Identification and operation of this setup

harivney said:

I'm a dummy homeowner and would appreciate some help identifying the setup in the picture at http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/9899/p1010016fr.jpg and answer some questions about future repair or replacement.

I believe that the tanks are 9x48 with autotrol 155s. Water source is a well in Florida. They are around 20 years old and still seem to work without any maint except I put a new timer and some valve plungers on one.

I think the tank next to salt container is for iron and based on what I have read probably has green sand in it because I add potassium permanganate (not as often as I should) to the small round tank between the two units.

A service tech told me I need new resin but the water is not hard to me. I will get it tested as I sensed the tech was a ripoff artist (more to this story)

- 2 people live in house. How often should iron unit regenerate? Should it run before or after salt regen?
Depending on the amount of iron and other impurities.
- Does the resin slowly degrade and ultimately just not soften the water at all. Or is it something that either works or doesn't work?
It may caues low flows as well. When it goes bad, it packs causing a restriction of water flow.
- Does green said wear out?
Yes.
- Do the tanks last forever?
No. The sun will take it's toll on the tanks over time.
- Assuming that at some point in time, I will have problems with the autotrols and 20+ years on the resin and greensand, would it make more sense to buy a new setup or just repair and re-bed as needed ?
Start new. Rebuilding sometimes cost as much as a new unit. Besides, a metered softener is better than a timered one.
- Are all bypass valves standard dimensions - meaning will existing plumbing attach to bypass valves regardless of mfg (autrol, fleck, etc)
No. You would need to replace the bypass if you select a different mfg.
- Is there a one-tank solution for both iron and softening or are two tanks necessary with iron in well water?
thanks in advance for any help.That depends on what is in the water. A little iron and hardness can be removed with just a softener whereas if you have sulfur than 2 units are needed.

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