Katalox Stopped Working After 2 Weeks

[keefe007]

Hello!

I have well water in Southeastern Wisconsin. I was having issues with water (both cold and hot) smelling like rotten eggs. I do also see orange staining in the back of the toilets so I think I have low level iron bacteria.

After speaking with discount water systems they recommended the Katalox system. I purchased this model and installed it before my water softener: http://www.discountwatersofteners.c...ackwashing-katalox-filter-1-5-cubic-foot.html

It immediately fixed the iron taste and rotten egg smell. Then after two weeks the smell came right back. The system is set to regenerate every 3 days and I know that it is regenerating as it should.

How can I find this?

 

[Reach4]

I see they don't provide an oxidization provision, but in that URL they mention using oxidation for higher levels of iron. I would think this could benefit from a bleach solution from a solution being rinsed in during regeneration. My system that uses Centaur Carbon media has a solution tank that provides a bleach solution during regeneration. You might ask them about whether you would benefit from a solution tank.

For now, maybe you want to decrease the regen period to 2 days.

I suggest sanitizing your well and plumbing. Remember to include the water heater, but go easy on the softener. The first line of https://terrylove.com/forums/index....izing-extra-attention-to-4-inch-casing.65845/ has a link to a nice sanitizing article, but then I go into my possibly-overkill extension.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[keefe007]

I'm having trouble getting support from discountwatersofters which is why I posted here. I've called them 10-15 times and no one has ever answered the tech support line.

I put in a web request and all the said back was that the Katalox system doesn't work with iron bacteria because the media gets clogged--despite the salesperson saying it works with iron bacteria.

It does look like the value supports a chlorine draw because this unit using the same valve: http://www.discountwatersofteners.com/the-eliminator-genesis-1-5-cubic-foot.html

 

[keefe007]

I have sanitized my well but the smell comes back after a few weeks, thats why I bought the Katalox system.

 

[Reach4]

I have sanitized my well but the smell comes back after a few weeks, thats why I bought the Katalox system.

Dumping a gallon of bleach down the casing is usually not sufficient. For example, that does not get the part below the pump, and it does not get the water heater.

 

[keefe007]

I have done it with both the bleach / vinegar method and also the chlorine pellet method.

 

[ditttohead]

Reading your post I see no surprises here. I would recommend sending the system back since they are unable to assist you.

If you have iron bacteria then contact and precipitation time is critical. I would also recommend buying from a different company. A simple internally baffled contact tank (not a mini tank with a secret swirl chamber...) and oxidant injection, automated blowdown, and some on site testing and set-up should get you fixed right up. A Katalox light with a Fleck or Clack backwashing valve, not a Chinese knockoff, and you should be good to go.