I love Gary the Water Guy!!! I always watch the videos when I am searching for what to do with my parents water softener + iron filter system. They have had issues lately with the well and so much iron is coming through. It has been like that for just over 2 weeks... the iron comes and goes. I believe there is some sort of clog in the iron filter as I was able to clean and unclog the water softener but the iron filter line still looks really red...
The end comment is greatly appreciated as I am looking to get a new water heater. I was trying to figure out if I wanted a tankless heater or not. That helps with my decision as I have 12-18 hardness.
Hello Gary. Great content. I just purchased a house with a private well. We had the well disassembled and put back together because of how dirty the water was. The water is much better now, but there’s some minor discoloration. You mention testing for tannins in the water. What are tannins and would action need to be taken if tannins are present?
I installed a Rheem Softener a few weeks ago and decided to test the water.. I did the jar/castile soap test and it did exactly what happened in the video. (I have a spout outside that isn't softened water.) So I wanted to see more precisely what the water hardness was to set my softener at, and they tests came out almost identical.. the both were about the same color that matched 0-100ppm.. It was a H2O OK test kit. So I guess I'm just gonna use the default setting of 25 gpg for my softener.
@@water_estoreThanks Gary.. Your videos have been instrumental in helping me figure out the problems we were having in our home.. Our house is only 5 years old. I've had to replace the pump on our dishwasher TWICE. Also there were broken pieces like wheels, racks, etc that broke that I had to replace.. Then is started leaking in the front. We have water stains around the bathroom sinks. I'd love to get it tested in a lab, but have no idea where to go.
Hi Gary, if I already have a softener installed but want to test the water without it do I just test the water from hose outside to find out my actual water hardness before softener?
If the hose outside is bypassed (not softened), then yes. But if not, you would need to bypass your water softener, let the water run for about 10 minutes and then take the sample to be tested. ua-cam.com/video/IFULdZBlVUU/v-deo.html
It depends, the cold water tells you what the hardness is right now, the hot water tells you the average (if you have a tank type) so may show you if your water softener is running out of capacity early.
So Gary we just had a company install a house water softner in our house. It is set to the correct hardness setting, and it has gone through a complete regeneration. The water test soft but we do not get that slippery feel from the water. Not sure what to think about that any help would be appreciated.
Good question. If the water tests soft, the water softener is doing it's job. The slippery feel it usually due to water softeners being set incorrectly and is not a desirable feature for most family's.
@@water_estore Hi Gary, so thanks for the video. But could you expand on that thought a little? I have always wanted that slippery feel and would like to know why, exactly, is that not desirable and what setting would be set incorrectly to have that happen?
@@stevenmontgomery9424 Some people find it undesirable as they describe the feeling as slimy. They also mention that the shower floor becomes slippery. I have never experienced this myself.
@@water_estore Hi, Gary. We have tested our water. It is between 25 and 58. Very hard. We programmed our softener at 50, but we think the water has become too soft. How do we know the right number to be programmed on our new self installed Whirpool WHES40 water softener?
My boyfriend installed a water softener because the hard water damaged my scalp a few months ago, and now I have dandruff because of it. We had a guy come out and test the water and said the hardness was at a 3 which is confusing because at my place I’ve never had a reaction to my water. What should the water softener filtration system be set to? 🥺 also, I called mine and his city water and they said the water comes from the same source. However, I’m having a reaction to his water. Please help…. I’ve been depressed because of it
Yes, but I can't remember much more than it had a high mineral content of sodium. Mind you water test results can vary widely from area to area even property to property. I have two customers who are side by side on well water and the difference in their water is extreme.
Yes, you have very hard water. I suggest you consider getting a water softener like one of these waterestore.com/collections/water-softener-1?pf_pt_product_type=System
This all gets a little confusing for me since Im having to convert from the French system which states that 15 = 150 ppm and you just said 15 = 250, Im assuming its not the same system. This is all to avoid scaling or oxidizing on the tank of my new Italian espresso machine, their recommended hardness is 15F.
