Sunday, January 31, 2010

Refilling when it should Sucking Water out of Salt Tank ( Brine Rinse cycle ) Fleck Valve

When Water is coming out of the Valve during the Brine Rinse Cycle ( when suction should be drawing water out, NOT putting water in ), there are several things to check / look for as the source of the problem.
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First, NOTE: There are several causes of High Water in the Brine Tank, see:
high-water-in-brine-tank-problems
But if you suspect an internal leak, or you have ruled out simple clogs or loose fitting, then you need to look a little further.
Internal leakage would be visible, in the form of Scratched Main Piston ( any Fleck model ), or damaged ( visibly noticeable ) or dried out ( due to age - over 10 years or more )rubber SEALS ( in the Seals & Spacers area of the Main Piston ), or Visibly cracked Injector Nozzle or Throat ( you must remove BOTH for proper inspection, as it would be either portion damaged ).
see: Inspecting Injector and Screen video
If the parts check out, then it's time to check out your Drain Flow. You need to check the flow rate ( at the very END of your drain hose ). It should be 2 gpm ( average 9" diameter tank used, 8" = 1.5 gpm , 10" = 2.4 gpm ) during BACKWASH cycle ( not the Brine Rinse cycle, as that is always 50% less than the BACKWASH flow rate ).
If it is less, then the problem will be either the Drain Hose is partially clogged ( deposits of hardness and iron can build up inside over the years ), OR something is partially blocking the small hole in your DLFC Button.
see this Video on the subject: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvZMkWihusI
The fact that you have water flowing into the salt tank during the suction cycle can only be one of the following:
1 ) Badly scratched ( you would be able SEE this ) Main Piston
2 ) Badly damaged Seal in the main piston area ( or one missing, should be 5 seals and 4 spacers for Fleck 5600 )
3 ) Damaged Injector SET ( either the Nozzle or the Throat behind it is cracked...did you check both? )
4 ) Back pressure from the DRAIN ( either something blocking the DLFC button, or the drain hose it's self )

Monday, January 25, 2010

Dishwasher Glassware Etching Cause Explained

My glassware in the dishwasher looks spotty, why? The spotty or etched look is not deposits on the glass. It is the actual glass being "eaten" by the soap used. The detergent ( tri-sodium phosphate ) used to wash the dishes is the source of this problem. The combination of too much detergent ( because very little is actually needed when you have a water softener ), and the heat ( temperatures of 140 degrees or higher contribute to this reaction ). To stop this from happening, you must: 1 ) Use less detergent 2 ) Make sure the water temperature is less than 140 degress. For more technical answer, see: http://www.wqa.org/sitelogic.cfm?ID=351

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Shipping Questions: When, How Long, From Where, What Methods

All Items are Brand New - 99.5% IN STOCK for SAME DAY Shipping
We Do Not sell Used, Rebuilt or Refurbished Products.

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International Orders Welcomed ( weighing less than 10 lbs.).
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or Express Air Mail ( 5 - 10 days delivery depending on country ).
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For a QUOTE simply place items in your "Shopping Cart", then fill out your ship to address.
NOTE: In many countries you will be required to pay an Import or VAT duty upon delivery. This is NOT included in the price you pay us. It is a tax imposed and collected by your country. To determine the amount you will owe, you will need to check with your local authorities, or you might try this website,
Duty Calculator Web Link

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Orders should be placed using our secure on line shopping cart system.
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Our Mailing and Return Ship To Address is:

Softenerparts.com
752 Commerce DR Unit 12
Venice, FL 34292-1744
U.S.A.


We ship from primarily from Florida ( all small parts by U.S. Mail and some large items shipped by UPS ), but also from Ohio, and Arizona for UPS shipments of larger items over 10 lbs ( like Resins and Tanks ).

After Sale Customer Support
Phone number Emailed with your Order Receipt.
Non Customers should email their questions and we will assist with answers.
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday - Saturday,
and Sunday 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.


NOTE: Orders should be placed Online.
Click Here to E-mail Questions, support@softenerparts.com
* If you have questions about a particular order, please include your order number.

Shipping of Your Order and Returns

Our Mailing and Return Ship To Address is:

Softenerparts.com

752 Commerce DR Unit 12

Venice, FL, 34292-1744

U.S.A. Return Policy and Procedure

  • 90 day money back - Or exchange.

  • Only a 15 % restocking fee + shipping and handling cost if return is your mistake ( no restocking fee if the mistake is ours or you make a new "replacement" order with us, because you ended up needing a different part or an upgrade of your valve from us ).

  • 1 year warranty on non-electrical parts purchased ( some items have longer warranties ).

  • Most items shipped within 24 hours of your order receipt.

  • Warranties and replacements are handled through us, not the manufacturer ( though many parts can be warranted through a network of dealers handling Fleck or Autotrol Valves ).

  • To Return any item, simply ship back by method of your choosing and include a note explaining why you are returning the item. And an email letting us know how and when you ship package back to us, would be appreciated.

  • All returns must be unused and in unopened original packaging and include all items and manuals originally shipped ( unless it is a part covered under "warranty" and we are exchanging for new working replacement, then we would expect the part returned to be "used", and that's okay. We just don't want any "cartridge filters","RO Membranes", or Sealed Oring Kits returned that are Opened, Noticably Used, or Missing parts or printed directions, if you expect a refund.

