Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 27, 2025 ...

Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

October 02, 2013, 09:57:54 pm

We are using our "On the Go" water softener by filling the freshwater tank and using the pump.  We will be changing our outside filter from charcoal to straight filter membrane so we can keep the chlorine in the water.  The filter under the sink is charcoal activated and that should take any chlorine taste or smell away.  I plan on cleaning the freshwater tank every six months or so.

Wondering how you folks, that have one, use it.

Thanks for your input.  



 

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #1 – October 03, 2013, 09:40:26 am

I use two filters, 1-sediment & 1-microb + a pressure reducer, then water the softener. I fill my water tank and use the water in my tank for everyday use. I also use the filter under the sink which taste fine. Once a year I will pump vinegar into the lines and let it set overnight. I turn off the under sink filter so the vinegar won't contaminate it. I then purge the vinegar with water and the system is clean. This removes any deposits through out the system. This also cleans the mixing valve in my Hydro-Hot system. This works for me.

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #2 – October 03, 2013, 12:59:50 pm

Thanks Atom6 for your input.  Have not gone to a two filter system yet.

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #3 – October 03, 2013, 02:03:43 pm

@Scott Check out isopurewater.com. They have the best selection and prices. You will have to design your on systems though. They are geared for homes not RVs. I recommend the white 10 inch canisters. The clear one are nice since you can see when the filters are dirty but they promote algae if left in the sun and develop cracks over time. I replaced 2 before I changed out to white canisters. Start here. Water Filter Housings | Canisters | Cartridge - IsopureWater.com  and then here Water Filter Parts | Reverse Osmosis (RO) | Fittings | Brackets | Faucets |. Or you can go to RV Water Filter Store: Standard Filter Canisters for Whole RV they have kits for slightly more money. The owner is a full timer and is very helpful.

see ya
ken

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #4 – October 03, 2013, 03:57:45 pm

We use a system that is similar to atom6 and have been very satisfied with the results. We also acid wash with vinegar on a regular basis to remove mineral buildup.  The water softener works well and reduces the amount of mineral build up but with water so hard that you have to chew before you can swallow it we still do a vinegar wash about once a year.

Pamela & Mike
 

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #5 – October 03, 2013, 09:18:12 pm

Thanks Ken - and Pamela & Mike.  I have been using Chlorine to clean.  Why do you like Vinegar?

Ken - Are you guys headed south yet?  Say hi To Dori for us.

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #6 – October 03, 2013, 09:54:47 pm

@Scott we are in Puyallup through this week then up to LaConner for a while. Plan to stay in PNW through October then head south.

see ya
ken

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #7 – October 03, 2013, 11:21:44 pm

How do you do a vinegar wash?

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #8 – October 04, 2013, 06:16:05 am

Use a winterizing pump to add a gallon of vinegar to the city water hose.  Pump until you smell vinegar at all faucets, toilet and W/D.  This is very important if you travel in hard water areas.

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #9 – October 05, 2013, 12:44:39 pm

Carol & Scott

We use at the same set up that Brett just described. Our unit takes about 1-1/2 gallons of vinegar. The purpose  is to remove mineral build up in the brass fittings that are in the water system.  Chlorine is for sanitation and doesn't dissolve the minerals that can build up in the system.

Pamela & Mike

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #10 – October 05, 2013, 01:40:32 pm

Quote

Why do you like Vinegar?

I'm thinkin' vinegar is a great way to go. Check out my old hot water tank.
jor

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #11 – October 05, 2013, 02:29:26 pm

This is what I use,  softcellwater.com  It uses regular softener salt. Have only had it for about a month. I like the idea of using softener salt and think the regenerating process is simple enough, (explained on the web site). Got the idea from a guy in our local FMCA chapter who has used his for a long time.   

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #12 – October 05, 2013, 09:55:38 pm

Pamela & Mike - thanks - now I know what the Vinegar does. Duh.....

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #13 – October 06, 2013, 01:17:18 pm

We use the Mark 8000.  Uses regular table salt.

Quote Selected

Re: Question of the day - Water Softener Use -

Reply #14 – October 06, 2013, 04:44:30 pm

White Vinegar can be used for many many things.  I use it almost exclusively now for cleaning (even an outboard carborator this week.)

http://www.vinegartips.com/scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=7

Quote Selected