I read somewhere, but can't remember on which forum, that water softeners can harm the plumbing system in some manner. Then someone remarked that they just added Calgon to the water. I'm trying to find that post again because I would really like a water softener but not if it is going to mess up any of the systems. Would you just add Calgon to the fresh water tank? If so, how would you add it and is there a taste or odor to it?
I had asked the RV service people in PA to install a water purifier and to let me know about the cost of a water softener. When I picked the RV up I found they had only given me an estimate for the water purifier, not actually installed one. I'm using a Brita filter for the water I drink and use in my coffee maker, but I'd like to treat the entire system if possible.
gypsy
Ann and Steve said
05:26 PM Dec 18, 2008
A water softener is nothing more than a tank of processed salt that holds impurities (mostly minerals) in suspension, forming a brine at the bottom of the softener tank that has to be flushed periodically. The water that comes out will have a slightly higher salt content than regular water but the missing minerals is what you want. I can't imagine this being harmful to either copper or PVC piping in an RV. In fact, just the opposite as it will eliminate buildup of deposits in your water heater and metal plumbing (mostly faucets and valves). I plan (once I get promoted past the gonnabee state) to install a water softener in my 5er. Keep in mind that you put the softener between the water source and the unit's plumbing, including the water heater. Also, don't dump the brine on the ground as it is caustic and could harm plant and animal life. But down the drain won't be a problem as public waste water treatment systems can easily dilute the salts.
no hurry said
06:37 PM Dec 18, 2008
Ann and Steve are right. We have an On the Go water softener that we have been using for a couple months. It works great. It's very simple to use. We add a box of salt, Mortons or any house brand, once a week. We're talking 39 cents. That's pretty cheap. It's easy to set up and does need to be back flushed once a month. It's very little effort for very good water. You won't be sorry. Enjoy, Dave
gypsy97 said
06:48 PM Dec 18, 2008
I'll look into the On the Go, which I guess I can find at a RV/camping supplies store. So it uses regular table salt? The house water softener I had years ago took Morton's pellets. Table salt would be much easier to find and to handle. Thanks.
gypsy
no hurry said
07:40 PM Dec 18, 2008
gypsy97 wrote:
I'll look into the On the Go, which I guess I can find at a RV/camping supplies store. So it uses regular table salt? The house water softener I had years ago took Morton's pellets. Table salt would be much easier to find and to handle. Thanks.
gypsy
Yes, this thing uses regular table salt, with the little metal pour spout. We purchased ours at K&K RV in Hollywood Fla. We did have to order it out of their catalogue. Any RV supplier will carry it or order it for you. We got ours 2 days later. I believe it's also available on line thru Tweedy.com or Camping World. Dave
-- Edited by no hurry at 19:42, 2008-12-18
thebearII said
09:48 AM Dec 19, 2008
We stayed at an Outdoor Resorts RV park recently. I noticed a sign on the drive into the resort that stated "Do Not Use Salt in Water Softners".
Don't know the reason behind it, but suspect the park has a septic system and the salts would build up to cause environmental damage underground.
Workinrvers said
10:51 AM Dec 19, 2008
I just purchased the "on the go" system at the Camping World here in Indianapolis. They were on sale until 12/28 for $248 for club members. I felt like this was a good deal since most of the dealers around here wanted $300+ for them.
Phil
Luvglass said
11:14 AM Dec 19, 2008
gypsy97 wrote:
I read somewhere, but can't remember on which forum, that water softeners can harm the plumbing system in some manner. Then someone remarked that they just added Calgon to the water. I'm trying to find that post again because I would really like a water softener but not if it is going to mess up any of the systems. Would you just add Calgon to the fresh water tank? If so, how would you add it and is there a taste or odor to it?
I had asked the RV service people in PA to install a water purifier and to let me know about the cost of a water softener. When I picked the RV up I found they had only given me an estimate for the water purifier, not actually installed one. I'm using a Brita filter for the water I drink and use in my coffee maker, but I'd like to treat the entire system if possible.
gypsy
Hi Gypsy,
Wondering why you think you need a water softener? We've been in almost 200 campgrouinds in the last 3 years in about 40 states and can count on one hand the number of times we've thought the water was too hard.
