If you have a public water source, contact your the water department for the total hardness of the water they supply to you. This information may be available online. If is shown in mg/l or ppm, divide that number by 17.1 which will convert this into GPG (grains per gallon or grains of hardness). Then use our sizing calculator from our home page to size a water softener.
If you have a private or community well, you must have your water tested for hardness, iron and pH before an equipment recommendation can be made.
It is important to know what type and level of iron that is present. A properly sized water softener will remove clear water iron. What is clear water iron? Click Here
If your water has sediments, color (other than clear) and odors, then you may need other equipment that a water softener cannot address. If your water has a color to it at all times, then a series of tests need to be done to determine what is causing that color. Do not collect the sample through any filter or water softener. For well water, let the water run 3 or 4 minutes before collecting the sample.
Hydrogen Sulfide (sulfur) must be tested right out the faucet. Taking a water sample to a lab or place of business will allow the sulfur to dissipate which will prevent an accurate test (see test kit below).
The pH of your water must be over 7.0 for a water softener or iron filter to effectively remove any iron in the water supply and this can be corrected with a Calcite pH system >> Calcite Filter Systems
Order any of the test kits below or mail us a water sample to AffordableWater.us at 3211 Dryden Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45439. Fill an empty plastic water bottle 1/4 full and we will test your hardness, iron, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) at no cost to you. Please include your phone number inside the package.
