Old softener with gravel

[Leigh Dodd]

Hello - Water softener newbie here
I've been given an old water softener, I think it was connected to a well supply in the pass. and don't know how old it is, of how long its been standing.
The electronics appear to light up (Pentair International 5600SE) which appears to be the same as a Fleck 5600se (I've found a service manual for the Fleck which is good)
On reading loads of info on the net, I have one question about some gravel in the salt tank (see pic attached)
I've heard that the resin tank sometimes has small gravel as a filter in some systems, but this is in the salt tank and looks "odd"

Before I start trying it out to see if it works etc, does the gravel need to be in the salt tank ?
BTW. will be connecting to the town water supply and not a well water

Thanks

Leigh

 

[Bannerman]

I have not seen gravel in the brine tank before. Gravel is commonly installed within the resin tank as it provides benefits including expanded distribution of water flow across the entire tank diameter and therefore utilization of a greater volume of resin contained within the tank.

As your softener is independent of the brine tank but is simply sitting in the brine tank, the softener could be removed and placed beside the brine tank which would allow additional salt storage. The brine tube may be easily extended by replacing it with a longer length of tubing.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

I've heard that the resin tank sometimes has small gravel as a filter in some systems, but this is in the salt tank and looks "odd"

Before I start trying it out to see if it works etc, does the gravel need to be in the salt tank ?

I expect that the owner used salt that had sea shells and corals as impurities.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

yo

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

That looks like a real winner you got yourself there......
I would suggest you throw that old dog the door and get something
you know will work instead.....

you dont know the fun surprises that await you trying to resurrect an
abandoned water softener....... literally any brand on the market is a
better choice than fooling with that unit......

 

[Leigh Dodd]

Thanks for your reply's - will remove the gravel and add a bag of salt and do a few tests, just to see if it works or not
I've been thinking about getting a softener for a while but not sure if I or the wife will like the "slimy" affect of showering in soft water so this may give me a chance to find out if we're both OK, without paying out 700€ plus euro's for a new unit.
I'm an electrician with electronics / DIY skills so no problem with dismantling anything

Leigh

 

[Reach4]

I've been thinking about getting a softener for a while but not sure if I or the wife will like the "slimy" affect of showering in soft water so this may give me a chance to find out if we're both OK

Use less soap than you have been using.

 

[Bannerman]

not sure if I or the wife will like the "slimy" affect of showering in soft water

Hardness ions in the water combine with soaps and shampoos to form sticky curds which similar to bathtub ring, adhere to skin, hair and clothing fabrics. Soft water will actually rinse away soap deposits more thoroughly than hard water but as recommended in the previous post, less soap will be needed as it will perform more efficiently and effectively.

The 'slimy' effect you refer to when using soft water, is actually your bare skin and hair and the natural oils contained, without the interference of a layer of sticky soap residue.

As with any sudden change, it takes becoming accustomed to, but within a short time of continued use, it will become the 'new normal'. Once accustomed to soft water, you will likely feel less clean when using hard water for bathing.

 

[ditttohead]

Gravel is commonly used in larger industrial brine tanks, but not so much on residential. Be sure to use a coarse salt, not fine table salt.