Whirlpool WHES40 User Manual

Page 7

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2. Iron in water can cause stains on clothing and plumbing fixtures. It can negatively affect the taste

of food, drinking water, and other beverages. Iron in water is measured in parts per million (ppm).

The total* ppm of iron, and type or types*, is determined by chemical analysis. Four different types

of iron in water are:

Ferrous (clear water).
Ferric (red water).

Bacterial and organically bound iron.

Colloidal and inorganically bound iron (ferrous or ferric).

* Water may contain one or more of the four types of iron and any combination of these. Total iron

is the sum of the contents.

Ferrous (clear water) iron is soluble and dissolves in water. This water softener will remove

moderate amounts of this type of iron (see specifications). Ferrous (clear water) iron is usually

detected by taking a sample of water in a clear bottle or glass. Immediately after taking, the sample

is clear. As the water sample stands, it gradually clouds and turns slightly yellow or brown as air

oxidizes the iron. This usually occurs in 15 to 30 minutes.

When using the softener to remove Ferrous (clear water) iron, add 5 grains to the hardness setting

for every 1 ppm of Ferrous (clear water) iron. See “Set Water Hardness Number” section.

Ferric (red water), andbacterial and organically bound irons are insoluble. This water softener will

not remove ferric or bacterial iron. This iron is visible immediately when drawn from a faucet

because it has oxidized before reaching the home. It appears as small cloudy yellow, orange, or

reddish suspended particles. After the water stands for a period of time, the particles settle to the

bottom of the container. Generally these irons arc removed from water by filtration. Chlorination

is also recommended for bacterial iron.

Colloidal and inorganically bound iron is of ferric or ferrous form that will not filter or exchange

out of water. This water softener will not remove colloidal iron. In some instances, treatment may

improve colloidal iron water. Colloidal iron water usually has a yellow appearance when drawn.

After standing for several hours, the color persists and the iron does not settle, but remains

suspended in the water.

3. Acidity or acid water is caused by carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. This water softener will

not improve an acid condition in water. Acid water can be corrosive to plumbing, plumbing

fixtures, water heaters, and other water using appliances. In can also damage and cause premature

failure of seals, diaphragms, etc., in water handling equipment.

A chemical analysis is needed to measure the degree of acidity in water. This is called the pH of

water. Water testing below 6.9 pH is acidic. The lower the pH reading, the greater the acidity. A

neutralizer filter or a chemical feed pump are usually recommended to treat acid water.

4. Sediment is fine, foreign material particles suspended in water. This water softener will not

remove sediment. This material is most often clay or silt. Extreme amounts of sediment may give

the water a cloudy appearance. A sediment filter installed ahead of the water softener normally

corrects this situation.

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