Doodlebug Pump -- FAQ

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Water softeners

General Questions About Water Softeners

There are lots of companies selling all kinds of softeners. Why should I buy your softener systems?

We are a reputable company that has been in business since 1981. We have an experienced sales and technical staff to answer any questions or deal with any problems that might come up.

We represent Aqua Pure, a Division of Cuno, which has been in the water treatment business for many years.

We provide our purchasers with a very complete installation video specificly directed to the Do-It-You-Self installers, along with a written installation and operating manual. In addition, you have available Cuno’s toll free 800 number, for technical assistance.

There maybe other manufacturers to choice from, but we don't believe that any one can match our softener systems in terms of overall quality and completive price.

We like to sell what we believe in, and we definitely believe in the Aqua Pure brand of water treatment products.

Can these softeners be installed outdoors?

Any water softener should be protected against the weather. If you must install the unit outdoors, provide a shelter against the weather. The electrical components should be shielded from water, and steps should be taken to protect the tanks and head (which contain liquid) from freezing.

What is hard water? Hard water is generally defined as having more than 1 GPG (grains per gallon) of dissolved minerals in it (usually calcium, magnesium carbonate, and/or manganese). There is some argument as to what is an "acceptable" level of hardness. It is a relative term.

This judgment ranges from a conservative "Soft water = 0 to 5 gpg; Moderately hard water = 5 to 10 gpg; Hard = 10 to 20 gpg; Very hard = 20+ gpg.

"Hard" water is also a relative term and that only you can "know" if the level that you have is too hard.

For example, if you intend to use Ultra Violet Sterilization, then any water harder than 5 gpg should be treated.

Don't be "sold" by a pushy/aggressive salesperson who tells you that you can't live without a water softener. Most people can.

We will recommend a Water Softener when the hardness is 6 grains per gallon or more. At 6 grains of Hardness or above most people can really experience the benefits of soft water. Some who are accustomed to soft water that move to a new area that has water with hardness as low as 3 or 4 grains will also want a water softener. Everyone is different.

How is hard water measured?

Hard water is usually measured in either "parts per million" (PPM), "milligrams per liter" (Mg/L), or "grains per gallon" (GPG).

PPM and Mg/L are actually the same measurement. If you know your PPM or Mg/L of water hardness and need to determine what the GPG amount is, divide your PPM (Mg/L) by 17.1. (One GPG = 17.1 PPM or Mg/L).

How can I tell how hard my water is?

You can either have it tested locally or you can request a free water sample test kit(you only pay for the shipping). When you receive your kit, follow the instructions and send it to the address indicated. Cuno will test your sample for free. In turn, you will receive a complete analysis of the water with specific recommendations. If you are planning to purchase or have already purchased a softener somewhere else it doesn't matter to us, we will still test your water for free. Please click on our Contact Us button at the bottom of the page and tell us that you need a water test kit.

I've read ads that claim that Magnetic Softeners would solve my hard water problems. What is your experience?

Magnetic "conditioners" have been around for over 30 years and are not a new item. The question you should ask yourself, if they work so well, why doesn't everyone have one?

In fairness, they do work in some circumstances. The problem with many of the companies who market this type of product is they greatly exaggerates what the it can do.

No brand of magnetic conditioner can remove hardness. What it purports to do is suspend the calcium in a form which will not adhere to medal surfaces. They appear to work best in high heat conditions, such as water heaters or boilers. We offer what we feel is one of the best brands: Superior. Look at our link page and visit their web site. If it seems to fit you needs we would be happy to sell you a unit.

Why do water softeners have to add salt to the water?

The first thing to remember, is any salt in softened water is a by product of the softening process.

The softener works by passing the hard water through resin beads, which attract the hard mineral ions to them. This process is called "ion exchange" It takes place with the hard mineral ions (typically calcium and/or magnesium) trading places with the soft sodium/potassium ions. After a period of use the sodium ions are depleted being replaced by calcium and magnesium. The resin then needs to be regenerated with the sodium ions so the resin will again be able to exchange the hard for the soft.

How long does your softener take to regenerate, and how much water do they use?

Normal regeneration time is 2 hours. It normally takes place at night time (2:00AM0 when water usage is at a minimum. For a model S100ME (30,000-grain model) 30 gallons of water & 6 lbs of salt are used per regeneration at factory setting. If you increase this setting you could use up to 15 lbs of salt – we recommend you start with the factory setting For our largest residential/light commercial model S250ME (60,000 grain) 73 gallons of water & 15 lbs of salt are used per regeneration at factory setting.

