Yahoo Message Number: 114869 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114869)
Hi Folks,
Over the years, the 100 gal fresh water tank has been subject to water with unknown minerals, organics, and who knows what. The hot water heater has suffered through the ordeal. I made a copper wand some years ago to flush the calcium scale off the bottom of the tank innards. White chunks came out.
I bought a tester (Tracer pocket tester for EC, salt and TDS by LaMotte). TDS (total dissolved solids), salt and conductivity are measured. TDS is the buildup culprit. The motorhome lives in central west California and is filled with very softened water (TDS less than 100ppm). The maximum contaminate level is 1000ppm and it comes in at 1200ppm, so the softener has its work cut out for it. The City is working on a fix for the high level. Other jurisdictions across the country may be more lenient or no laws at all.
Now the fun begins. All RV parks are suspect. How do you not expose your plumbing to hard water (the biggest component of TDS). Measure first then complain? But for sure not fill the fresh water tank with high TDS levels.
Fred Kovol
2000 Allure 30593
Yahoo Message Number: 114871 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114871)
I bought an On-the-Go water softener 12 years ago. So only soft water goes into my systems/tanks. Also makes washing the coach an easier job. Softer still going strong.
Lee Zaborowski
Yahoo Message Number: 114873 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114873)
Lee,
How often do you recharge it while out on the road?
Yahoo Message Number: 114874 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114874)
Depends on water hardness. Generally 300-400 gallons. You'll know when you try washing your hands and don't get much lather. Recharge is 1 lb of salt. I buy the Mortons box of Kosher salt and divide it into 1 lb. Zip lock bags. There's a bit of a technique to the recharge so let me know if you buy a unit.
Lee Zaborowski
Yahoo Message Number: 114875 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114875)
Lee,
I already have one. We have been out on the road for about 2 weeks now
And I guess I notice it more when in the shower than washing hands.
Have not tried that kosher salt, have used only the 1 lb canister of regular table
Salt. Do U do anything different than their instructions?
Thanks, Dave
Yahoo Message Number: 114876 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114876)
The key is, once you add the salt, slowly dribble water out until you taste saltiness. Stop the flow and let it sit at least 20 minutes. Then rinse at a modest flow until saltiness is gone. You're then good to go.
Lee
Yahoo Message Number: 114877 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114877)
Lee has it right. Let it set for 20 or 30 minutes after adding the salt.
pete
Yahoo Message Number: 114878 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114878)
Thanks Will probably try the rock salt next.
Yahoo Message Number: 114880 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114880)
Rock salt will not desolve into a brine very fast. The salt needs to be in a brine for the ionizing process where the resin gives up the lime and other minerals to the salt to get flushed out of the tank.
BVL
Yahoo Message Number: 114881 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/114881)
Correct, Kosher Salt seems to me to be just right. And there's the right amount left for the dinner table.
Lee Zaborowski