Water Filter/Softener

[dazza]

I don't wash my car at home as the water is sh*t. Last time i had to polish the car as there were so many water marks.

I have a water filter system in the garage but its disconnected.

Anyone have any ideas how this works and what i could do to get it going? Salt container is empty. Inline filter looks well dirty. The large tank on the right seems to work when i plug it in.

[lukemk5gti]

I don't wash my car at home as the water is sh*t. Last time i had to polish the car as there were so many water marks.

I have a water filter system in the garage but its disconnected.

Anyone have any ideas how this works and what i could do to get it going? Salt container is empty. Inline filter looks well dirty. The large tank on the right seems to work when i plug it in.

I use those water softener systems in work for electrochlorination and I wouldn't personally hook it up for car washing.

If you did happen to choose to do so you can buy the salt in 25kg bags in most hardware stores. Throw in about 2 or 3 bags and cover with water.

You'll have to let it absorb for a day or so depending on temperature.

That filter might need to be replace entirely, if not then take out the strainer and clean it off. Clean everything out and fit back together and it's good to go.

I'd personally just go for an inline carbon filter direct off your tap fitting. That should take most of the contaminants out

[dazza]

Surly if i can get this to work it will be better than an inline one?

Its not totally cut off just need to turn two taps to get it going.

[lukemk5gti]

My personal preference would be inline, not only for the car but for actual drinking water so it would kill 2 birds with the one stone.

If you want to save a few £ then clean this one out, hook it up and just use it on the car!

Inline filters do need to be replaced regularly due to PAC being used up effectively so they cost more.

Take the filter apart first before you progress!

[dazza]

Thanks mate i will see if i can get it going. The water here is not drinkable so its just for washing the car.

[lukemk5gti]

Then go for it absolutely! Typically those filters are easy enough to disassemble and clean out. Worst case scenario you might need a replacement.

Also worth noting for others, contrary to popular belief those salt tablets will not leave salt in the final water used for washing the car. It's an ion swap so the water coming out providing you get your conditions right is grand!

Give me a shout if it's not working!

Also you could even get that water tested for your own sake afterwards.

[flashp]

I rinse mine down with RO water which I buy from Maidenhead Aquatics. 20L is less than £3. Make sure you tell them not to add minerals. I get 3 rinses from 20L. RO systems are expensive to buy and maintain correctly for infrequent use like car washing. The water is 99+% pure, some deionise as well. They'll even sell you 10L containers which make it easy to handle.

Water softeners do not necessarily remove minerals which cause deposits when allowed to dry in place.

I have a mains water supply softener installed and dried deposits is exactly what happens if you let it sun dry. The PH value is low so there is no lime scale but deposits will happen.

[dazza]

The problem here although i try and wash the car in the morning or evening is that it dries so quick. I doubt this will make a difference. But for €7 for some salt its worth a try.

Currently i'm washing at the coin op drying. Driving back to the house then use a quick detailer followed by wax.

[dazza]

I've filled the salt and set the system to recharge. It's taking fooking ages. The tank is leaking a bit, i'm interested to see if there will be a noticeable difference.

[lukemk5gti]

You referenced euro there @dazza

Are you not UK based?

If you increase the temperature of the water it will increase solubility so throw a few kettles of hot water on top maybe.

It would take a day at least though. 

I used quick steel (I think it's called) to seal a leaking water tank and it worked. Cures under water so you can do it without draining

[dazza]

I'm in Barcelona, The leak is coming from the control part at the top. If i wash the car tomorrow and it seems better i may take it apart and have a look at whats going on.

I will probably run the recycle again with a couple of kettles of hot water tomorrow (thanks for the tip) and get a new filter. The water seems slipperier still a lot of floaty bits though.

Even when i wash one panel at a time i get watermarks hopefully there will be an improvement. If not i will carry on at the coin op. Its ok when the car is not that dirty but sometimes it needs a proper wash with a bucket or two.

[KieranED30]

Good luck dazza hope it works for you 

[dazza]

The truth is i want a snow foam lance 

Never seen anyone else here washing a car on the street. I've had some funny looks already cant wait to get the snow foam out.

[garrardrj]

Softened water will still leave water marks , we have had a water softener for 20 years  .... You need de ionised water that the window cleaners use . There is a piece about it on Detailing world . http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=353146

[dazza]

This is a good read. So by the looks of it i need a DI resin vessel. The resin in these is replaced rather than recharged with salt.

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=104955&highlight=DI+resin+vesse