Sorry, I don't know anything about the French system of rating water hardness. But For most optimal results, the Specialty Coffee Association of America recommend hardness above 35ppm and below 85ppm I hope that helps
Water softeners soften water through ion exchange. So for every calcium or magnesium ion that's removed from your water it is replaced with a sodium ion. The exchange is never 100% efficient so the TDS is higher after softening than before, usually about 20%. If yours is higher than 20% make sure the settings in your water softener are correct, it is likely incorrectly programmed for water hardness.
I have hard water in supply coz taps,sinks,tiles got lotta lime depositions and also I have done the test no1 but it turned out exactly like the soft water jar.... So that test is not reliable 🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️
Authentic castile soap is made of plant oils...key word OIL..No wonder your water turned milky and no suds...I would use a test strip before buying a water softener system you might not need..
Check out three different ways to know if your water is hard or soft!
Hello Gary I can I find out how much iron and hardness my water is .I would love to get tested by you guy's thanks
Fantastic hands on water testing DIY information. Love it. I'll mail you guys a water sample.
I love Gary the Water Guy!!! I always watch the videos when I am searching for what to do with my parents water softener + iron filter system. They have had issues lately with the well and so much iron is coming through. It has been like that for just over 2 weeks... the iron comes and goes. I believe there is some sort of clog in the iron filter as I was able to clean and unclog the water softener but the iron filter line still looks really red...
It could be, did you try cleaning out the iron filter using the method from this video ua-cam.com/video/JWldz8W3xyg/v-deo.html
do you have water testing done in USA rather than ship water to Canada ?
We do not but you could have it tested locally at a water filtration company or a lab
Does a water softener replace need for filter?
Good question. No it does not. The filter removes particles, the softener softens the water.
The end comment is greatly appreciated as I am looking to get a new water heater. I was trying to figure out if I wanted a tankless heater or not. That helps with my decision as I have 12-18 hardness.
Yes, you definitely will need a water softener.
Hello Gary. Great content. I just purchased a house with a private well. We had the well disassembled and put back together because of how dirty the water was. The water is much better now, but there’s some minor discoloration. You mention testing for tannins in the water. What are tannins and would action need to be taken if tannins are present?
this video will help ua-cam.com/video/7he5dEdj_Dw/v-deo.html
Question..I did a hardness test and it came out to 3 gpg or 50 ppm
What should the number be on my water softener tank for hardness?
5 unless there is iron or manganese
@Gary the Water Guy thanks but if I have it to low, I get that white calcium on the fossets
I installed a Rheem Softener a few weeks ago and decided to test the water.. I did the jar/castile soap test and it did exactly what happened in the video. (I have a spout outside that isn't softened water.) So I wanted to see more precisely what the water hardness was to set my softener at, and they tests came out almost identical.. the both were about the same color that matched 0-100ppm.. It was a H2O OK test kit. So I guess I'm just gonna use the default setting of 25 gpg for my softener.
Thanks for sharing! I would be very interested if you had the water tested at a lab before and after the Rheem for exact gpg.
@@water_estoreThanks Gary.. Your videos have been instrumental in helping me figure out the problems we were having in our home.. Our house is only 5 years old. I've had to replace the pump on our dishwasher TWICE. Also there were broken pieces like wheels, racks, etc that broke that I had to replace.. Then is started leaking in the front. We have water stains around the bathroom sinks. I'd love to get it tested in a lab, but have no idea where to go.
Thanks for all the great info you are providing. Is it okay to send you a sample of my water in a plastic vial or should I purchase a glass one?
Yes, absolutely. A strong plastic bottle is best.
Hi I test my water and have 3gpg hardness water, my softener have 7gpg, it necessary change a parameters?
The settings might be higher due to iron or manganese content. If all is working well I would leave it alone.
I live in Northeast Indiana would you be able to test my water? If so how can I go about getting this done?
The page at this link explains the process waterestore.com/pages/free-water-test-evaluation-the-water-estore
Hi Gary, if I already have a softener installed but want to test the water without it do I just test the water from hose outside to find out my actual water hardness before softener?
If the hose outside is bypassed (not softened), then yes. But if not, you would need to bypass your water softener, let the water run for about 10 minutes and then take the sample to be tested. ua-cam.com/video/IFULdZBlVUU/v-deo.html
0:55 hi from wherr u got these
Right here waterestore.com/products/hum-water-hardness-test
So glad I found you!
