 Guide to Water Softener Controls, Adjustments & Maintenance
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Water Softener Operating & Maintenance Instructions: here we provide an owner's guide to water softener controls, what they are, what they do, how to set them - for water softener or water conditioner maintenance, including water softener adjustment of the regeneration or backwash cycle frequency and the water softener salt dose. We explain the salt dose, regen cycle, hardness setting, and brine tank float level adjustment. We also discuss setting the water softener timer or clock.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
Homeowner's Guide to Water Softener Adjustment - how to set the water softener controls
As we detail at DETECT HARD WATER, it's easy to see if your water softener is doing anything by using one of several water hardness tests including the strips shown at left. Or you may suspect a problem if you are no longer able to get your shampoo to lather when taking a shower.
If your water softener is not working, see DIAGNOSE WATER SOFTENER PROBLEMS. Additional water softener diagnosis and repair questions and answers are at Questions and Answers about repairing water softeners and at SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS.
Also see Water Softener Bypass Valve for details how to put the water softener temporarily out of service. Separately at INSTALLATION of WATER SOFTENERS we discuss how this equipment should be installed.
At SALT OR WATER INTO SEPTIC we discuss the importance of using the proper settings that control water softener operation, and performing proper water softener maintenance will assure that the water softener is effective in treating hard water, it will avoid wasting water, and if a private septic system is installed it will significantly reduce the chances that a septic system will be damaged by flooding or by excessive salt due to water softener malfunction.
At REDUCE IMPACT of SOFTENER on SEPTIC we provide suggestions for reducing the impact of water softeners on septic systems. Below we provide the details of how to adjust and maintain a residential or light commercial water softener for proper operation.
Four Basic Adjustments or Tasks Necessary to Use a Water Softener
Because the hardness and volume of water used both vary from one building to another, a water softener or water conditioner includes controls that allow the installer or building occupants to adjust the system to work properly.
Water conditioner or water softener controls typically include either analog-type dials with pins, buttons, or levers (control at left)( or electronic controls operated by pushbuttons (discussed later in this article at Electronic Water Softener Controls).
The two principal adjustments on any water softener, whether they are done manually by an owner or automagically by water hardness sensors, are listed below, followed by two basic maintenance chores.
- Set the Regen or Backwash Frequency: The frequency of water conditioner regeneration cycle or the "backwash" cycle
- Set the Salt Dose: The amount of salt (or salty water) that must be run through the water conditioner during each regeneration cycle or "backwash" cycle.
- Add salt: because a water conditioner (or water softener) consumes salt during each regeneration or backwash cycle, you will need to buy and add salt to the brine tank from time to time. You can determine when to add salt by visual inspection - salt gets low inside the brine tank, or you can if you prefer hire a water softener maintenance company who will deliver and install the salt for you.
- Clean the Water Conditioner: As we explain at Dirt & Debris in the Brine Tank and at Sanitize a Water Softener, water softener brine tanks also need to be emptied and cleaned from time to time.
Clock Settings for a Water Softener
How to Set the Water Softener Clock & Regeneration Cycle Frequency
Because water conditioners and their controls vary among manufacturers and models, below we discuss several methods for determining and actually making the necessary settings or adjustments on this equipment. And there is a third maintenance task for building owners who have a water conditioner: setting the clock
Guide to Setting the water softener controls: Our photo above shows the standard controls on a water softener, permitting the user to specify the days on which a recharge/backwash cycle will occur, the salt dose, and also the time of day.
- Set the water softener clock: Setting the clock on the water softener control is important for two reasons: first, you won't be bothered by hearing it run if it recycles when you are asleep or out of the home, and second, since the water softener recharge cycle uses plenty of water, it's a good idea to send that discharge to the septic system at a time when other plumbing fixtures are not in use - thus spreading the wastewater load on the septic system out over a longer period.
Set the clock dial to the accurate time of day and set the water softener regeneration time to an hour when the building occupants are least likely to be using water, such as at 2AM - the standard factory pre-set regeneration hour. On units with a clock dial, the silver colored section corresponds to daytime hours and the black colored portion corresponds to night time hours.
Usually the "clock dial" is adjusted by lifting it up and turning it to the proper position, or turning a dial to line up the correct hour of the day with an indicator arrow (lower right in our photo).
Question: Where is the "Clock" on my water softener and how do I set it?
Extremely well written and done !! Thank you.
But, i still can not identify my softener system or control clock. It was here when i bought the house. Is there anywhere some pictures identifying different controllers. bugrubert@hotmail.com
Reply:
Bugrubert, you are welcome to send me photos of the equipment and all labels you can find including inside the control cover - use the email address found at the CONTACT link shown at the top, left, and bottom of all of our web pages.
On dial type (non LED or LCD type display) water softeners or conditioners, you may not see a dial that looks like a clock with hands. In the water conditioner control photos below, from left to right,
- the clock on this water conditioner control is set by turning the knob marked "Time of Day" that has numbers on it so that the current AM or PM hour is opposite the arrow point (lower right corner of our first photo at below left). You will see a similar "Time Set" button on Autotrol water conditioners.
- The clock on the next water conditioner control (below right) is set by turning the AM (white area) or PM (black area) hour to be opposite the black pointer to which our red arrow is pointing.
- On an electronic display water softener such as the Autotrol 460i, for example, to set the time of day you may have to set a jumper next to the word "TIME" on the control (blue arrow) and then push the "Time Set" button (red arrow) until the correct AM and PM time of day is indicated on an LED display.
How to Set the Water Softener Brine Control or Salt Dosage
Water softener brine control or salt dose and regen frequency as well as other settings vary depending on the type of water softener control on your machine. Here we describe various types of controls: dials, pins, buttons, and electronic or digital water conditioner controls. If you cannot find information you need contact us by email.
Here are illustrations of a similar water conditioner control from a Culligan System 19 or System 23 Installation Manual.
- The Brine Control: how to set the water softener salt dose: Your water softener's instructions (available from the manufacturer or from a local water softener service company) will tell you what salt dosage to set on the softener as a function of how many grains of hardness your water supply shows.
