We are having a problem. We have hard water and we get a build up of rust. To fix the problem when the build up is getting bad I take of the water savers off, blast the faucets and flush the toilets and try to clear as much rust out of the pipes as possible.
We've been in this house just over a year and every few months I notice the water gets a little rusty so I blast as much water through the pipes to clean them.
Any thing else I can do?
COMMUNITY FORUM
It really depends on what's causing the problem. If the rust is actually coming in from the source, then you can install an iron filtration system.
If the problem exists because there is a black iron fitting somewhere in the piping, you will have to remove the offending nipple. Black iron is not coated with galvanized to prevent rust.
If the problem is because your annode rod in your water heater has failed, then you will have to have that replaced. With iron heavy water, annode rods fail faster than in other waters.
Raymond VinZant Plumbing Prof.
If the problem exists because there is a black iron fitting somewhere in the piping, you will have to remove the offending nipple. Black iron is not coated with galvanized to prevent rust.
If the problem is because your annode rod in your water heater has failed, then you will have to have that replaced. With iron heavy water, annode rods fail faster than in other waters.
Raymond VinZant Plumbing Prof.
In the vast majority of cases like yours, the rust is from iron in your water. Since your water is hard, a softener is the best choice for removing the iron and the hardness.
You need a water analysis and if you find iron and hardness, then to learn how to correctly size a softener. You can do a google search for "softener sizing chart" with the "" and find those that mention the SFR (service flow rating).
Since most problems with a softener are control valve related, buying a softener with a high quality control valve is critical for long service free operation. I suggest that the best controls are the Clack WS-1 and the Fleck 7000SE. They have one moving part in the water stream and are very easy to repair, even by a DIYer. The 7000SE does not need any special tools as other Fleck controls do. The Clack WS-1 is easier to repair than the 7000SE.
Both have variable reserve, soft water brine refill and the 7000SE has variable brining. Both have a 5 year warranty. You can find web sites that sell softeners using them by searching for the name inside "". Buying over the internet will save you from hundreds to a thousand dollars plus when compared to the prices from local dealers and you'll have better quality in many instances.
Anyone with the desire to install a softener can do it for less than $35 for materials and if they don't have soldering tools, ********** etc. sell a soldering kit for like $50.
Gary
Quality Water Associates
You need a water analysis and if you find iron and hardness, then to learn how to correctly size a softener. You can do a google search for "softener sizing chart" with the "" and find those that mention the SFR (service flow rating).
Since most problems with a softener are control valve related, buying a softener with a high quality control valve is critical for long service free operation. I suggest that the best controls are the Clack WS-1 and the Fleck 7000SE. They have one moving part in the water stream and are very easy to repair, even by a DIYer. The 7000SE does not need any special tools as other Fleck controls do. The Clack WS-1 is easier to repair than the 7000SE.
Both have variable reserve, soft water brine refill and the 7000SE has variable brining. Both have a 5 year warranty. You can find web sites that sell softeners using them by searching for the name inside "". Buying over the internet will save you from hundreds to a thousand dollars plus when compared to the prices from local dealers and you'll have better quality in many instances.
Anyone with the desire to install a softener can do it for less than $35 for materials and if they don't have soldering tools, ********** etc. sell a soldering kit for like $50.
Gary
Quality Water Associates