We do use a filter for the drinking water, but have never considered getting a water softener for the rig.
Good luck, Fred
gypsy97 said
06:31 PM Dec 20, 2008
Luvglass wrote:
Hi Gypsy,
Wondering why you think you need a water softener? We've been in almost 200 campgrouinds in the last 3 years in about 40 states and can count on one hand the number of times we've thought the water was too hard.
We do use a filter for the drinking water, but have never considered getting a water softener for the rig.
Good luck, Fred
It's pure vanity, Fred. I just spent 6 wks at my son & d-i-l's house and they have a whole house water softener. My hair was so shiny when I left there from washing it in the soft water and now it's not so shiny anymore.
gypsy
NorCal Dan said
01:07 PM Jan 10, 2009
I use the Mark8000 and have found it works good. The only time it didn't help was when we were in Bullhead City AZ. The water there was extremely hard and the Mark8000 just couldn't overcome the severity of the hardness.
It hooks in between your white hose and the water faucet. It must remain upright when in use but can be stored on it's side for travel. I recommend not letting it sit in direct sunlight when in warm climate. Just some things they don't mention on their site.
Uses normal table salt to regenrate. I did have to buy some iron-out after Bullhead City to get the iron out of the resin and restore the water softener.
I bought the Mark8000 because we installed a washer/dryer in the coach and I wanted soft water to help clean the clothes with less soap. I also read that sof****er will aid in cleaning out the holding tanks. I think it might help some, but I am still fighting with the tank sensors so I can't decide if it helped or not.
I would be glad to answer any questions if I can help...
JoelandLouise said
09:32 PM Jan 15, 2009
About 2 months ago we installed a R/O system onto our motor home. We use it for all of our needs. It did take a little time for the 100 gallon water tank to fill, but once it was full it has been a wonderful addition to have. We never have to worry about the hardness, taste, or what-ever again and it cost us less than $200 complete.
NorCal Dan said
10:42 PM Jan 15, 2009
I've been thinking of a R/O system. Do you have a link to the one you installed Joel? Does it fill your fresh water tank and you use the water from there all the time instead of from the park water spigot?
Travelin Duo said
07:07 AM Jan 17, 2009
We want to get a water softener also, but could you tell me what the R/O you speak of is Dan, Joel & Louise? Thanks.
We were thinking of the one at Camping World.....the On The Go BUT just wondered if the R/O is better?
We have a entire coach water filter plus one seperate on the kitchen faucet just for drinking ...they came on the coach.....
and use a Brita for coffee and tea.
Water softener will be nice as the water down here in the Keys...is very hard. Woukd like soft hair back....I'm with you Gypsy.
Arlene
NorCal Dan said
11:09 AM Jan 17, 2009
In my earlier post I listed the water conditioner we use. For the most part it works good. However, we found that the water in Bullhead City was so hard the conditioner couldn't soften it enough to make a difference. I have heard that the reverse osmosis (R/O) systems work better and wanted to try it myself. Most of the systems I have read about treat the water and store it in the fresh water tank and you use your onboard water pump full-time. I am still researching these type systems to see if one would work for us. I am curious to hear back fron Joel as well to see what they are using...
JoelandLouise said
08:58 PM Jan 17, 2009
We do use our R/O system for all of our water needs. I've installed the system in our utility area in the basement of our motor home. It has really been good to have. We've seen the difference in things like water stains in the shower and kitchen sink....GONE. We purchased our system at RV Connection in Yuma for less than $200. 928/341-9015.
Travelin Duo said
09:29 PM Jan 17, 2009
Thanks for the information. Looks like we may just go with the On The Go for now. Appreciate the feed back
NorCal Dan said
03:35 PM Jan 20, 2009
I've been in contact with Interstate Water Systems out of Yuma. As I suspected, these R/O systems filter water. They require a good amount of pressure, and as mentioned, it takes some time to process the water. The processed water is then stored in your fresh water tank. You would need to use your onboard water pump for all water used in your coach.
I asked if there is "waste" produced during the R/O process and have not received a response yet. I have heard that some RV parks do not allow use of R/O systems because of waste produced. I don't know what the ratio is exactly, but the point is that to fill a 100 gallon freshwater tank will take more than 100 gallons of actual water. I assume the waste is sent to either the gray holding tank or direct to the sewer connection.