The salt dose scale on a typical water softener indicates the number of pounds of salt to be used in each water softener recharge cycle. Shown at left, the pointer knob is set to between 14 and 15 pounds of salt on an Autotrol salt dose control (a high setting by the way).
On many water softener models where the salt dose is readily adjusted by the consumer/owner, a set-screw is loosened on the salt dose dial and the dial is rotated to line up a pointer with a numeric salt dose on a scale on the dial. Then re-tighten the screw. Do not change the salt dose that is already set on your water softener by your installer unless a new water test report indicates that a different level of salt treatment is needed.
Explanatory note on how the water softener salt dose really works: when you set the brine control or salt dose on a water conditioner, you are actually setting the volume of salty water that will be pumped through the resin tank during a regeneration cycle. Because water will absorb salt only until it is fully saturated, the amount of water that can be placed into a gallon of water is more or less fixed. So to set the salt dose for water softener regeneration, we are really setting the volume of salt-saturated water that runs through the water softener during regen.
Of course since sending more water into the salt tank to absorb salt will also consume more salt, indirectly by setting the volume of water we are setting the salt dose in pounds. So salt doses in water conditioner settings are given in pounds of salt, not gallons of salty water. That's the number you need to know anyway, since you will be buying salt by x number of bags of water conditioner salt, each bag containing some particular quantity of salt in pounds.
Set the water softener recharge frequency: your water softener's instructions will tell you how often the system should be recharged as a function of your estimated daily water usage in gallons.
See Water Quantity Requirements for some general water usage numbers.
At left is a typical water softener recharge frequency chart for a Culligan System 19 or 23 Water Conditioner.
Typically a water softener control includes a seven-day recharge frequency dial with tabs that can be pushed-in or pulled out to cause the water softener to use a recharge cycle on that day. Harder water and higher quantity of water usage means more frequent recharge cycling is needed.
If your water softener has an automatic sensor of the hardness of water leaving the treatment tank (such as the Culligan Soft-Minder®), it can decide for itself when a recharge or regeneration cycle is needed.
- If your
water softener has a manual or clock driven backwash control, you can install a flow meter or hardness meter to determine when the system
needs to be backwashed.
- Adjust the backwash frequency and salt dose to the lowest level necessary.
- Watch out: do not leave off the water softener indefinitely. It's not there just for fun. If your water is hard and you leave the water conditioner off completely, you can expect to face expensive plumbing repairs when the water supply piping, water heater, or tankless coil become clogged with minerals. [An exception might be if your building is converted from using a private well with hard high-mineral content water to a municipal water supply hookup whose water is low in mineral content. In that case you might no longer need the water conditioner.]
Water Softener Control Adjustment Procedure Details - 6 Easy Steps to Soft Water
- Measure the hardness of your water using a test kit or by asking a service tech to do it for you. The number you get should be expressed in either GPG (grains of hardness per gallon of water) or in PPM (parts per million of minerals in your water)
- Adjust the water softener "Hardness" setting. Adjust the water softener "hardness" to the same number as the hardness that you measured for your own water supply. For example if you measured your water hardness as 30 grains per gallon (30 GPG), then the "hardness" setting will be "30". If your water hardness was measured in parts per million (PPM),
Divide PPM by 17.1 to get hardness in grains per gallon: PPM / 17.1 = GPG
Or to convert from hardness in PPM to hardness in grains per gallon,
Multiply grains per gallon GPG by 17.1 to get hardness in PPM: GPG x 17.1 = PPM
- Set the water softener "Capacity": Adjust the water softener capacity setting according to your manual and our example discussed earlier. Typically capacity for a water softener is a number from 1 to 99 kilograins. Suppose your water conditioner capacity setting is adjusted to 30 kilograins (1st column at left side of the salt dose able)
- Determine softener treatment tank size: Let's assume your water softener treatment tank is a 1-cubic foot capacity unit. Notice the table column under 1.0 Ft3. (4th column from left in the water softener salt dose table). The water softener tank size is it's resin volume in cubic feet, typically a number between 0.75 cu ft and 2.0 cu ft.
- Read the recommended salt dose in pounds: reading across from 30 kilograins of hardness in column 1 to our 4th column (the 1 cubic foot softener size) we see that the manufacturer recommends 15 pounds of salt.
- Set the salt dose - the brine control: set the dial to 15 pounds of salt. If your equipment is in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or another country that measures and marks equipment using the metric system your salt dose will be measured in kilograms or kg of salt. If you need to convert pounds to kilograms or kg, divide pounds by 2.2. More examples of how to determine and set the water softener salt dose can be read at
What Settings Should I Use on My Water Softener?
Watch out: follow the instructions in the right maintenance manual for your own equipment. And in the salt dose table, don't confuse kg of salt (numbers in the table body) with kilograins of water hardness (numbers in table column 1).
Also, remember this setting is adjusting only the salt dose, not the frequency of regeneration cycle.
Another Approach to Water Conditioner Settings for Salt Dose & Regeneration Frequency
If you don't have a manual and can't find instructions for your unit, (and don't want to call a qualified service technician) leave the salt dose alone, then send the softener through a regeneration cycle and measure the hardness of your water again.
Then monitor water hardness on the days between your regen cycle and the next automatic regen cycle, during a period of your best guess at average water quantity use. If your water shows unacceptable hardness before another softener regen, you'll need to increase the frequency of regeneration cycle.
Typical frequencies for manually-set water softener regeneration as a starting point are are once a week, once every 3 or 4 days, every other day, and daily. If you are running the system daily and water is still too hard you may need to increase the salt dose. But don't overdo the salt or you may have salty water - a health and aesthetic issue.
Subjective judgment of water hardness:
It's best to measure the hardness of your water - kits are inexpensive or some services will perform the test at no charge.
If you can't get a lather using shampoo on your head in the shower, either you're bald, or the water is still pretty hard. If your water feels slimy and you have trouble rinsing off soap, your water might be more soft than necessary (though other problems can also cause this symptom).
Water Softener or Water Equipment Adjustment Tip: Most water treatment companies will be glad to send a representative to your building to test water hardness (or other contaminants) and to advise you on the condition and settings of the water treatment equipment you have in place, or to suggest alternatives if you are shopping.
