Whirlpool WHES40 Installation And Operation Manual page 7

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Iron in water can cause stains on clothing and plumbing fixtures. It can negatively affcct the taste
of tk)od, 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 (fcrrous or fcrric).
*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 specificatkms). 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 t ppm of Ferrous (clear water) iron. See "Set Water Hardness Number" section.
Ferric (red water), and bacterial and organically bound irons are insoluble. This water softener will
not remove fcrric 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 tk_r a period of time, the particles settle to the
bottom of the container. Generally these irons are removed from water by filtration. Chlorination
is also recommended for bacterial iron.
Colloidal and inorganically bound iron is of fcrric or fcrrous 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.
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 teed pump are usually recommended to treat acid water.
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.