Author Topic: Whole-house water filter question  (Read 9638 times)

playtah

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Whole-house water filter question
« on: February 17, 2014, 02:28:48 PM »
Good afternoon!

I just recently bought a house (about 1000 sq ft). I'm the only one who lives there, and I use a normal/reasonable amount of water for one person. My water is well water and has a lot of iron, silt, and the typical sulfer smell. Right now I have a little filter for drinking water in the kitchen, but I'm looking into getting a whole-house filter so that I don't have the smell, silt, and staining on my appliances and laundry.

Can anyone recommend a system that would be mustachian and wouldn't require a licensed plumber to put in? I'm open to any suggestions.  Thank you so much!


Redfive20

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Re: Whole-house water filter question
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2014, 03:03:13 PM »
Congratulations! I am sorry that I don't have any good suggestions. I just want to say it is very important to make sure to have the correct filter system if drinking water contains high concentration of heavy metal.

One of our friends also use well water and knew the water problems too late until one of their son started to have unexplained health problems. Eventually after seeing dozens of doctors, it turned out to be heavy metal poison from their water. It didn't affect everyone in the same fashion somehow. The body type of husband and one of son had accumulated enormous amount of cobble which was very hard to remove from the body. It seriously affected the son's brain functions and husband's nerve system even after years of therapy. After decades of battling this problem, both husband and one of son continue having serious related health issues.

Greg

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Re: Whole-house water filter question
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2014, 05:49:11 PM »
Good news is that the hydrogen sulphide smell is harmless, caused by naturally occurring bacteria in the aquifer.  You can get a large filter at Home Depot and the like that you install in-lin where your water comes into the house, or even in your well house if you have one.  What you're filtering determines the kind of filter inside.  I have two of these and change the filters when they turn black.  I used to use the more expensive charcoal filters but noticed no difference when I changed to the cheaper white ones.

Something like this one, but I prefer the clear housing so I can see when it needs changing.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-1-in-High-Flow-Opaq-WH-System-GXWH35F/100471274

All that said it might require a bigger, fancier filter than this to fully filter for iron content.  We also get fine sand in our filter and this system keeps it from getting into our appliances and water heater.

If you can use a pipe wrench and/or cut copper pipe (depending on your plumbing), you can install this.  Beware the little red button, don't use it.

Nords

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Re: Whole-house water filter question
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2014, 10:41:38 PM »
Can anyone recommend a system that would be mustachian and wouldn't require a licensed plumber to put in? I'm open to any suggestions.  Thank you so much!
http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-40-000-Grain-Water-Softener-GXSH40V/203219780
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Morton-Salt-27-000-Grain-Water-Softener-System-F187060001G/204489818?N=5yc1vZc6sb

You're not required to hire a plumber to install it, but installation does require some plumbing skills.
http://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/water-softener-repair/how-to-plumb-a-water-softener/view-all

The water conditioner's ion-exchange resin will handle the minerals and the silt.  It'll handle some of the iron, although you may want to add "Iron Out" chelating powder to the regenerating salt.  Your water conditioner won't do much for acidic well water-- you may have to consider a lye additive system to neutralize the acidity.  Your neighbors (or a consult with a plumber) can help you decide whether that's necessary.

Samsam

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Re: Whole-house water filter question
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2014, 07:48:14 AM »
This thread is awesome!  I am looking into this now too.  I've talked with some companies but everything has just sounded so scammy.

Greg

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Re: Whole-house water filter question
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2014, 08:30:46 AM »
This thread is awesome!  I am looking into this now too.  I've talked with some companies but everything has just sounded so scammy.

Indeed, when I first experienced the hydrogen sulphide gas I was very worried, and called a company for a "free test".  A salesperson came out and talked about the situation and sort of convinced me it wasn't that bad.  I asked for the test results but was turned away.  He said our pressure tank had failed and that they could replace it, which was not true. 

Eventually it came out that he didn't want to provide the test results because I'm "one of those smart guys who will just look it up on the internet and do it" myself.  Nailed it.  Without a prospect of some sort of sale the "free test" sort evaporated, and it became clear it was simply a way in the door to sell their services and products.

Milspecstache

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Re: Whole-house water filter question
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2014, 08:34:44 AM »
Research water softeners well before purchasing.  They are not good for septic systems (if they flush into the drainage lines) and the sodium may be bad for anyone in the family that requires a low sodium diet.

I've had one in the past and am very happy the current house doesn't require one.

Samsam

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Re: Whole-house water filter question
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2014, 08:39:42 AM »
I had someone come out to my house and tell me how hard my water is along with how much chlorine, iron, and other sediment was in it.  Then when I wanted to talk about their filtration system she wouldn't give me any numbers, and was like..well it depends / talk to this sales person.  If you can't give me a number when I want to buy your product...I'm going to stop talking to you.  My biggest worry is the chlorine in the water, makes me feel like I'm drinking pool water. So every since I have moved into my house, I've been in a bit of analysis paralysis on buying a system.

playtah

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Re: Whole-house water filter question
« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2014, 03:18:26 PM »
Thank you so much for all your replies! This is great info!

 

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