So I will be looking at upgrading my onboard water pump to a better unit that will supply good water pressure without the pulsating...will most likely need a accumulator tank added to the pump. Then I will think about adding an R/O system.
add: I have received a response back from Interstate Water Systems. They told me that for 4 gallons of water processed by the R/O system you will get 1 gallon of filtered water. That explains why RV Parks do not like them. I was shocked at the amount of waste involved with these types of systems and will not be adding an R/O system to our coach.
-- Edited by NorCal Dan at 22:43, 2009-01-21
NorCal Dan said
09:54 PM Jan 22, 2009
I forgot to mention that Interstate recommended using a water conditioner, and to put it inline before any R/O type system. They said it would help prolong the life of the expensive membranes in the R/O filter system.
gypsy97 said
10:00 PM Jan 22, 2009
thanks very much for the info on the R/O system. I agree - it is a waste of water to use this system.
gypsy
gomez said
04:21 AM Jan 28, 2009
Adding water softener would not harm the pure water or the water tank.You can add it to your tank but have to maintain some precautions. -------------------- gomez
After following this thread with more than a passing interest, I feel for most the varying degrees of softness of water is very hard to perceive. Over the years, I can recall twice that it was noticeable that something was different.
Most likely, the post that says it best came from Fred Wishnie (Luvglass) "that in over 200 CGs, in about 40 states" they have not discerned the water noticeably hard less than five times.
OK, admittedly, Fred and I are guys. However, Ethel, who is pretty darn persnickity about her locks, has not commented once in our travels about hard water. Would be curious from Jo's corner as to her agreement with Fred's post.
Now when it comes to odors of any sort, Ethel will voice an opinion immediately, if not befoe. This is always before my receptors even talk to each other, much less to my brain. But, I have always said she smells really good.
Charles
gypsy97 said
10:07 AM Jan 28, 2009
I don't know if you would realize how hard the water is unless you had recently used soft water for a while. It is wonderful for washing dishes & glassware, the laundry, and bathing, especially for washing hair. Everything looks and feels cleaner, there are no water spots left in the shower or sink, and clothes are so soft you don't need fabric softener. I had a water softener for about 12 yrs back in the 70's and it was really hard to say goodbye to it when I moved. Now that I used one for 6 wks when I stayed with my son in NY, I remembered how great it is, and I want one
gypsy
Travelin Duo said
08:49 PM Feb 5, 2009
Larry recently saw this ad in Good Sams Highways Magazine.... from WaterKing USA www.WaterKingUSA.com 1-800-808-1974 It states that WaterKing designed this particular unit exclusively for MH and RV's. Also Newell has opted to have them installed into their coaches as and option. NO SALT.... An in line water softener that does not use salt. Can either be portable ouside or bulit into your water line in your water compartment. Sounds good. Thought we would share this info Give them a call... Larry did and they are sending him a catalog and some information and they were very happy to talk with him. Just another one to look into before you decide. Good luck
NorCal Dan said
09:37 AM Feb 6, 2009
I don't think the WaterKing will soften water. It uses radio waves. Found this on the internet about that technology. Make sure you know what your buying and what you can expect.
Water softeners should not be confused with water conditioners. These devices are attached to existing pipework and release either magnetic, electromagnetic or radio wave pulses into the water. Unlike Water Softeners, they do not remove calcium and magnesium (hardness) from the water. Therefore there is no reduction in soaps and powders, removal of scum etc, and the lovely feel silky feel of soft water is not experienced.
Travelin Duo said
04:11 PM Feb 6, 2009
Their ad in the Good Sam Highway magazine.....states on the bottom ... WaterKing Water Softener. Larry did phone the company and the guy explained how it worked. He is sending us all the information and a brochure on it per Larry's request...as he would not order it until he reads about it and learns all about it. Lot's of parks will not let you use the salt....it is corrosive also. So we will wait to read the brochure and get more info on the unit. Thanks for the information. Appreciate it, and it will help us to be even more cautious. Give the company a call for yourself and talk with them. ....and or get a brochure sent .... all this stuff is worth looking into for sure. Keep us posted please on any more news on softeners. Thanks again.
