Water Filter/Softener

majfrizz · 05-01-2010, 06:54 PM

I also have a Jayco 5W I have parked at a campground since I bought it new. The campground has well water for our use. Most of us have filters which are changed monthly do to the rusty & hard water, and then a few of us have portable water softener for RVs. The question is from the water hookup to the RV, which should go first. The filter or the softener, I have tried it both ways and not sure which work better. If i have the filter first, i am replacing it more often then if it comes after the softener. not sure if there is much difference in the output for internal use. And yes I know I will get answers both ways, but just wnated to see what others migth think. It does lower the pressure big time, but what a difference in water quality. I know using them both also helps the water lines in the RV.

bdpreece · 05-01-2010, 07:57 PM

Having some type of a sediment filter first will prolong the life of the water softener.

Clay L · 05-02-2010, 11:50 AM

Agree - put the filter first to keep sediment out of the softener. The filters are a lot cheaper than the resin in the softener.
We use a GE Smart Water whole house filter and five micron charcoal filters. The cartridges last from two to three months so depending on the water quality and cost about $13 for two cartridges at Home Depot.

Roadking · 05-05-2010, 06:53 PM

Bob: If you have a lot of iron (rust) in the water then when you add the salt to do a regen also add about 2 tablespoons of a product called IRON-OUT to the softner. The Iron-Out is available at places like ACE hardware and of course, wally-world. You can also use a product called "Softchek hardness test strips" to determine when, or how frequently, the softner needs regen'd. The test strips work great and I've never had any luck using a "total dissolved solids" (TDS) meter.