Next update - new water softener. Any input on the value of adding a reverse osmosis system?

[Siwsan]

I have a well, and out of the utmost of caution I've always either used a Brita filter or guy purified water, for drinking.

I know the water softener will be expensive, because of the well, so I'm wondering if the extra expense for the osmosis system would be of value.

And, this is the LAST of the 'machinery' replacement, in this house. (Furnace/AC, water heater, well pump, well tank.)

[apcalc]

1. I added a reverse osmosis system last year.

This was based on readings from EWG, and their database on my local water system. This involves filters, some of which need changed yearly, so there is maintenance.
We also stopped drinking water from plastic bottles, from an environmental and personal health point of view.

[Siwsan]

2. Normally, I can refill my 3 gallon dispenser jug at Kroger

They closed the station down, for a while, but I guess it's available, again. But, in the interim I was having to buy gallon jugs of purified water and refilling the 3 gallon jug with those. I HATED to have to do that but also wasn't comfortable drinking from the tap, or that the Brita was doing a sufficient job. Now I'm thinking of ways to repurpose some of those jugs - probably something storage related. Also plan to drill holes in some of the lids and turn the jugs into watering 'cans' for the plants.

[mitch96]

3. Can you get your water tested? Then look for the least expensive system that takes out the bad stuff

I would assume a R.O. system that is just for drinking water would not be too bad. I use a home made Berkey system. Two stainless soup pots, one inside the other, two holes, two Berkey filters and a spigot. Too simple. The filters last me about one year and I clean them off every three months. Oh the water tastes great too! YMMV
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[Siwsan]

6. My plumber had me drop off water samples from an inside tap, and an outside tap

I have no idea how old this water softener is, but the test results showed, at this point, it is pretty useless. The old furnace and well pump and tank were about 32 years old! I think the water heater wasn't much newer.

I've used this plumbing place for my new furnace/ac and water heater, and it came recommended by my cousin, who used them for EVERY plumbing need and highly recommended them, so I'm confident they will give me the best price, possible.

All of my replacement/upgrade decisions have been based on what will make this house easier to sell, for a good price, either by me or my estate. A well is a big selling point for some, and not so much for others, so I'm leaning towards the reverse osmosis unit as a 'mitigating selling point', if it isn't ridiculously expensive.

Next is painting and then pulling out the carpets and getting the oak flooring up to snuff. It's been covered by carpet since it was installed, and from the little we've seen by pulling back carpet, it is in pristine condition.

Who knows, I might get this Brady Bunch style era house upgraded and so beautiful (shag carpeting in the den and bedrooms) I'll spend the end of my days here.

[Backseat Driver]

4. Yes - as long as you are improving water quality in the home

get an under counter RO system for the kitchen.

This article discusses the benefits of having both: http://blog.watertech.com/is-reverse-osmosis-needed-if-have-a-water-softener/
Of course, it's sales material, but...well you can decide to do it now or do it later...I don't think you'll regret having contaminant free water for drinking and cooking just as you'll have peace of mind in protecting the pipes, bath feel, and reduced laundry soaps that cling to fabrics. I hate when my drinking water Pur filter indicates replacement--they never last long enough.

EDIT: Oops - double posted link

[Siwsan]

10. Thanks!

[Chainfire]

5. I have removed more reverse osmosis systems

than installed them. The owners complained of the cost to maintain and the lack of the practical value. What is your complaint about your water? Your treatment system has to be based on your water. One size doesn't fit all.

I have a complete water treatment system sitting in my barn that I removed from a customer's house. I had considered installing it on my well and decided that it was not worth the effort or maintenance cost. Admittedly, my water quality, from the ground, is pretty good, I get a little extra iron and calcium, but the water has no sediment, color, taste or odor.

The only way I would want a treatment system would be with a service contract with one of the big companies. If you can justify the expense, go for it.

[Siwsan]

8. I have a well, and the water is HARD.

Lots of problems with rust and buildup.

I gave the plumbers water samples and they've been tested, so they are basing what I need on those samples. And, it's a very reliable company, recommended by a family member who used them for years, with no complaints.

[northoftheborder]

7. Our water straight from the faucet was very, very hard....

...so full of minerals that dishwashers, water heaters, shower heads would have to be replaced often. Also, it tasted terrible. So, when I built a new house, I had separate lines for outdoor faucets installed; then all inside water was softened; then, my kitchen faucet and frig. water and ice dispenser went through an osmosis filter. This was easy to do with a new house, I don't know how easy - maybe impossible with an existing home.

A friend put in a water softener, but not knowing that his outside and inside faucets were on the same line, the softened water has some salt in it, which overtime will kill plants. So, I do not use my softened water inside my house for houseplants. Also, I have to use fertilizer all of the time, because the softener and osmosis removes most of the minerals in the water. Whatever is making my water have a bad taste is still there even after softening, but the osmosis water is really good.

[Siwsan]

9. Great information - Thanks!

It is my understanding that the outside water bypasses the water softener. I've never had any issues using it on my gardens.

It would be nice to forego having to take that big water jug to the store for refills. Even nicer to not have to heft it from the car, to the kitchen, and then over to the dispenser crock! Of course, maybe that helped keep me in shape for lugging the 40 lb bags of salt down to the basement, and hefting THEM into the water softener barrel.

I guess, for an old dame, I'm still pretty sturdy, though.

[58Sunliner]

11. I looked at putting one in and decided to go with a Berkeley.

The cost for us, the lack of minerals in the water and the waste water were all factors. The Berkeley is the most economical in terms of filter life and filter replacement costs.