NorCal Dan said
07:07 PM Feb 6, 2009
I would be interested to hear what you guys find out as well.
Travelin Duo said
09:53 AM Feb 13, 2009
Hi Dan You asked us to let you know what we found out... Here is some info Also spoke with someone who has one and loves it Not trying to sell them....just letting you know about the product as you requested. Hope this helps ...whatever you decide.
Water-King USA introduces protection for your Motorhome and Recreational Vehicle.
The Benefits of Water-King
Removes existing lime scale and de-scales your plumbing
Removes existing lime scale from baths, sinks and toilets
Prevents fresh deposits of lime scale from forming
Stops scaling of shower heads, faucets, and kettles
Provides softer water so soaps, shampoos and detergents lather better - scum is reduced
NO separate hard water tap required, Healthy minerals retained
REDUCES energy bills and is environmentally friendly
Low running costs - less than $15 per year
Easy Installation, NO MAINTENANCE Required
Softer Water is Better for Skin and Hair, and Eczema and Psoriasis can be improved
Saves Energy and Cuts Bills - because just 1/16 inch of lime scale reduces heating efficiency by 15%.
Safe Drinking Water (Even Suitable for Babies Bottles)
Saves Water - No regeneration required to back flush system as in a salt or reverse osmosis system.
NorCal Dan said
10:15 AM Feb 13, 2009
Thanks Larry. Is that quote from Water King? Do they have any data to backup their claims? I guess my concern is that it sounds to good to be true. I looked all over their site and could not find and specs.
RVDude said
11:47 AM Feb 13, 2009
I'm with you Norcal....
I remember these same RF/magnetic devices for your auto fuel line a few (well, a bunch) years back. Claimed to turn your car into the USS Enterprise for pennies a year. I have yet to see the physics or even any pseudo-science to support these claims, for water or gas.... Probably why these remarkable products always seem to remain in the background.
Then again, if it make YOU feel good, then by all means do it! That's the power of marketing.
Travelin Duo said
01:08 PM Feb 13, 2009
Hey... Just waiting for the packet to come to read further on this.... also wish someone who has one on line would let us know if they like it One coach that was in here had it and the guy said he really found it worked great. His was on the outside hose line. That is why I originallycame on here..... To find out if anyone had one.....or knew of one and how it worked. And what would make ME feel good Dude is to find out all the facts and talk with folks who know all about them before I decide on buying it or anything else for that matter. Norcal..you are welcome....I sent what you requested....and was more than happy to do so. Let's hope we find answers...info... and a water softener that works and we all benefit from all the info we all receive. Have a nice day. Larry
Travelin Duo said
04:08 PM Feb 13, 2009
Dan Got the mail today. It is just like the site. However I am still glad I looked into it. Do not believe in closing your mind to anything until you really find out as many facts as you can. The guy I talked with here really believed it worked for him, and maybe it did. Whatever ! We also have friends who wear and believe their copper bracelets cure their arthritis. It's whatever works for YOU as Dude pointed out I guess. Keep us posted if you find out anything new. Right now I will flush the system out after being here in Florida Keys. Happy and safe travels.... Thanks again for your input guys. Back to square one. Larry
Travelin Duo said
03:12 PM Feb 16, 2009
Hey Dan & Dude Thanks again for the input and just as a courtesy I wanted to let you know I ordered the CW softener. Just had a friend who is now in CA tell me he got one also and really is working good for them. Camping World will be sending it to me, and I will install it before leaving the Keys. Hope all works out for you also Dan. Again...thanks guys and everyone on this thread for the info and brain teasing...but I needed to read it for myself also before deciding. It's who I am...I never jump. MY DW says I am a wee bit stubborn that way....but I do always listen to whoever is kind enough to point out different views. That makes us all think, and that's a good thing. Believe me...This forum has been a God send to us and everyone else who needs their questions answered. So that's my water softener story...and I'm sticking to it !!!!
RVDude said
04:58 PM Feb 16, 2009
After such careful consideration I would love to hear your thoughts after a few weeks of use Duo! Good work!
Now, about those copper bracelets?