Regeneration Cycle on Water Softeners
How Often does the Water Softener Need to Run a Backwash & Regeneration or "Recharge" Cycle?
Your water softener manufacturer will provide a Salt Dosage/Frequency
Chart along with the softener's installation and maintenance instructions.
A water softener recharge frequency and salt dose example is provided by Culligan:, "If four individuals live in the household, and
the water has a total hardness of 18 grains per gallon, the salt
dosage per recharge for the water conditioner will be 5 pounds
(2.5 kg) and the recharge frequency will be 3 (or every 2
days). Monthly salt usage can be estimated, using these
figures, at about 75 pounds (37.5 kg).
IBC in Australia provides this simple formula that can calculate the regeneration cycle for a water softener if you know all of the required parameters:
Number of Days Between Water Softener Regeneration Cycles = N
Maximum capacity of the treatment tank in grams of CaCO3 or NaCL = C
Volume of water passing through the treatment tank per day = Q (Kiloliters per day) or (Gallons per day)
Hardness of the incoming water measured in micrograms/Liter (mg/L) or in PPM = H
N = C / (H x Q)
This should be taken only as a rough calculation - set your backwash frequency to this number of days or less.
Recommended Settings for Water Softeners
So What Settings Should I Use on My Water Softener?
How to Set the Water Softener Salt Dose
Question: What salt dose should I use on my water softener?
I have a Autotrol 460i water softer. The water hardness going into my house measures 10. What settings do I need set in order to create water hardness setting out of my faucets to read around 1or 2? - Walter Schwartz
Reply: The salt dose for your water conditioner depends on some variables. Here is an example and a water softener salt dose table for reference
Some water conditioners (water softeners) automagically track water quantity usage and water hardness and adjust themselves without you having to do a thing. But lots of models require a manual adjustment based on water hardness and water quantity used.
The necessary water softener settings depend not just on water hardness but on your brand and model of water softener equipment and how much water you are using.
Here are some remarks about setting the salt dose and regen frequency on a water softener:
Most water softener owners manuals include a table of recommended settings. Start there. If you don't have an owner's manual call the manufacturer's tech service and give them the model number and ask for a manual as well as their setting advice.
Water Softener "Hardness Setting"
Here is a copy of the manual for your Autotrol Water Conditioning Control System, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual. On this water conditioner you can specify the time of regeneration (factory is set to 2:00 AM) to be sure it's running at a time when you are not using water in the building. Here are instructions on adjusting the hardness setting for this equipment: [Quoting]
Water Conditioner Hardness Setting: Move the jumper to the set of pins next to the word
HARDNESS (Figure 11). Press the black TIME SET
button until the correct hardness is displayed. The
hardness range is from 1 to 99 grains per gallon.
To change water hardness stated in parts per million
(PPM) to grains per gallon (GPG) use this formula:
Parts per Million / 17.1 = Grains per Gallon
Water Conditioner Capacity Setting: Move the jumper to the set of pins next to the word
CAPACITY (Figure 12). Press the black TIME SET
button until the correct capacity value is displayed. The capacity range is 1 to 99 kilograins. Refer to the Suggested Salt Dial Settings table [shown below].
Return the jumper to the top set of pins next to the
word TIME and replace the access door. The next three
sets of pins are used for factory testing and are not
used in normal operation. The jumper must NOT be left on any pins other than the top pair next to the word TIME. Otherwise, the unit may not function.
Note: A spare jumper is located on the bottom set of pins.
In the event that the hardness or capacity setting must be changed, simply follow the appropriate steps described above.
Note: We have tried to translate these mysterious and unclear instructions into understandable English, at Water Softener Control Adjustment Procedure Details so CONTACT us with suggestions.
Like some other advanced water conditioners on the market, the control module for the Autotrol water softener includes a microprocessor that monitors your level of water usage, adjusting the regeneration cycle accordingly.
Water Softener Salt Dose Table & How to Use the Table to Set Your Water Softener
Salt dosage frequency guide tables consider the following parameters
- The number of people in the household
- The average daily water usage per person (in gallons), or an assumed usage, e.g. of 75 gallons per person per day
- The total hardness of the water supply, measured in grains per gallon or Mg/L of water
- [possibly] the model and operating properties of the individual water softener or water conditioner
Watch out: this water softener salt dose table [below] may not be correct for your water softener model or level of water quantity usage. Consult the manual for your specific water softener brand and model. But it is somewhat general. We found that this identical table was used in water softener maintenance manuals from both Autotrol, Aquatell / Nelsen Corp and also A.I. McDermott Co., Inc.'s AquaSoft for their Pro-Plus 460-series water softeners, possibly because the control, manufactured by General Electric is used on more than one model and by more than one manufacturer.
Table of salt dose frequency shown above, courtesy Autotrol, Aquatell / Nelsen Corp.
Here is another salt dosage frequency table, courtesy of Culligan Water Conditioners based on an assumption of daily water usage of 75 gallons per person.
Here is another similar salt dosage frequency table, also courtesy of Culligan Water Conditioners based on an assumption of daily water usage of 75 gallons per person for the Culligan System 23 Water Conditioner.
How to use the Salt Dial Setting Table Above: Set the Water Softener Salt Dial Control = setting the Salt Dose
Several readers have found the table above and water softener instructions in general confusing, and we agree. The instructions read as if they were written by someone who built the control and knows it so well they can't imagine how a normal person will be confused. You will want to carefully read the instructions in your owner's manual for your water softener. Even reading the instructions it's still confusing to lots of folks. You might want to call your manufacturer directly for help - most have a toll-free help number. But here we also take a stab at how to set these controls.
As the product literature for this control explains, the amount of salt placed into the salt storage tank has nothing to do with the salt amount used during water softener regeneration cycle. The "salt dose" for a water softener regeneration cycle is set by choosing a "salt dose" number on the salt dial. The dial determines the amount of brine (salty water) that will be pumped through the water softener during its regeneration cycle.
To use the salt dose table you need to know the size of your water softener treatment tank (not the salt holding tank) in cubic feet. This data is given in your model's owner's manual or on a data plate on the equipment itself. Or ask your installer or ask the manufacturer, after giving them your equipment name, model, and model number.
