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toukeki

New Water Softener Causing Decreased Water Pressure

toukeki
12 years ago

After the recent install of our Fleck 7000SXT we have noticed a decrease in the water pressure throughout the house. So much so, that we have to be careful not to flush a toilet or run any additional water while someone is using the shower. It is becoming quite a problem with two teens in the house and we need to figure out a solution as soon as possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Comments (10)

  • justalurker
    12 years ago

    Was this a problem from day one or has it just happened?

    Make ABSOLUTELY sure that the softener is plumbed correctly. That is, that the service (in) and return (out) are not reversed at the softener.

    Check that the bypass valve knobs on the 7000SXT are set to full service and not partially turned. The bypass has to have BOTH knobs oriented correctly. Look in the 7000 manual for a diagram.

    If neither of those things are wrong then set the softener bypass on bypass and see if full water pressure returns to the house. If full pressure returns to the house with the softener on bypass then something is wrong IN the softener. Call the dealer who sold and installed it.

    Let us know what you find...

  • andy_c
    12 years ago

    I assume you are on well water, right? Does your pressure tank have a pressure gauge? What is the high/low range? What size plumbing do you have? 3/4"? 1/2" to the faucets?

  • justalurker
    12 years ago

    If you still have the sediment filter installed between the water pump and softener remove the element and leave the housing empty. That can easily be causing your pressure loss.

    Unless you have a sediment problem you don't need the filter. If you must have it then install pressure gauges before and after the filter housing so you can monitor the pressure loss across the filter and KNOW when it needs to have the element changed.

  • toukeki
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Thanks andy and justalurker for responding. I just got in and read your posts. I'll get back to you with answers as soon as I can. Thanks again.

  • bus_driver
    12 years ago

    It is to be noted that the pressure drop across a filter will show on the gauges only with water flowing through the filter, water being used in the residence. Unless the filter is completely clogged, the pressures on both sides of the filter will be the same when no water is flowing.
    My well produces both "sand" and finer matter. For good or bad, I have a 25 micron filter plus a 5 micron filter in series. The pressure drop is not much until the filters are really clogged. They require changing about every 11 months. Water for the outside faucets is taken from the 25 micron filter as the sand clogged and ruined a lawn sprinkler once. Household water is from the 5 micron output.

  • peoplelover
    12 years ago

    As your water has to go through all that salt and resin it often reduces the water flow. I highly recommend the Scalewatcher hard water treatment system. It is electronic, and very easy to install, requiring no adjustments to the plumbing- and no bags of salt.
    I am thrilled with the efficacy of this machine- (and it's maintenance free). I got it from
    aquagenesisusa.com - good customer service, great deals and free shipping

    Here is a link that might be useful: Aqua Genesis

  • asolo
    12 years ago

    No end to the pricks.

  • justalurker
    12 years ago

    Glad you found the problem and it sounds like you have the solution. When it comes to whole house filters... go BIG or don't filter.

    Some high quality pleated filters can be cleaned and reused.