What is the difference between a water softener, a water filter, a scale inhibiter, and a conditioner?

A water softener is a true water treatment system. The dissolved calcium and magnesium carbonate (which are responsible for the hard water) in the water are removed through use of a special resin, which is then recharged with either sodium chloride (salt) or potassium chloride.

This is different from a water Activated Carbon or Sediment Filter in that this type of filter will generally remove chlorine, pesticides, bacteria (in some cases), and suspended particles (sand, sediment, etc). A filter will not remove dissolved solids (which are responsible for hard water). They are often used in conjunction with a water softener not as a substitute.

A scale inhibiter does not remove dissolved solids. it attempts to prevent the solids from being deposited inside pipes, on fixtures. It inhibits scaling caused by hard water through use of an FDA approved product that is rated as a 100% pure food grade additive that has no effect on the taste or odor of water.

It is not a softener. It has been used successfully on mister systems, and point of use water systems where the cost of a water softener cannot be justified. If this type of product interest you visit our link page under Scalesafe or contact us and we will be happy to provide you with additional information and pricing.

Why would I want to soften my water?

It greatly reduces the scaling of pipes, faucets, pots, glasses, tubs, etc. You will use less laundry soap, dish washing soap, hand soap.

The water is more pleasant to wash with and there is less soap scum.

It will improve the efficiency of your water heater and extend the life of your dishwasher. If you intend to purchase (or have) a Reverse Osmosis Filter, it is essential if your water is over 5 grains in hardness.

Ok then, why wouldn't I want to soften my water?

If you're using sodium chloride (salt), then the softener will add a small amount of sodium to the water. For most people this is not a problem. However, if you were on a sodium-restricted diet, we would recommend a separate faucet in the kitchen that dispenses un-softened water for drinking, or install a Reverse Osmosis filter for your drinking and cooking water.

Someone told me that I shouldn't soften the water to my kitchen faucet or ice maker. What faucets should be left untreated by a water softener?

Normally your outside faucets (hose bibs) should not be softened. With that exception, the remainder of the house piping should be softened.

Someone told me that softened water feels 'slimy'.

When you wash your skin with hard water, there is a layer of soap and minerals that is left on your skin. This is what causes the supposed 'squeaky-clean' feeling. With soft water, the soap is completely rinsed away leaving just the natural oils your skin produces.

I've heard that a water softener adds sodium to my water supply. Is this true? Yes. A household water softener removes the hardness minerals - calcium and magnesium - from water and replaces them with sodium or potassium (if you use potassium chloride).

How much sodium is added to the water by the softener?

That depends on the hardness of the original water.

For example: The additional amount of sodium consumed by drinking one quart of softened water with an initial Hardness of 5 gpg is 37.5 milligrams. If the initial hardness is 40 gpg, the amount of sodium added would be 300.

As a comparison, one slice of white bread has about 160 milligrams of sodium; 3/4 cup of canned baked beans = 1130 milligrams; 1 tablespoon of catsup = 204 milligrams; 1 medium frankfurter = 610 milligrams; and 1 cup of whole milk = 127 milligrams. Even a common Alka Seltzer tablet contains 532 milligrams of sodium.

However, if you suffer from hypertension or are on a sodium-restricted diet, you should consult your doctor about the proper water for drinking.

Should I worry about corrosion from the salt in the water?

No. Over a long period of time it may have some effect on exposed steel surfaces. However, most of the metal in a home that comes in contact with softened water is either: coated, painted, or stainless steel. All which would be unaffected.

What type of salt should be used with your softeners? We recommend using coarse salt, which most grocery stores carry in bulk. Salt tablets should be avoided. They generally cost more and actually contain more impurities.

Do I have to use salt?

Most stores that sell softener salt will also sell a salt substitute (potassium chloride). This is just as effective as the regular salt, but adds potassium instead of sodium. The downside is that potassium chloride costs between 3 and 4 times more than the regular softener salt.

Does a water softener have to be specifically manufactured to accept potassium?

No. Generally, water softeners can use either. With potassium chloride, you will use more material than with salt.

Is it true that salt kills bacteria? I do not want the level of "good" bacteria in my septic system to be affected.

VERY high concentrations of salt can kill some bacteria. However, the concentration of salt that is used in a softener is NEVER high enough to kill bacteria in septic systems. There is also some evidence, which indicates that low salt levels can improve bacterial action in a septic system.

Will a Reverse Osmosis system remove the salt from the softened water?

Most brands will remove 95%+ of the salt from the water.

What should I look for in a water softener?