The "salt dial" is typically set by turning a knob, or using a screwdriver to turn a pointer knob, or using a screwdriver to loosen a set screw that then allows the knob to be turned (then re-tighten the screw) - depending on your water softener. But how do we decide what salt setting to use?
How to Calculate The Amount of Salt to Use in a Water Softener Regeneration Cycle
We recommend taking a look at the table of salt dose and backwash frequency provided in the installation manual for your water softener. If you want to check their table or generate your own salt dose numbers for comparison here is a formula from IBC.
Total number of grains of hardness to be removed, measured as grams of CaCO3 or NaCL = A
A = N x H x Q
Number of Days Between Water Softener Regeneration Cycles = N
Volume of water passing through the treatment tank per day = Q (Kiloliters per day) or (Gallons per day)
Hardness of the incoming water measured in micrograms/Liter (mg/L) or in PPM = H
Salt Dose: How to Adjust the Float Level in the Water Softener Brine Tank
Another method for adjusting the salt dose or the amount of salt used during a water conditioner backwash/regeneration cycle [on some water softener models] involves adjusting the float level inside the brine tank.
Brine refill control Valves in Water Softener Tanks
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 On many water softeners (Such as Culligan 1989 vintage water conditioner systems) there is a brine refill flow control valve inside the salt storage tank that needs to be changed or cleaned for proper operation.
Shown at left: the brine refill control and the refill flow restrictor found in the salt tank for a Culligan System 19 or System 23 water conditioner.
The lever at right in the figure connects to the vertical rise rod that in turn connects to the brine tank float (discussed below). |
As we describe at Questions and Answers about repairing water softeners, a malfunctioning brine level float control (or other maladjustments) can cause abnormally high water level in the brine tank. Other possible causes for too much water in the brine tank are listed at Too Much Water in the Brine Tank - Diagnosis and Cure
Just below we give the details of setting the brine level control float and valve.
Question: How do I set the float level in my water softener brine tank?
I have read the excellent description of the required adjustments of a water softener. However, there was one adjustment I think that requires explanation that was not mentioned, is the setting of the brine tank float. For example, what is the connection between the amount of salt consumed, if any, and the height setting of the float? It would be helpful for me to know that answer. Thank you again for your article on this subject. - M.P.
Reply: Set the "A" dimension or float distance from filter screen top to float bottom in the brine tank according to required salt dosage and brine tank dimensions
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 Some, not all, water softeners do indeed require that the brine tank float level be adjusted in order to provide the correct salt dose needed for the building served by the water softener.
Adjusting the float height in the salt tank in turn determines the volume of water injected into the tank and thus the "salt dose" used during a water softener backwash cycle. In turn, salt dose needed (or volume of salty water to be run back through the water softener during a regeneration cycle) depends on these variables:
- the hardness of water supplied to the building
- the volume of water being used in the building
- the desired "softness" of water specified by the occupants
Other water softener models use different controls to manage for these same variables.
You will need to know in addition to the above information,
- the model of your water softener,
- and by consulting its installation manual you'll find whether or not the float level should be adjusted in your particular water softener brand and model. Here is an example of water softener salt tank float adjustment instructions.
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Brine Valve "A" Dimension: Salt Tank Float Height
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 A 1989 Culligan water softener installation manual describes the Brine Valve "A" dimension: the distance from the top of the filter screen to the bottom of the float.
One sets the "A" dimension (in inches) based on the desired salt dosage in pounds and the brine tank size - this will be manufacturer dependent.
At left we are showing an example chart (for the Culligan System 19 or System 23 water softeners).
Example: for a System 19 Culligan water conditioner brine tank, the "A" dimension (distance filter screen to the bottom of the float) would be set to 14 1/2 inches if you needed an 11-pound salt dosage.
Note: this setting determines the salt dose amount (how much salt will be used, not the salt dosage frequency (how often the dose should be applied). The salt dosage frequency is set separately on the clock control for the water softener as we discuss above.
Watch out: the requirement to set the height of the float in a salt tank for a water softener, as well as the float height if setting is indeed required, is dependent on the variables listed above including your water softener brand and model. Be sure to consult the installation manual for your own water softener.
You could, in theory, adjust the height of the float and thus the salt dose on a water softener empirically by measuring the hardness of water provided by the system after a backwash cycle and perhaps daily for several days to see if you need to change the backwash cycle frequency or salt dose size - but it's best if you can find and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Watch out: we have also found water softener brine tank floats that were "stuck" in their cylinder (the cylinder is intended to let the float rise and fall with water level without being obstructed by salt in the media tank) - usually we have been able to free the float by pulling the vertical rod up and down a few times.
Sometimes homeowners have accidentally spilled salt into the cylinder, especially if its top cover has been lost - in that case the salt crystals can obstruct the float.
Thanks to reader M.P.
for discussing the requirement to adjust the float level in water softener brine tanks
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Continue reading about water softener cleaning and maintenance at Dirt & Debris in the Brine Tank and then Sanitize a Water Softener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs about Water Softener Adjustment & Maintenance
Question: the water in our house feels slick and slimy and soap is hard to rinse off - do we even need a water softener?
Hi We just moved into our house and never had a water softener before, my question is should the water leave your body feeling slick and hard to rinse off the soap? Also the water has a salty taste to it? One more thing if you have city water do you really need a water softener? Just some questions I has I hope you have some answers for me. Thanks!
Kelly King
Reply: your water softener can be adjusted to reduce the salt dose and make rinsing in the bath more satisfactory, but you probably do need the system
Kelly, if it is just too darn hard to rinse off soap and your skin feels kind of slimy and slick in the shower, it's possible that the water softener is not adjusted properly.
Try reducing the salt dose by 20%, keeping the regeneration cycle frequency the same.
Or to be more precise, you can test your water for hardness and then read in the water softener instructions (here or in your softener manual) just what should be the salt dose settings for your water condition. See How Much Salt to Use in a Water Softener for details.
Question: how full should I keep the water conditioner salt tank?