I am too, thanks for watching! Please share video with friends and family!
My water is 425 ppm what setting do I put my softener at?
425 ppm/17= 25 gpg. That's what you would use.
Thank you!
Hi Gary, when I use the test strip do I use the cold water or hot water to test it.
It depends, the cold water tells you what the hardness is right now, the hot water tells you the average (if you have a tank type) so may show you if your water softener is running out of capacity early.
wow what camera are u using?
You like? Sony a6400 with Sigma 18mm 1.4
Garry, what is the best way to test ONLY iron in the water?
Great question! You would need a specific iron test kit.
So Gary we just had a company install a house water softner in our house. It is set to the correct hardness setting, and it has gone through a complete regeneration. The water test soft but we do not get that slippery feel from the water. Not sure what to think about that any help would be appreciated.
Good question. If the water tests soft, the water softener is doing it's job. The slippery feel it usually due to water softeners being set incorrectly and is not a desirable feature for most family's.
@@water_estore Hi Gary, so thanks for the video. But could you expand on that thought a little? I have always wanted that slippery feel and would like to know why, exactly, is that not desirable and what setting would be set incorrectly to have that happen?
@@stevenmontgomery9424 Some people find it undesirable as they describe the feeling as slimy. They also mention that the shower floor becomes slippery. I have never experienced this myself.
@@water_estore Hi, Gary. We have tested our water. It is between 25 and 58. Very hard. We programmed our softener at 50, but we think the water has become too soft. How do we know the right number to be programmed on our new self installed Whirpool WHES40 water softener?
Does vegetable glycerin soap work? I don't have castile soap.
I don't think it does.
My boyfriend installed a water softener because the hard water damaged my scalp a few months ago, and now I have dandruff because of it. We had a guy come out and test the water and said the hardness was at a 3 which is confusing because at my place I’ve never had a reaction to my water. What should the water softener filtration system be set to? 🥺 also, I called mine and his city water and they said the water comes from the same source. However, I’m having a reaction to his water. Please help…. I’ve been depressed because of it
This video will help you. ua-cam.com/video/XMY69hdhX44/v-deo.htmlsi=w2fbivr28jLKOqGu
can i use dishwasher?
I don’t think dishwasher soap will work.
ok thanks
Have you tested water in the Ottawa, Ontario region? How'd you find it?
Yes, but I can't remember much more than it had a high mineral content of sodium. Mind you water test results can vary widely from area to area even property to property. I have two customers who are side by side on well water and the difference in their water is extreme.
Hi, my water tested 250 ppm total harness is that bad?
Yes, you have very hard water. I suggest you consider getting a water softener like one of these waterestore.com/collections/water-softener-1?pf_pt_product_type=System
This all gets a little confusing for me since Im having to convert from the French system which states that 15 = 150 ppm and you just said 15 = 250, Im assuming its not the same system. This is all to avoid scaling or oxidizing on the tank of my new Italian espresso machine, their recommended hardness is 15F.
Sorry, I don't know anything about the French system of rating water hardness. But For most optimal results, the Specialty Coffee Association of America recommend hardness above 35ppm and below 85ppm I hope that helps
What is the price for testing water sent to you?
We test it for free.
The water that goes through my softener is TDS 365 and my well water is TDS 225. Why is that?
Water softeners soften water through ion exchange. So for every calcium or magnesium ion that's removed from your water it is replaced with a sodium ion. The exchange is never 100% efficient so the TDS is higher after softening than before, usually about 20%. If yours is higher than 20% make sure the settings in your water softener are correct, it is likely incorrectly programmed for water hardness.
I have hard water in supply coz taps,sinks,tiles got lotta lime depositions and also I have done the test no1 but it turned out exactly like the soft water jar.... So that test is not reliable 🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️
….. or the water softener isn’t working
why did I find my hot water is hard and cold is soft???
The cold may be an untreated water line or you may have run out of capacity early from the water softener.
Authentic castile soap is made of plant oils...key word OIL..No wonder your water turned milky and no suds...I would use a test strip before buying a water softener system you might not need..
Yes, I would also not base my water softener investment decision on the soap test. A proper water analysis is the best.