cantbreak80
Maybe I need new clubs
My 15 year old Bruner twin water softener system lost it?s mind. The obsolete IQS/3 controllers quit communicating?requiring a change from 2-tank alternating to single tank parallel operation.
Then, the capacity dropped from 12,000 gallons to less than 8,000 gallons. Troubleshooting found significantly lowered brine draw. I disassembled and cleaned all the associated components to no avail... and finding replacement parts has become quite difficult (read obsolete, again).
Not wishing to spend $4K on a new softener system, I started tinkering?with a SmartRelay, three solenoid valves, a Flojet pump, some fittings and poly tubing.
My system now pumps brine into the softeners...restoring each softener to their expected 12,000 gallon capacity?YEA!
With that success, I added one more money saving feature?a brine reclaim system. Using a 3-way Erie zone valve, I programmed the Smartrelay to redirect the last 15 minutes of slow rinse back into the brine tank?refilling the tank with strong brine that usually just runs down the drain. And, to reduce the possibility of calcium saturation reducing the brine?s effectiveness, I added a counter to the program?eliminating the brine reclaim every fourth regeneration cycle.
So, for less than $500, I?ve restored and extended the life of my obsolete softener system and reduced salt consumption by at least 50%...(over 1800 lbs of salt savings annually?8 fewer trips to Sam?s Club?and considerably less wear and tear on my wimpy back muscles.)
Then, the capacity dropped from 12,000 gallons to less than 8,000 gallons. Troubleshooting found significantly lowered brine draw. I disassembled and cleaned all the associated components to no avail... and finding replacement parts has become quite difficult (read obsolete, again).
Not wishing to spend $4K on a new softener system, I started tinkering?with a SmartRelay, three solenoid valves, a Flojet pump, some fittings and poly tubing.
My system now pumps brine into the softeners...restoring each softener to their expected 12,000 gallon capacity?YEA!
With that success, I added one more money saving feature?a brine reclaim system. Using a 3-way Erie zone valve, I programmed the Smartrelay to redirect the last 15 minutes of slow rinse back into the brine tank?refilling the tank with strong brine that usually just runs down the drain. And, to reduce the possibility of calcium saturation reducing the brine?s effectiveness, I added a counter to the program?eliminating the brine reclaim every fourth regeneration cycle.
So, for less than $500, I?ve restored and extended the life of my obsolete softener system and reduced salt consumption by at least 50%...(over 1800 lbs of salt savings annually?8 fewer trips to Sam?s Club?and considerably less wear and tear on my wimpy back muscles.)