How full should I keep my salt tank? - Linda
Reply:
We fill the salt tank to near the top but not so full that salt falls into the float tube. For details about adjusting the rate at which your water softener actually uses salt, see SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS . Also within that article take a look at How Much Salt to Use in a Water Softener.
Question: How do we figure out the settings for our Autotrol 255/460i water softener? Our water hardness is 30 gpg and we have 2 ppm of iron.
How do I set the regeneration push pins on my Commers Model 24C?
We are trying to figure out what to set our softener at. We have a 60,000 Autotrol 255/460i. Our hardness is 30gpg, we have 2ppm of iron, and we have 5 people in our home. Can you help me out in trying to figure out the capacity setting, and the salt dial? - Krystine / Deloras
Hey there, thanks for the awesome website!
I have a Commers Model 24C. The thing just isn't working at all. I think the regeneration cycle isn't set right. I have no idea what to do with the push/pull pins, or what the red arrow thingy means on the push pin area.
There is another dial that is 1-16, and I set it in the middle to 8 just now, though I have no idea what to do.
Could you please tell me how to set this water softener please?
Note: I have 5 people, we use lots of water, and right now it is totally hard. - Tim
Reply:
Krystine, and Tim: in the article above at SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS we describe how the water softener is typically set based on water usage and grains of hardness, and we include tables that show suggested salt doses and recharge frequency for hard water.
In a separate article DIAGNOSE WATER SOFTENER PROBLEMS we discuss what to do if the water softener is not working.
In general, adjust the water softener capacity setting according to your manual and our examples discussed throughout the article above. If you don't have a manual for your Autotrol, let me know and I can help you find one. Autotrol water softeners are produced by GE Osmonics (see GEWater.com). A sketch of your control is shown at left.
Typically capacity for a water softener is a number from 1 to 99 kilograins.
Suppose your water conditioner capacity setting is adjusted to 30 kilograins (1st column at left side of the salt dose able).
The softener regen cycle may need to be more frequent depending on your actual water volume use - you'll know that your softener is not regenerating often enough when you can't get a shampoo lather going in the shower.
How the Push-Pull "Skipper" Pins work on a water softener regen cycle control
Tim: about those pushpins on the water conditioner control dial:
On some water softener controls such as yours and the example we show in the photograph (above left), the push pins or levers (Autotrol manuals refer to these as Skipper Pins mounted on the Skipper Wheel) are mounted on a round dial that rotates under control of the water conditioner timer or "clock". There may be seven such pins, corresponding to 7 days of a weekly cycle, or (on the unit above) 12 such pins, giving control of the water conditioner on a 12-day cycle.
Water conditioners (water softeners) may work differently on which way to push or pull the pin (see your manual or instructions printed right on the control cover) but on most, pulling the pin out skips that regen day or period while pushing the pin in (towards the control) means a regen cycle will occur at that day or period. The skipper pins or tabs are a small metal tab mounted on the control wheel. When a pin is pushed in (towards the control), as the dial is rotated by the timer, the tab comes into contact with a mechanical switch that actually starts a regen cycle.
So on a 7 day control you can have a regen cycle every day (push in all the pins) or every other day, or once a week, etc. The 12-pin dial is allowing you to set the regen cycle less often, to as little as once in 12 days. Below, using an older Culligan water conditioner illustration as a model we illustrate:
- The salt dose (the green arrow in our illustration at left) which may be your other "dial" on your machine) (on machines that have that control) is set depending on water hardness. To change the salt dose you'll have to loosen a setscrew. See How Much Salt to Use in a Water Softener for details.
- The water softener regen cycle frequency (the blue arrow in our illustration at left, which is one of the dials on machines like yours) is set depending on the rate of water usage in the home. Using more water means you need to run a regeneration cycle on the water conditioner more often. See Water Softener Regeneration Cycle for details, or try setting your machine to every other day (as you have 5 people in the home, using a lot of water) and see how that works.
- A clock dial or timer adjustment (the red arrow in our illustration ) allows you to set the timer for your equipment to the right time of day or night. Your machine will work regardless of whether it really knows what time it is, but setting it to the correct hour and AM or PM will allow the machine to perform its regen cycle late at night when no one is running water.
Even without the instruction manual (I'd ask the manufacturer to send one if you don't have it), you can figure out which way the push-pull pins operate by manually rotating the dial. You'll see that a pin trips the softener to run through a regen cycle as you rotate the dial.
Follow-up from Kristine / Deloras:
I Wrote a question on 10/20/11 about my Autotrol 255valve/400 series. That water keeps flowing out of the drain hose. The book said to change the valve stem return spring. Where do I find this spring, the manual does not show where this is located on a diagram.
Reply:
Deloras or Kristine: because you are describing a water softener that seems to be stuck in regen cycle, endlessly pumping briny water thorough the resin tank, I suspect a problem in the control mounted on the softener itself, not the brine refill control in the salt tank. (If it were the brine refill control that were stuck your salt tank would fill up with water). The valve stem return spring will be inside the primary control. It is not a part that you are expected to replace yourself. You will need to contact your Autotrol dealer for service.
Question: how long should the water softener brine flush (regeneration cycle) last?
Is it normal for brine flush to be an hour long ? - D.C.
Reply:
DC it could be an hour - as long as it stops you're ok. The length of the regen cycle is controlled by the timer/control on your equipment and will vary by water conditioner size and salt dose. It would not be unusual for the total regen cycle to take more than an hour, comprised of these steps:
Typical Water Conditioner Regeneration Cycle Time Components |
| Backwash cycle - wash out the brine tank |
14 minutes |
| Water Softener regen cycle - brine is pumped slowly through the water conditioner tank including a "slow rinse" |
52 minutes |
| Brine tank refill - water is pumped into the brine tank to dissolve salt to be available as salty water for the next regen cycle |
10 minutes |
| Total Water Conditioner Regen Cycle Time (sum of above) |
76 minutes |
| Fast rinse/refill cycle on a water conditioner |
6 minutes |
Question: how do I fix a stuck salt float on my Kinetico model 50 water softener? Kinetico stuck in regeneration?
The water level in the water softener brine tank is higher than the salt level by about an inch. Is that right?