One of the main features you should look for is the capacity (measured in grains) and how it determines when to regenerate.

Our model S100ME has a range from 18,600 to 30,000 grains. It meters how much water has been used to determine when it should regenerate. Some units regenerate after a fixed period of time regardless of how much water has actually used. We have this type of unit available, but do not recommend it. For the little money saved, the cost in extra salt over time is not worth it.

What difference does size make?

The size of the softener (rated in grains) in combination with knowing your hardness level will tell you how often it will regenerate, and consequently how often you will have to add salt.

Our model S150ME unit is normally set at 27,900 grains (it has a maximum capacity of 45,000 grains).

As an example with the S150ME: If you have a family of four and your hardness level is 20. Divide the 27,900 by your hardness (20), giving you 1,395 gallons of treated water. The average person uses about 50 gallons per day so divide the 1,395 by 200 (50 gallons x 4 people). This gives you 6 days between regeneration's. Our softener uses about 12 lbs. of salt per regeneration, so if you start out with a full brine tank (160 lbs) it should last you well over 2 months before the salt is used up.

Our units also have a salt monitor, which is designed to periodically remind you to check the level of salt in the brine tank. The monitor provides both a visual and audible indicator. When it is time to check the salt, the green LED on the control valve will begin to blink red and the audible alarm will “beep” 3 times every hour.

How much water does it take to dissolve 12 pounds of salt?

One gallon of water will dissolve 3 pounds of salt. So for 12 pounds of salt, at least 4 gallons of water should be put in the brine tank prior to adding salt for the first time.

Do I have to have an exact amount of salt in the brine tank for the softener to regenerate properly?

The amount of salt placed into the brine storage tank has nothing to do with the amount of salt used during the regeneration cycle. Water will dissolve and absorb salt only until it becomes saturated. A given amount of brine (salt saturated water) contains a specific amount of salt. Just make sure that there is at least enough salt for a regeneration cycle (12 lbs. in the case of our unit).

With a flow rate of 10 gpm normally, just how much water is that really? How much water do most fixtures use?

Most homes are plumbed with ¾” copper pipe (in larger custom homes might be 1”). The maximum safe flow in a ¾” copper pipe is 10 GPM (any more flow will produce water hammer).

The piping to individual fixtures is usually ½” copper. A toilet will normally use about 2-3gpm, a shower 1 1/2-3gpm, a bathroom or kitchen faucet 2-3gpm, a dishwasher 2-4gpm, a washing machine 3-5gpm.

Two people taking a seperate shower in each bathroom at the same time is a good indication of peak use. This represents 6 GPM flow. If you think someone would be using the toilet or using the washing machine, at the same time as the showers are in use, than size your needs accordingly.

In reality a 3-4 bedroom 2- bath home will rarely exceed 7 GPM peak flow. In a large home a 10 GPM peak flow might be expected. It’s really a matter of money. If you feel you need a bigger unit, we will be happy to sell it. But try to be realistic. Most of the time a smaller unit will work quite satisfactorily.

What makes your softeners better than others that charge as much as two to four times the price?

All softeners, regardless of price, should soften your water (i.e. reduce the hardness to 0 grains). The question is how long will the unit last? How often does it regenerate? How large is the grain capacity? What is the warranty? How long has the company been in business? Does the softener regenerate based on time rather than how much water has been used? How easy is it to change the settings and service the unit? How quickly can you get your questions answered and your problems solved?

What's the difference between demand (like you offer) versus solid state timers?

The difference is that a demand softener only regenerates when you use enough water to cause it to regenerate. The "solid state" (or mechanical) time clock unit will regenerate at a specific time even though you have not used water or used very little.

All of our Aqua Pure units utilize Electronic Meter Technology. The state of the art control head allows you to monitor and control every function and cycle. It meters your water usage and regenerates only when necessary. There is no need for vacation settings,

Why do you recommend a two tank system over a one-tank system?

Salt water is corrosive. If you live by a beach and have a car, you see the results all the time. On a one-tank system the controls are very close to the salts. We feel that it's far superior to keep the electronics away from the corrosive effects of the salt.

I read somewhere that drinking soft water might be related to heart attacks. Is this true?

There is currently a medical controversy over what effect, if any, drinking hard or soft water may have on heart disease. In some areas with naturally soft water, residents seem to suffer more from heart disease. In other areas, there appears to be no difference between drinking hard and soft water.

A number of researchers feel that some other constituent of water - not hardness or softness - may be responsible for the variations in heart disease figures in different areas of the country.

