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Testing Water Hardness

Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 114873
Lee,
How often do you recharge it while out on the road?

Dave & Jodi
2007 CC Allure 40’ Tag #31495
2012 Jeep GC
Big Bear Lake, Ca & Henderson, Nev

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Dave & Jodi
2007 CC Allure 40’ Tag #31495
2012 Jeep GC
Big Bear Lake, Ca & Henderson, Nev

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 114877
Lee has it right. Let it set for 20 or 30 minutes after adding the salt.

pete
Pete
 2000 40'  Magna #5892  CAT C-10

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 114878
Thanks Will probably try the rock salt next.

Dave & Jodi
2007 CC Allure 40’ Tag #31495
2012 Jeep GC
Big Bear Lake, Ca & Henderson, Nev

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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
 

Re: Testing Water Hardness

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 114881
Correct, Kosher Salt seems to me to be just right. And there's the right amount left for the dinner table.
Lee Zaborowski