I have a Kinetico Model 50 water conditioner. The float seems to be stuck and the brine tank sis filled with water and overfills causing a flood. Any suggestions would be helpful. - Anon
Anon: see Diana's question & our answer just below.
I set my time and left the tabs as is as I am renting the house. The tank where the salt is has water in it about 1 inch higher than salt level which is half way up. I also do not know if i was to do something other than set time and turn dial to in serv? any help is appreciated. - Diana
Reply:
Diana, your salt tank sounds as if it's got too much water - or else your salt level must be near the tank bottom in which case just add salt. You can also send the softener through an extra regen cycle (see the control panel and the article above) to see if it seems to be working. In the article above you'll see a sketch and discussion of the "Brine Refill Control" that you'll find in your salt tank.
Usually if there is too much water (above the top of the salt in the tank) either
- The level of salt in the brine tank is too low - and is near the bottom of the tank - add salt
or
- The brine control float switch is stuck.
I don't usually expect the water conditioner control itself to be at fault, though I guess that's possible too.
On a conventional water softener the brine refill control is basically a float-operated valve that opens or closes a water supply valve that allows water to enter the salt tank. The float mechanism can get stuck due to caked on salt, due to someone pouring salt inside the plastic shroud that is intended to allow the float and switch to move freely up and down ad water level rises, or due to mechanical damage. I'd start by taking a look at the float assembly to see if its parts are moving freely.
Sometimes I can just grasp the upper end of the vertical float rod and manually move it up and down a few times to free one that's stuck. Better, but more trouble, is to completely empty and clean out the salt tank and then remove, clean, and reassemble the brine level control assembly. Details about the float control in brine tanks are found in the article above.
Question: Can we Use Water in the House During the Water Softener Regen Cycle?
I have heard that while the recycling is taking place you cannot run your water or take a bath. Is this true, and if so why, Second, about how long should the recycling take place before it completes its cycle - Dan
Reply:
We should distinguish between can you and should you run water during a water softener regen-cycle. It is absolutely physically possible - so you can. But the water you receive will not be treated by your water conditioner or water softener - as during softener regen cycle the house water supply will "bypass" the softener.
So while I wouldn't hesitate to run some water during a water conditioner regen period, for example to flush a toilet if needed, it's better to avoid running water if you can, especially hot water where a tankless coil or tankless water heater is installed - because the un-treated water will be higher in mineral content and over time, depending on the amount run, you risk clogging up water supply piping.
Bottom line: If you need to take a shower, or run water for other uses during a water softener regen cycle, go ahead. But regular consumption of large volumes of water during the regen cycle are likely to speed up mineral clogging of pipes, especially hot water piping or a tankless coil.
Question: We have too much iron in our water and don't want to increase the water softener salt dose - what can we do?
We have LOTS of iron stains everywhere...the well is a salt water well and the test at Sears was 2.5 iron and 18 grains of hardness...we do not want to add any salt to the water because of this. What do we use to get the RUST out of the water?
[Our photo, at left, illustrates iron and other stains in a bath tub - Ed.]
Reply:
Kathy there are several treatments that can remove iron from water as alternatives to using a salt-based water softener/water treatment device.
But because you have hard water as well, if you only remove iron you'll still suffer from hard water issues down the road, such as clogged pipes. Nevertheless we summarize these treatment methods that focus on iron removal from well water: [16]
Polyphosphate treatment can remove 0-3 ppm of soluble iron
Greensand Filters (using glauconite, a green clay mineral as ion exchange media glauconite, a media that is backwashed periodically using potassium permanganate) can remove 0-10 ppm of iron from water (and are great at removing sulphur odors as well). If your well water pH is less than 6.8 this approach doesn't work well.
Chlorination + charcoal filtration: for higher levels of iron in water (not your case if your test was accurate) a chlorinator combined with charcoal filter can remove higher levels of iron and manganese dissolved in well water, and are also typically rated as 0-10 ppm. The charcoal filter removes the residual [and potentially harmful carcinogenic thrhalomethanes (THM) produced by use of chlorine, residual chlorine, and thus and chlorine odors.
Ion Exchangers (a water softener) can remove 0-10 ppm of soluble iron, but frankly water softeners are not designed primarily for that purpose. Professionals usually install one of the other iron removal methods upstream (ahead of) the water softener. That also means you won't need to set the softener to use more salt than necessary to deal with hardness just because you're trying to remove iron from your water.
See OTHER SOFTENER METHODS for additional details.
Question: would lack of salt make our water softener regen or recycle too often?
If we have not kept salt in our tank, would the softener recycle more often than it should? The reason for my question is I got a call from the city about our culinary water consumption and it is extremely higher than normal which indicates either a leak in our home such as a toilet, or the water softener is recycling too often. How do I know how many times the softener is recycling? - Jamie 6/18/12
Reply: yes and no - it depends on softener type
Jamie,
No, if you have a basic softener that just runs the regen cycle by a timer. That sort does not know how salty the regen solution is.
Yes, if your softener is a more advanced model that monitors water hardness. that type would see that the water remains too hard and keep running regen cycles fruitlessly.
Question: Water softener stuck in regen backwash cycle
we haven't used our culligan softner since we moved in 1999. when i plug the unit in it constantly discharges water down the main waste. is this normal? - Sal 6/21/12
Reply:
Sal, it sounds as if your water softener is stuck in regen-cycle. Try cleaning it (see SOFTENER CLEANING & SANITIZING), then re-set the controls (see SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS) then try a manual backwash cycle.
If the system keeps running for hours, then the water the water softener control needs repair or replacement.
Question: brine tank & float question - tank is not filling
I have an autotrol system and a brine tank with float. The tank is no longer reliably filling. I have replaced screens and filter in the autotrol head unit , which has fixed it in the past. However it is still not filling. I think it may have to do with the float, it looks like when the level is too low, it stops flow?? Water comes out of the tube to the tank if i disconnect it. Slow or not sure when its connected to the float. Any suggestions? - Scott 7/8/12
Reply:
Scott look over the brine tank float switch info in the article above. The float should move freely up and down and the switch operates on float rise. If yours is stuck, clean the float vertical tube and all float parts and switch and try again - or replace The switch if needed.