I really appreciate your thought process... And yes, this forum is a real 2-way street for all of us!!!!!!
no hurry said
08:31 AM Feb 22, 2009
After watching the topic, and even throwing my 2 cents in a while back, I've carefully digested all the pros and cons. I, personally have decided that whether you're in the east, west, north, or south, we've all seen very soft water and very hard water. We've discovered that in the majority of places we've been, the majority of us don't need a water softener. We've learned about all types of units, good for our systems, and bad for our systems. We've learned to use salt, or not to use salt. We've even found out that some people use them for medical issues, vanity issues and some folks just want to have all the trinkets in order to spend an extra hour or two to set up camp for all the neighbors to enjoy. Some people use them, just cause they want to and I think that's a darn good reason.
Dave
bigredoes said
07:58 PM Jun 5, 2013
Resurrecting an ancient topic...
As long as I do not eat/drink/cook/make coffee with the water from my fresh water tank - is there any reason why I should not add Calgon to my fresh water tank. RV repairman told me that my lines were getting lime/calcium(?) buildup and this would help clean out the lines.
I had asked the RV service people in PA to install a water purifier and to let me know about the cost of a water softener. When I picked the RV up I found they had only given me an estimate for the water purifier, not actually installed one. I'm using a Brita filter for the water I drink and use in my coffee maker, but I'd like to treat the entire system if possible.
gypsy
gypsy
-- Edited by no hurry at 19:42, 2008-12-18
Wondering why you think you need a water softener? We've been in almost 200 campgrouinds in the last 3 years in about 40 states and can count on one hand the number of times we've thought the water was too hard.
We do use a filter for the drinking water, but have never considered getting a water softener for the rig.
Good luck,
Fred
gypsy
It hooks in between your white hose and the water faucet. It must remain upright when in use but can be stored on it's side for travel. I recommend not letting it sit in direct sunlight when in warm climate. Just some things they don't mention on their site.
Uses normal table salt to regenrate. I did have to buy some iron-out after Bullhead City to get the iron out of the resin and restore the water softener.
I bought the Mark8000 because we installed a washer/dryer in the coach and I wanted soft water to help clean the clothes with less soap. I also read that sof****er will aid in cleaning out the holding tanks. I think it might help some, but I am still fighting with the tank sensors so I can't decide if it helped or not.
I would be glad to answer any questions if I can help...
Thanks.
We were thinking of the one at Camping World.....the On The Go
BUT just wondered if the R/O is better?
We have a entire coach water filter plus one seperate on the kitchen faucet just for drinking ...they came on the coach.....
and use a Brita for coffee and tea.
Water softener will be nice as the water down here in the Keys...is very hard. Woukd like soft hair back....I'm with you Gypsy.
Arlene
Looks like we may just go with the On The Go for now.
Appreciate the feed back
I asked if there is "waste" produced during the R/O process and have not received a response yet. I have heard that some RV parks do not allow use of R/O systems because of waste produced. I don't know what the ratio is exactly, but the point is that to fill a 100 gallon freshwater tank will take more than 100 gallons of actual water. I assume the waste is sent to either the gray holding tank or direct to the sewer connection.
So I will be looking at upgrading my onboard water pump to a better unit that will supply good water pressure without the pulsating...will most likely need a accumulator tank added to the pump. Then I will think about adding an R/O system.
add: I have received a response back from Interstate Water Systems. They told me that for 4 gallons of water processed by the R/O system you will get 1 gallon of filtered water. That explains why RV Parks do not like them. I was shocked at the amount of waste involved with these types of systems and will not be adding an R/O system to our coach.
-- Edited by NorCal Dan at 22:43, 2009-01-21
gypsy
--------------------
gomez
Camping
Most likely, the post that says it best came from Fred Wishnie (Luvglass) "that in over 200 CGs, in about 40 states" they have not discerned the water noticeably hard less than five times.
OK, admittedly, Fred and I are guys. However, Ethel, who is pretty darn persnickity about her locks, has not commented once in our travels about hard water. Would be curious from Jo's corner as to her agreement with Fred's post.
Now when it comes to odors of any sort, Ethel will voice an opinion immediately, if not befoe. This is always before my receptors even talk to each other, much less to my brain. But, I have always said she smells really good.