  • Please include your Name and Original Order Number. And don't forget a note explaining why it's being returned. This will help us process your return quickly and issue any refund due.

  • We will either give you full credit towards an exchange or partial credit APPLIED directly to your credit card, PayPal account or send a refund by check ( whatever method you used to pay us, we will use to issue your refund or credit ). WHEN WILL ORDER BE SHIPPED? We try to ship the same day, if order received in time ( typically before 3 p.m. EST ). When orders include both heavy items and small parts, the order may be divided ( small parts mailed, and heavy items shipped UPS Ground ).

    A Shipping Notification with Delivery Confirmation or UPS Tracking Number will be emailed the day your order is shipped. Non Customers should email their questions - free assistance by email. Be sure to check your SPAM or BULK mail folders, as replies from us can end up there ( until you add us to your address book ).

    NOTE: Orders should be placed Online.

    Info on WHY email is preferred over Phone calls.

    Click Here to E-mail Questions, support@softenerparts.com

    * If you have questions about a particular order, please include your order number.

  • Twin Alternating Brine Failure on ONE Tank Only

    If your system uses one the twin alternating control valves ( common models are Fleck 9000, 9100, 8500, TwinFlo 100E, and Fleck 9500 ), and the Brine Suction cycle is failing to draw up the Brine from the Salt tank when unit is operating off one tank, but okay on the other ( i.e. when on Tank 1, works great, but when switches to tank 2, brine suction is not created ),
    THEN, the problem is an internal leak of the LOWER Piston & Seals ( or cage rotor on the 8500 ).
    Replacing these ( Lower Main Piston and Seals & Spacers Kit - Cage Rotor on 8500 ) should solve the problem.
    While a rare problem to have, I just had another customer call about this exact problem.
    Thus, the new article explaining this unique repair issue.

    A Single Tank ( valve on one Resin Tank ) System will also fail to draw brine ( suction of the salt water ) if the valve has internal seal problem.
    This is more common on the rotary type valves ( Ecowater's valve used in Sears Kenmore, GE Smartwater, North Star, and others ), but can occur on any older ( 10 plus years ) valve, due to worn out Piston & Seal ( Fleck models ) and Valve Disc ( Autotrol Models ). It's one of the half dozen reason listed in our # 1 FAQ article about high water in the brine tank ( because it is not sucking any out ).

    Friday, January 22, 2010

    Freeze Damage to Air Check Body Autotrol 255

    Recent Hard Freeze and Colder than normal Winter Temperatures have caused a lot of damage to the sight glass of the Autotrol water softener model 255.
    So be sure to check this part if you are having problems with high water in the brine tank, and no soft water in the home since these extreme low temperatures.
    The Air Check - New Style ( kit 1032416 or 1032417 = Air Check Kit, 1/4" Male ) used from about 1993 to present.
    Can NOT be used in place of the old style ( see part # AP36F ).
    Used only on late model Autotrol 155 and all 255 water softener valves.

    The part number on the Air Check body is listed in some manuals as 100C142-001 and some as 1031939.

    Previous part # 1032416 is listed as 1032417 in newer owners manuals for this Kit having 1/4" male thread output connection most commonly used, AND includes
    ( 1 ) clear air check body,
    (1 )black floating ball,(2 ) long screws, o-ring, and tube of silicone.

    NOTE: Be sure to use Teflon Tape or similar product ( like our Lock Leak ) on the male Threads of the Air Check ( where the female fitting must thread on to ). It is NECESSARY, or it will develop an "air" leak.

    Friday, January 8, 2010

    Average Salt Amount Needed and Normal Water Level In Brine Tank

    The amount of salt needed to properly recharge a water softener is mostly based on the amount of resins being recharged. 3/4 cu.ft. resin = 6 - 9 lbs. 1 cu.ft. resin = 8 - 10 lbs. 1.5 cu.ft resin = 12 - 15 lbs.

    Typically, 9 lbs for 8 - 9 inch tanks, and 12 lbs. of 10" tanks is average. If there is a lot of iron ( over 2 ppm ) or if the water is really hard ( over 25 grains ), then 2 - 4 lbs. extra should be used.

    So, an average residential system will use 6 - 12 lbs of salt per regeneration at least once a week. Very hard water, or water high in iron, may require regenerating every 2 or 3 days. The result is you will be using at least 30 - 40 lbs. of salt per month if hardness is not too high, or amount of water used low. Well water ( usually very hard and often containing iron ) will commonly require using 80 - 120 lbs. of salt per month. Simply multiply the pounds of salt per regeneration times the number of regenerations in a month to calculate your monthly average usage.

    P.S. If you run out of Salt, don't expect to have soft water after a few days. And it may take more than one regeneration to get the water feeling soft again once you've added salt. I recommend keeping the salt level above the water level in your Brine Tank. When you start seeing the water level ( normally between 6 - 12 inches ) then it's time to think about adding more salt ( 40 - 120 lbs. ). * Does it matter which type of salt is used? Pellets or solar salt crystals? Is one better than the other?
    * Either will work.
    Recommend the solar salt crystals as they dissolve 100%, as opposed to the Pellets that leave an un-dissolved residue in the bottom of the brine tank. And this residue builds up until is clogs the float of the brine water in and especially, out of the salt tank. Requiring that the tank be dumped, emptied, and re-filled with new salt ( plus 4 gallons new water ) every 1 - 2 years on average.