Question: how can I shut off the water softener?
water softner i unpluged the unit and it still runs water through it is there is there somethig i can do to shut off water from going through the system untill i can get someone to look at it - Robert Clem 8/1/12
Reply:
Robert,
Put the water softener on bypass. (BYPASS VALVE)
Also see DIAGNOSE SOFTENER BACKUP / FLOODING.
Question: Culligan 50 series softener that is continually draining water
I have a Culligan 50 series softener that is continually draining water. There is a plastic tube out the top that goes direct to the main house drain and recently we noticed there is a steady stream coming from it.
I tried to put in by pass and can't move the spool. - NH 8/8/12
Reply:
NH
I'd need to see a photo to be sure we are talking about the same component but it sounds as if you are describing a leak at the water / brine line between the brine tank and the water softener. That line might leak either when the system is pumping water into the brine tank to make brine, or when the system is in regeneration cycle and is pumping salty water back through the water conditioner. Take a close look to see exactly what's leaking and replace those parts - it should be an inexpensive "screw-together" repair.
See DIAGNOSE SOFTENER BACKUP / FLOODING for diagnostic & repair procedures for this problem.
Question: Culligan HE (with aquasensor), 9" model
Hi, I have a Culligan HE (with aquasensor), 9" model (1 cu ft of resin). The board on the control unit does all the calculations for salt dosage and even has default settings for backwash time, brine draw-rinse and fast-rinse times based on the hardness value I input (around 14 GPG in our city). The current (default) settings for backwash, brine draw-rinse and fast-rinse for 14 GPG is 5 min, 62 min, and 5 min, respectively. I want to ensure that enough time is set to a) backwash to clear the resin bed of any debris without fluidizing the resin and losing media, b) rinse out any excess regenerant solution (fast-rinse) and I am concerned that 5 mins for backwash and 5 min for fast-rinse is not sufficient. Can you recommend a better setting? We are currently set to Proportional Brining and both our flow meter and aqua-sensor can trigger regen. Thanks! - Julie 9/15/12
Reply:
Julie, forgive me for not understanding, but if you know the water hardness and are using that input and then selecting the manufacturer's recommended settings, I'm unclear why you'd want to make a change - are you using recommended settings but seeing a problem?
Question: Ecowater Softener and Filter system large backwash quantities
I have an Ecowater Softener and Filter system. Both units use an incredible amount of water to backwash. I am on a very undependable well and every gallon counts. Can you collect and use backwash water rather than wasting it? Is the backwash water contaminated or salinated to the point where it could damage crops or flowers? - Ed 10/10/2012
Reply:
Ed:
I suspect it's a bad idea and that the salt level will be a bit high for watering plants, but I will research the question and update this Q&A. Meanwhile check your water hardness against the water conditioner regen settings to be sure you ar not wasting water unnecessarily.
Water Softener Electronic Control Setting Procedure
Question: How do I set the Water Softener Controls on a Sears Kenmore Electronic Unit?
My water conditioner is a Kenmore model that uses an electronic control rather than dials, levers and pins. How do I set that control?
Reply:
To set a Kenmore water conditioner electronic control try these basic steps. If these instructions don't match your unit contact us by email with your brand and model number and we'll help you find those instructions. [18]
- Select button: Find the Hardness Setting by pressing the Select Button on your water conditioner control box until you see the control display flash the word Hardness and a number. The number is the current hardness setting of your requipment.
- Choose the conrol setting number: The default setting on a typical Kenmore water softener with this control type is 25. The electronic control setting number to which you should set the electronic control on your water conditioner is either
- Grains per gallon of hardness (if your system does not include an iron treatment component)
or
- Control Setting Number calculated as follows:
For a typical Kenmore water conditioner instructions indicate
Hardness Number = GPG of hardness (grains per gallon of hardness)
Iron Number = Iron ppm x 5
Control setting = Hardness Number + Iron Number
If you don't know what hardness number you want, see our discussion about hardness numbers in the article above or use the test kits we describe to determine the hardness of your water supply. For Kenmore customers Sears offers a free water hardness and water iron test.
- Arrow Button: press the Up or Down buttons to change the current Control Setting Number to the setting you want
To continue with other settings on this type of machine,
- Select button: press the Select Button again to show Recharge Time . T
- Choose the Recharge Time of Day: this setting determines the time of day at which the system will run through a regeneration cycle. The factory default is 2:00 AM - which we recommend unless you are often using building water at that hour. Use the up or down arrows to change the recharge time in one-hour increments.
To continue with other settings on this type of machine,
- Select Button: press the Select button again to show Set Salt Level
- Choose the Current Brine Tank Salt Level: open the brine tank, note the yellow sticker that has numbers 0-8 imprinted on it. Choose the salt level to match the highest number on the decal to which the salt is actually present in the brine tank. This setting tells the water softener how much salt is in the brine tank and thus will allow the equipment to tell you (on its display) when the salt level is low - when you need to add more salt to the system.
- Select Button: use the Select Button once more to finish up setting the Kenmore water softener control by pressing it again to show the current time of day.
- Set the water softener clock to correct time of day: if the clock is not displaying the corret time, you can also use the Select Button to choose Set Time of Day, then set the correct time using the up and down buttons.
Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia
Questions & answers or comments about water softener controls, adjustments, timers, salt dose setting, regeneration frequency setting
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- [1] A.I. McDermott Co., Inc. produces the AquaSoft series of water softeners including the AquaSoft Pro-Plus 460-series water softeners Pro 255, Pro Performa 400, Pro 460i, Logix, and CL softeners. Here is an example water softener manual for the Aquasoft Pro Plus water softener with the 460i Controllers such as PES32M268-MP - web search 09/11/2010, original source: http://www.gewater.com/pdf/resdntl/manuals/1017948.pdf describing a General Electric GE-produced control.
