Water Softener Settings

Introduction

• Presenter: Gary the Water Guy
• Topic: Correct settings for water softeners
• Audience: Homeowners and plumbers
• Purpose: Ensure efficient water softening, prevent waste of salt and water

Key Points

Importance of Correct Settings

• Efficiency: Modern water softeners are more efficient if programmed correctly
• Costs: Incorrect settings can lead to wasted salt and water
• Functionality: Incorrect settings may result in improper water softening

Understanding Water Hardness

• Municipal Water: Contact waterworks for hardness levels
  • If given in grains per gallon, use that number
  • If given in parts per million, divide by 17 to convert to grains per gallon
• Well Water: Use online resources or mail a sample for testing

Compensation for Iron and Manganese

• Iron: Multiply parts per million (ppm) by 4
• Manganese: Multiply ppm by 6
• Example Calculation: Hardness = 12 grains/gallon, Iron = 1.5 ppm, Manganese = 0.5 ppm
  • Iron Compensation: 1.5 ppm * 4 = 6
  • Manganese Compensation: 0.5 ppm * 6 = 3
  • Inefficiency Compensation: Add 2 grains per gallon
  • Total Compensated Hardness: 12 + 6 + 3 + 2 = 23 grains per gallon

Setting the Water Softener

• Model: Hume water softener
• Steps:
  • Press 'Next' and 'Up' simultaneously until screen changes
  • Set hardness using the 'Up' arrow to 23 grains per gallon
  • Press 'Next' several times to confirm

Additional Information

• Water Softener Maintenance: Regularly check and adjust settings
• Recommended Products: Hume water softeners (KLAK WS-1 valve)
• Resources:
  • Videos linked in the description for detailed explanations
• Contact: Questions or comments can be left for Gary the Water Guy

Conclusion

• Proper settings ensure efficient and effective water softening
• Regular maintenance and correct programming are crucial