What's the difference between naturally soft water and the water from a water softener?

There's a great deal of difference! Naturally soft water is generally acidic and contains very few dissolved minerals. This tends to make the water quite corrosive to pipes and plumbing.

The water from a water softener is more like the raw water from which it is made. It is usually alkaline rather than acidic, and contains moderate amounts of dissolved minerals. Thus softening hard water in the home should not significantly affect corrosion.

Will a softener remove iron/red stains?

If the iron is in its soluble form (known as ferrous iron or Fe++) then in many cases it will.

To remove ferric iron (Fe+++), you must use an iron filter. We offer an iron removal filter (model APIR100). It can remove up to 10ppm of iron while simultaneously correcting low pH water.

It uses a specially formulated, high capacity filtering media. It is offered in several flow ranges from 6 GPM up to 18 GPM (peak use). Please contact us if this type of product is of interest.

Will a softener remove tannin?

Most people don't have this concern As in most situations tannins is not a problem. Most brands of softeners could remove tannins but not with CATIONS in the softener (which is what we offer). By replacing the typical CATION media in the softener tank, with ANION resin, the softener would be able to remove tannins.

The Aqua Pure softener contains (comes with) quality CATION resins, which are specifically designed to remove hardness and will not remove tannins.

We can offer the Aqua Pure Softener with ANION resins. This is typically used for nitrate and tannin removal. Please contact us if this type of product is of interest

How can I tell if I currently have anion or cation resin in my water softener that I bought elsewhere?

Place the resin in a beaker of brine (NaCl) and then give that solution a good swirl. If the resin floats it is probably anion resin and if it sinks it is probably cation resin.

I've read that the softener capacity should be large enough so that it should not regenerate more than every two days. Is there an ideal period between regenerations? Do long periods between regenerations (say a month) have any negative effects on the softener?

A water softener should be regenerated when the softener has reached its capacity and is unable to keep exchanging the hard ions for the soft ions. How often a water softener regenerates is dependent on how many grains per gallon of hardness are present in your water and the capacity of your water softener.

If the capacity of the water softener is 30,000 grain, and you have 10 grains per gallon of hardness, then your softener would regenerate after 3,000 gallons of water had passed through it. How quickly you would use 3,000 gallons of water would really depend on your water usage.

Long periods between regenerations would not have any effect on the softener if water were being used and traveling through the softener. If you are on vacation and water is not being used, sitting in the softener, then the water in the softener could be bacteriologic ally fouled.

Fouling would depend greatly on the condition of your well water or water source. The Aqua Pure softener can be set up (by the customer) for a calendar override. A calendar override would cause the unit to regenerate after a predetermined period of time. It is factory set for 14 days, but can be set from 1-99 days.

If in doubt, whenever you get back from a long vacation, put a little chlorine (1 oz maximum), mixed with a gallon of water into the brine well of the brine tank and push the manual backwash.

Who makes the Aqua Pure control head?

Aqua Pure manufactures its control head exclusively for their units. It is feature rich, easy to use, easy to program and when it becomes necessary, our Simplex cartridge allows fast valve rebuilding.

All of the solid-state components are modular and easily field replaceable.

On our larger commercial units we use Fleck Control heads. This is a superior commercial product, which is used by a majority of commercial softener manufacturers.

What is the valve assembly made of?

The valve is made of Noryl® plastic.

How easy is it to install your softeners?

If you've done even a little plumbing, we think you'll probably be able to install our softener. We provide a very good videotape and instruction book.

If you don’t fee comfortable doing it your self, a good plumber with the proper fittings should be able to complete installation in 1-3 hours in most cases.

Don’t get sucked into a softener installation package. Generally, it is overpriced. Get what you pay for. Contact a local plumber with a good reputation for an estimate before buying a unit. That way you’ll know all your costs up front!

Does the resin tank have to be right next to the brine tank?

No, they can be up to 20' apart.

Can the brine tank be installed above the resin tank?

Aqua Pure does not recommend for the brine tank to be elevated above the resin tank. During the brine and slow rinse cycles, the brine may be used too quickly because the elevation could cause less restriction on the injector, thus allowing all of the brine to be used too soon.

How does the warranty work on the softener?

Aqua Pure(the manufacturer of the head) is sold nationwide. Most Aqua Pure dealers stock parts for them. You can also contact us or Aqua Pure directly at their toll free 800 number.

Within the warranty period, defective products should be returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. Our tech support is ready to help you with any problems that you may encounter. (Note: the warranty does not cover labor or freight charges.)