- [2] Autotro® 255 Valve / 400 Series Controls, Water Conditioning Control System, Home Owner Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual, Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC, 2009
- [3] Autotrol® Series 255 Valve / 460i Water Conditioning Control System, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual, web search 09/01/2010 original source: http://www.qualitywatertreatment.com/PDF/Autotrol%20255-460i_Manual.pdf
- [4] Aquatell (Nelsen Corporation) produces Autotrol Water Conditioners. Email: sales@aquatell.com Tel: Toll Free 1-866-966-9951 Website: Toll Free 1-866-966-9951 Website: http://www.aquatell.com/
- [5] "Commercial Water Softener Installation and Operating Instructions", IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia) for commercial, industrial and residential application www.ibcwater.com.au (07) 3219 2233
- [6] Culligan System 19 and 23 Water Conditioners (Filament Wound Tank) Installation and Operating Instructions, Cat. No. 00-8816-57 (Printed 6/89), Culligan INternational Company, Northbrook IL. 60062, San Bernadino CA 92402, Culligan NV/Brussels, Belgium, Culligan Italiana SpA/Bologna, Italy, Culligan of Canada, Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5K 1A5
- [7] Culligan Mark 10 Water Softener 1994-1998 Installation and Operating Instructions (covering models manufactured after 1995) (1-96) 01881948.pdf available from www.culligan.com
- [8] "Non electric water softener,
Installation and Operating Instructions", IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia), op.cit.
- [9] North Dakota Standards for Water Softeners, North Dakota General Authority Law, Chapter 62-04-08, Water Softener Units http://www.legis.nd.gov/information/acdata/pdf/62-04-08.pdf. "The objective of this chapter is to provide a standard of quality, capacity,
and performance for water softener units. Water softener performance
is to be based upon referee tests procedures described in section
62-04-08-09."
- [10] Water Hardness Table used in this article series originated with but was edited and added to from http://www.bestfish.com/tips/110598.html and also from http://www.water-research.net/hardness.htm
- [11] "Water Softener Twin Tank Installation and Operating Instructions", IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia), op.cit.
- [12] Water Softeners, CMHC, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/wawa/wawa_005.cfm - October 2008. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation acknowledges the contribution of Health Canada to the development of this document. For further questions regarding water treatment and water quality, contact Health Canada at watereau@hc-sc.gc.ca or call 613-957-2991 or 1-866-225-0709.
- [13] Watts Industries of North Andover, Mass., provides its ZRO-4 under counter system intended to target the independent water dealer market.
- [14] Thanks to reader M.P. for discussing the requirement to adjust the float level in water softener brine tanks - January 2011
- [15] Kinetico Model 50 Water Conditioner, 2002, Kinetico Home Water Systems, 10845 Kinsman Road
Newbury, Ohio 44065
USA, Tel: 800-944-9283. Kinetico also produces the AquaKinetic Series and Powerline Series Water Softeners.
- [16] Treatment Systems for Household Water Supplies, Iron and manganese Removal, Bruce Seelig, Water Quality Specialist, North Dakota Extension Service
Russell Derickson, Extension Associate in Water and Natural Resources, South Dakota Extension Service
Fred Bergsrud, Water Quality Coordinator, Minnesota Extension Service, AE-1030, County Commissions, North Dakota State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Web search 04/16/2012, original source: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/h2oqual/watsys/ae1030w.htm [copy on file as /Water/Iron_Manganese_Removal_NDSU.pdf]
- [17] Averbeck, David, Mike Catanzaro, Jason Davis, Andrew Warnes, "Softener Discharge Versus Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Units", Water Conditioning & Purification, Feb. 2010
[
copy on file as Water_Softener_Vs_Septic_Averbeck.pdf ]
- Alhajjar, Bashar Jamil, 1981, The Effects of Electrolyte Concentration, Cation Adsorption Ratio, and the Septic Tank Effluent Composition on Hydraulic Properties of Natural Swelling Soil Systems, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Corey, R.B., and Tyler, E.J., 1978, Potential Effects of Water Softener Use on Septic Tank Soil Absorption On-Site Waste Water Systems, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Corey, R.B., Tyler, E.J. and Olotu, M.U., 1978. Effects of Water Softener Use
on the Permeability of Septic Tank Seepage Fields. Proceedings of the Second
National Home Sewage Treatment Symposium. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI.
- DalTech Dalhousie University. 2001. The Effect of Softeners on Onsite
Wastewater Systems, Centre for Water Resources Studies, On-Site Applied
Research Program, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2001.
- Deal, K, 1998. Analysis of Septic System Failure in Gallatin County Montana,
MSU Extension Service.
- Etzel, J.E., 1978. Softener Brines Do Not Harm Household Sewage Systems,
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
- Isaacs, W.P., and Stockton, G.R., 1981. Softened Water Energy Savings
Study Controlled Experimental Testing Program on Household Water Heaters,
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM.
- Great Lakes Upper Mississippi River Board of State Sanitary Engineers,
1980. Recommended Standards for Individual Sewage Systems.
- Renn, C.E., Effects of Salts on Waste Treatment Systems, Johns Hopkins
University.
- Tedrow, J.C.F., 1997. The Effect of Sodium Discharge from Water Softeners
into the Septic Fields of New Jersey, Rutgers University.
- NSF International, 1978. The Effect of Home Water Softener Waste Regeneration
Brines on Individual Aerobic Treatment Plants.
- Michaud, C.F., 2005. “What’s the Big Stick on Septic Discharge?”,
WC&P Magazine, May 2005.
- National Small Flows Clearinghouse, Pipeline, Winter 2001.
- Water Quality Association. 1976. Effects of Backwash Water and Regeneration
Wastes from Household Water Conditioning Equipment on Private
Sewage Disposal Systems.
15. Wood, F.O., The Results of Putting Brine Effluent Into a Septic Tank Drainage System, Salt Institute, Alexandria, VA, 1984.
- [18] Kenmore Water Softener Use & Care Guide, Model 635.383000 (with a high flow valve), retrieved 2/14/2013, original source: http://c.sears.com/assets/own/896150e.pdf [ copy on file as Kenmore_Softener_No.625.383_Manual.pdf ]
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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- Inspecting Septic Systems: Online Book, Inspection, Test, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: our Online Septic Book: Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, details of onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, repair procedures.
- Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389 (2006). Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going for homeowners but is a text I recommend for professionals--DF.
- Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP;
Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.
- Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP;
Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc.
Design Manuals for Septic Systems
