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This Instructable will cover how to refurbish your old water softener to run like new for the fraction of the cost of replacing it with a new one.
History
My water softener quit softening quite sometime ago and I just never had the extra money ($600+) to go out and spend on a decent one. I had a feeling there had to be a way to fix this thing without having to buy a new one. Finally after conducting throurough research. I came across a few websites that talked about how the resin beads wear out after years of use. This peaked my interest so I called one of the overpriced water softener salesman and got the low down. Sure enough it was confirmed, the resin goes bad after a certain amount of time and usage. I have a generic G.E. softener and it is typical of this brand.
I knew I needed to conduct more research. After a while I finally found a couple of places that sold just the resin beads. Not only that but it was a very reasonable price, compared to buying a new system. qualitywaterforless.com The stuff I bought was only $95 for a cubic foot and they had free shipping. They were supposed to provide instructions and a funnel tool, but somehow I didn't get them.
Only one place gave the actual instructions on their website Ohio Pure Water
of how to replace the resin . The instructions were not for my model but worked out well enough that I got through the process and it seems to be universal.
It is actually very easy to do, so easy in fact I will show you how to do it in this Instructable.
History
My water softener quit softening quite sometime ago and I just never had the extra money ($600+) to go out and spend on a decent one. I had a feeling there had to be a way to fix this thing without having to buy a new one. Finally after conducting throurough research. I came across a few websites that talked about how the resin beads wear out after years of use. This peaked my interest so I called one of the overpriced water softener salesman and got the low down. Sure enough it was confirmed, the resin goes bad after a certain amount of time and usage. I have a generic G.E. softener and it is typical of this brand.
I knew I needed to conduct more research. After a while I finally found a couple of places that sold just the resin beads. Not only that but it was a very reasonable price, compared to buying a new system. qualitywaterforless.com The stuff I bought was only $95 for a cubic foot and they had free shipping. They were supposed to provide instructions and a funnel tool, but somehow I didn't get them.
Only one place gave the actual instructions on their website Ohio Pure Water
of how to replace the resin . The instructions were not for my model but worked out well enough that I got through the process and it seems to be universal.
It is actually very easy to do, so easy in fact I will show you how to do it in this Instructable.
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Signing UpStep 1Supplies, Tools, Safety
Safety
Beaware of heavy lifting and resin beads getting into your eyes
1. I guess you could wear goggles
2. I suppose you could wear a back brace
3. Don't choke when getting a drink from your water hose.
4. Be aware that water and electricty don't mix well
Supplies
1 A Cubic foot bag of Resin beads, or what ever size your tank is. Look in your manual in the parts section and it should tell you what size the resin tank is.
2. Some 90% waterproof silicone grease Ace Hardware For rubber and synthetic "O" rings
That's it for supplies!
Tools
1. A Common screwdriver (flat)
2. A Water hose connected to a spigot outside
That's all for tools!
Beaware of heavy lifting and resin beads getting into your eyes
1. I guess you could wear goggles
2. I suppose you could wear a back brace
3. Don't choke when getting a drink from your water hose.
4. Be aware that water and electricty don't mix well
Supplies
1 A Cubic foot bag of Resin beads, or what ever size your tank is. Look in your manual in the parts section and it should tell you what size the resin tank is.
2. Some 90% waterproof silicone grease Ace Hardware For rubber and synthetic "O" rings
That's it for supplies!
Tools
1. A Common screwdriver (flat)
2. A Water hose connected to a spigot outside
That's all for tools!
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tank sizes.
9 x 48 = 1 cubic foot
10 x 54 = 1.5 cubic foot
12 x 48 = 2
13 x 54 = 2.5
...So now you know how much to order!
I am confused as to what I have There are 2 tanks in series. One is obviously
calcium and Magnesium, but what it the other? Could it be for sulfur? Something
has stopped working as the sulfides have gotten really bad. It can't be for
the Tannins as the water has always been pretty brown. The price we pay
for nice weather in florida is horrible well water.
As I am weighing the costs, does anyone know the average cost to refurbish one like mine if I had a company come to my home and do it?
Thank you. - Brian
Thnks very much for the information.