Charles
gypsy
from WaterKing USA
www.WaterKingUSA.com
1-800-808-1974
It states that WaterKing designed this particular unit exclusively for MH and RV's.
Also Newell has opted to have them installed into their coaches as and option.
NO SALT....
An in line water softener that does not use salt.
Can either be portable ouside or bulit into your water line in your water compartment.
Sounds good.
Thought we would share this info
Give them a call...
Larry did and they are sending him a catalog and some information and they were very happy to talk with him.
Just another one to look into before you decide.
Good luck
WaterKing Water Softener.
Larry did phone the company and the guy explained how it worked.
He is sending us all the information and a brochure on it per Larry's request...as he would not order it until he reads about it and learns all about it.
Lot's of parks will not let you use the salt....it is corrosive also.
So we will wait to read the brochure and get more info on the unit.
Thanks for the information. Appreciate it, and it will help us to be even more cautious.
Give the company a call for yourself and talk with them.
....and or get a brochure sent .... all this stuff is worth looking into for sure.
Keep us posted please on any more news on softeners.
Thanks again.
You asked us to let you know what we found out...
Here is some info
Also spoke with someone who has one and loves it
Not trying to sell them....just letting you know about the product as you
requested.
Hope this helps ...whatever you decide.
Water-King USA introduces protection for your Motorhome and Recreational Vehicle.
The Benefits of Water-King
I remember these same RF/magnetic devices for your auto fuel line a few (well, a bunch) years back. Claimed to turn your car into the USS Enterprise for pennies a year. I have yet to see the physics or even any pseudo-science to support these claims, for water or gas.... Probably why these remarkable products always seem to remain in the background.
Then again, if it make YOU feel good, then by all means do it! That's the power of marketing.
Just waiting for the packet to come to read further on this....
also wish someone who has one on line would let us know if they like it
One coach that was in here had it and the guy said he really found it worked great. His was on the outside hose line.
That is why I originallycame on here.....
To find out if anyone had one.....or knew of one and how it worked.
And what would make ME feel good Dude is to find out all the facts and talk with folks who know all about them before I decide on buying it or anything else for that matter.
Norcal..you are welcome....I sent what you requested....and was more than happy to do so.
Let's hope we find answers...info... and a water softener that works and we all benefit from all the info we all receive.
Have a nice day.
Larry
Got the mail today. It is just like the site.
However I am still glad I looked into it.
Do not believe in closing your mind to anything until you really find out as many facts as you can.
The guy I talked with here really believed it worked for him, and maybe it did.
Whatever !
We also have friends who wear and believe their copper bracelets cure their arthritis.
It's whatever works for YOU as Dude pointed out I guess.
Keep us posted if you find out anything new.
Right now I will flush the system out after being here in Florida Keys.
Happy and safe travels....
Thanks again for your input guys.
Back to square one.
Larry
Thanks again for the input and just as a courtesy I wanted to let you know I ordered the CW softener.
Just had a friend who is now in CA tell me he got one also and really is working good for them.
Camping World will be sending it to me, and I will install it before leaving the Keys.
Hope all works out for you also Dan.
Again...thanks guys and everyone on this thread for the info and brain teasing...but I needed to read it for myself also before deciding. It's who I am...I never jump. MY DW says I am a wee bit stubborn that way....but I do always listen to whoever is kind enough to point out different views. That makes us all think, and that's a good thing. Believe me...This forum has been a God send to us and everyone else who needs their questions answered.
So that's my water softener story...and I'm sticking to it !!!!
Now, about those copper bracelets?
I really appreciate your thought process... And yes, this forum is a real 2-way street for all of us!!!!!!
We've even found out that some people use them for medical issues, vanity issues and some folks just want to have all the trinkets in order to spend an extra hour or two to set up camp for all the neighbors to enjoy. Some people use them, just cause they want to and I think that's a darn good reason.
Dave
As long as I do not eat/drink/cook/make coffee with the water from my fresh water tank - is there any reason why I should not add Calgon to my fresh water tank. RV repairman told me that my lines were getting lime/calcium(?) buildup and this would help clean out the lines.
Thoughts please