OK. I have been told to put the atomizer valve back into the system so the iron can get bigger with the air being entered into the system. This will help my style of iron trap really pull the iron out better than it is now because it will be bigger and easier for the iron trap to grab.
I have also added a 1/2 cup of “iron out” to my salt tank and regenerated my softener to help pull any iron out that the iron trap was letting through. I may add a 1/2 cup every two months or so to help keep my softener clean. Just an extra step to help. Is this worth it?
I was told that the “Iron Breaker” would not solve my problem by another company that sells them in my area. He also told me that my copper pipes are really old and that I was the first homeowner to address the iron problem, so, the pipes have iron in them on the walls. This has built up over many years. I can attest to this build up. I have had to remove copper pipe and they were coated with iron. It flushed out easily so I do not know why it does not flush out on its own. “Maybe it is” he said.
OK. With this done and my media in the iron tank changed about a year ago, am I on the right track? We are going to be doing an addition and the copper pipe work will need to be replaced. I am trying to get it all replaced so we can start fresh.
I was also told to “not shock the well” as this is the last resort and iron is not bacteria, so the shock treatment will not help that.
Any recommendations on what I can do or is there anything that will help make my system better and the iron go away for good, other than what I was planning an above?
Last question, I am going to send you two water samples for testing. One from the “Y” screen that will have iron in it and one from the water source after the iron trap and softener. Are these the two areas you would want me to take the samples from? If not, where should I take them from?
What will you test for? There was one guy on here who had his water tested for 12 different things. Can you do that for me so we have a complete test to rule out any other problems or concerns?
Thanks in advance for your time. I do really appreciate it. –G
Answer: The inline atomizer (venturi) may be causing the oxidized iron particulate to agglomerate and form larger particles that are easier for your “iron trap” to capture, but these devices can cause other problems. Inline venturies (also called micronizers) severely restrict the internal pipe diameter at the point of installation, creating substantial backpressure, and possibly causing well pump failure over time. Precipitated iron may clog the well supply line and pressure tank. It is also likely that the iron deposits you are finding within your piping are due to the heavy precipitation caused by this device, and not just that the pipes are older.
We would recommend that you continue to treat your softener with Iron Out as this will aid in the removal of accumulated iron from the resin bed.
We are not sure why you were told the Iron Breaker would not resolve the problem, but proper application of this system depends on the available flow rate, iron concentration, type of iron present, and pH level of your water. It is possible that one of these variables would prohibit the use of an Iron Breaker, but it is important to remember that this system works in the same way as your atomizer (oxidation by air), but without any the disadvantage as mentioned above – possibly your pH or available water flow rate is too low.
If you send our laboratory a sample of your water for our free analysis, we will measure, hardness, iron (and iron species), pH level, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Instructions for sampling your water and the mailing address are available on any of our websites. Based on this analysis, we will be pleased to make an equipment recommendation for your application – be sure to let us know what equipment is already installed, your pipe diameter, and the number of residents in your home. Take a sample of your raw water with all treatment equipment (including the atomizer) off line. Thanks!