.
I believe the general term for this is a "Greensand Filter".


 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Sun. Aug. 13, 2017 7:00 pm

I'm a wastewater guy, it's all about the media! :lol:

 
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lsayre
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Post by lsayre » Sun. Aug. 13, 2017 9:51 pm

coaledsweat wrote:I'm a wastewater guy, it's all about the media! :lol:
I like it! :clap:

 
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Post by davidmcbeth3 » Mon. Aug. 14, 2017 6:01 pm

What is the LEVEL of iron in your untreated water? This will point to a proper treatment solution.

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