Will the Aqua Pure softeners that you offer, pass my local new construction inspection?

Since we ship throughout the entire U.S., and every state and local agency has their own guidelines. We cannot guarantee that your local agency will pass any of our water softeners. We suggest that if passing their "inspection" is a concern, that you print out the products page in question and take it to them. Simply show them the page and ask if they could possibly have a "problem" with that product before placing your order. If that agency has a special need or concern, just contact us, telling us what that concern is. We should be able to provide information for them, which might then solve the problem.

Do your softeners have a 'grains per gallon' limit?

Our softeners will handle from 1 to 99 grains per gallon. The more grains per gallon, the sooner our units will regenerate.

What kind of resin does your softeners include?

Our softener comes with CATION standard water resin (#H) supplied by Aqua Pure. Other resins are available upon request.

How long will the resin last?

As long as strong oxidizers (such as high ppm chlorine) do not come into contact with the resin, the resin will last (under normal "average" operating conditions) for approximately 10 years, possibly longer.

For instance, high iron contact with the resin will cause the resin to 'foul' sooner. There are resin cleaners available for that purpose; however, we do not offer them, as they are a hazardous shipping material.

When your resins finally wear out we do offer new top quality replacement, which will work in any water softener.

Is the metering device on your softener before or after the softening tank?

The metering device on the softener that we sell is after (on the outflow) of the softening tank. We feel that is far superior to any other location.

If I have a small amount of iron in my system, will that damage the metering system?

A small amount of iron will not damage the metering system of the softener that we sell.

Will installing a softener reduce my water pressure?

All brands of softeners do have a pressure drop. The water must travel through the bed of resin and valving in a softener. Water pressure is also lost going through ALL plumbing fixtures, from faucets to meters to pipes to water heaters and so on.

As an example: The Aqua Pure Model S100ME normal continuous flow is 4 GPM (6 PSI Pressure loss at maximum flow) and Service flow is 7 GPM (10 PSI pressure loss at maximum flow). The Model S250ME normal conditions flow is 9 GPM (11 PSI pressure loss at maximum flow) and Service flow is 10 GPM (15 PSI Pressure loss at maximum flow).

Is it ok for the water softener drain hose to drain into my septic system?

Generally, most people drain their discharge into their standard drain, which would go into the public drain system or their septic tank.

We recommend that you use an air gap when discharging into a clothes washer standpipe.

According to the Water Quality Association Technical Papers concerning septic tanks, etc: "... Concerns about salt and soil absorption rates were also dispelled. The increased sodium content in the tank's discharge was shown to have no detrimental effect on the soil's ability to absorb water in normal drainage field. Interestingly, certain soil conditions benefited from it. Additionally, when the softener's calcium-rich regeneration backwash emptied into the septic system, the discharge could actually improve the soil's percolation... the conclusion drawn from these tests is that softened water is NOT harmful to a normally operating septic system or drainage field...."

To quote Gary Schreiber of The Purolite Company: "Everything has documentation both ways.... What is the actual experience in the field with water softeners and septic systems? In 29 years in the water softening business I have never seen a septic system that has failed because of water softener influent. In the industry, I have asked this question many times. I have never had an answer from anyone of the hundreds [that I've asked] that indicated septic system failure due to water softener influent."

I don't have a large drain line. What rate of pressure/flow does the discharge have during recycling/recharging?

The maximum drainage pressure will be the same pressure as your normal house pressure.

The gallons per minute (at 45 PSI) during the fastest regeneration cycle (which is the backwash cycle) is less than 4 gallons per minute for our largest unit.

My drain line will be located above the softener. Will your softener be able to drain sufficiently?

As long as the water pressure at the softener is no less than 40 PSI and the run of your softener drain line does not exceed 15 feet, your discharge line may be elevated up to 6 feet above the unit. The line can be elevated an additional 2 feet for each additional 10 PSI of water supply.

Must I get a permit to install this water softener?

It depends on your local plumbing codes and rules. Since we ship to so many different areas we cannot "keep up" with the latest local and state laws. We recommend that you contact your local code enforcement governmental bodies to be sure of the laws concerning water softeners in your area before purchasing any brand of water softener.

What purpose of the Multilevel Salt Support in the bottom of the brine tank, and what do other softeners usually have?

It not only allows the use of inexpensive types of salt, but also has a patent pending design that traps dirt and debris away form the brine draw area, greatly reducing maintenance.

This also prevents the salt from bridging and caking to the bottom of the tank. Your brine is being sucked from the bottom of the tank. Other softeners may not have one.

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