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Description of the water softener system
This tannin / water softener system includes a brine (salt) tank and a resin (media) tank with a backwashing
control valve. Incoming water flows into the control valve and is directed down through the mixed bed ion
exchange resin. This resin exchanges the hardness and tannin ions for sodium and chloride ions (respectively).
The treated water then returns to the control valve where it is directed into the service lines.
Periodically the control valve will go through a regeneration cycle. The frequency of this regeneration process
will depend on the level of tannin and hardness present in the water and the estimated daily water usage. At a
minimum this unit should be regenerated every 3 days. This cycle is factory preset to begin at 2:00 A.M. At this
time the control valve will draw the brine solution out of the salt tank and flush both the accumulated hardness
and excess salt to the drain. The control valve will then put fresh water back into the salt tank to make brine for
the next regeneration cycle.
Water Quality
The water should be tested to determine the concentration, or levels of the items listed below:
Hardness
- Hardness in drinking water is defined as those minerals that dissolve in water having a
positive electrical charge (cations). The primary components of hardness are calcium (Ca++) and
magnesium (Mg++) ions. But dissolved iron (Fe++) and manganese (Mn++) also contribute to total
“adjusted” hardness. Hardness produces scale, soap scum and white mineral deposits which shorten
the life of water using appliances, plumbing and fixtures. Water that has less than 1 grain of hardness is
considered to be “soft” water.
pH
- A measurement of the acidity of the water. pH is reported on a scale from 0 to 14. Neutral water has a pH
of 7.0, lower values indicate acidic water. If your pH is below 6.8 you may consider installing an acid neutralizer
before the water softener to elevate the pH.
Iron
- A naturally occurring metallic element. Iron levels in excess of 0.3 milligrams/liter (mg/l) combine with
oxygen causing orange or red (rust) stains on plumbing fixtures. Iron exists in some water sources in clear
water (ferrous) state, red water (ferric) state or bacterial form. Iron levels that exceed 0.5 mg/l require an iron
filter to be installed ahead of this water softener. If the iron is ferrous and iron bacteria are not present a softener
could be used a pre-treatment instead of the iron filter.
Manganese
- A naturally occurring metallic element. Manganese levels as low as 0.05 milligrams/liter (mg/l)
can combine with oxygen to cause dark brown or black staining on fixtures. Additionally, manganese can cause
an odor in the water similar to a “rotten egg” smell. This water softener may reduce manganese as well as low
levels of iron; however, an iron filter may be required in some cases.
Tannin
- A naturally occurring humic acid. Tannin is caused by water passing through decaying vegetation.
Coffee and Tea are prime examples of tannin in water. Tannin levels as low as 0.5 milligrams per liter can
cause a yellow discoloration in water. This unit can treat 1,000 ppm gallons between regenerations. I.E.
– if the
tannin level is 0.7, 1,000 ppm gallons ÷ 0.7 ppm = 1,428.57 gallons. NOTE: Tannin levels of 1 ppm or greater
can dramatically reduce the life of iron filter media.
Hydrogen Sulfide
- A naturally occurring gas. Hydrogen sulfide, more commonly referred to as sulfur gas,
causes a distinct odor similar to “rotten eggs.” Due to its gaseous nature, hydrogen sulfide must be tested at the
well site within 1 minute of drawing the sample. If sulfur is present additional equipment will be required. An air
injecting iron filter can typically treat up to 2 milligrams per liter of sulfur gas.
Pre-installation Instructions
