Carbon replacement - How often should you replace the carbon in a whole house unit?

QUESTION: How often should you replace the carbon in a whole house unit? My tank measures 10" x 54" and the water coming out is clear and odorless. I called one local company and they told me "never" unless there are problems or a noticeable change in the water quality and that back washing cleans the carbon. I've purchased parts from you folks before for my Autotrol systems. I am looking for an unbiased answer ? ANSWER:

*** They are on the right track, and much more honest then most companies ( most companies try to get you to do it every year whether it's necessary or not ).

The fact of the matter is, It Really Depends.

What is the carbon being used for?

What is it "removing" from the water?

And how much of "that" is in the water ( i.e. chlorine, iron, color, hydrogen sulfide odor, etc )?

And how much water is being used ( quantity or number of persons in household )?

** In best cases, the carbon can last 10 years ( in cases where you did not really need the carbon in the first place ).

** In worse cases ( lots of water used, and lots of iron, or chlorine, or hydrogen sulfide in the water ), every year.

Average is about 5 years.

see:

http://www.softnerparts.com/product/23A800912/

and

http://softenerparts.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-replace-media-carbon-birm.html

Fleck Valve Leaking to Drain Continuously

Fleck valves use pistons and internal seals to control water flow through the control valve head. When water continuously flows out the drain hose, and the unit has finished the regeneration process ( IN SERVICE position ), it is usually a "bad" or "worn" SEAL, and replacing the Seals & Spacers is required. It is also normal to change the Main Piston at the same time, as age will effect this part over the years, and as long as you have the valve a part, it makes sense to put a new piston in at the same time.

Occasionally, the problem is because the valve is STUCK in Regeneration, and this either means the drive / timer motor has failed, or the valve is in need of new Pistons & Seals due to excessive drag. And this is normal, and comes with age. The harsher the water being treated, the sooner, and more often, this rebuilding would be required to prevent the valve from getting STUCK in one of the regeneration cycles.

Common Valves and parts are:
Fleck 5600 uses Seals & Spacers kit 60125, and Softener Piston of 60102-10 ( note backwashing and iron filters may use 60102-10 instead ).

Fleck 1500, 2500, 2510 uses Seals & Spacers kit 60121, and Piston is 60090.

You'll find all these parts under Fleck Repair Parts on our website.
Also, directions and videos for many Fleck repairs under Do It Yourself Repairs.