I have a deep-well pump with a large whole-house filter and a water softener. I've noticed that when I replace the filter, the water is initially nice and clear. However at some point (I believe when the pump turns on, or maybe when the bladder is inflated?) a few gallons of very rusty water come out. This rust is trapped by the filter, but this is causing me to have to replace the filter every 2 weeks, which is getting expensive.

Is there some setting or other method where I can have the well discharge the first few gallons outside of the plumbing system, or is there something that needs to be cleaned of rust in the well pump?

Also, my water softener is apparently doing it's job, but it's doing too good of a job in my opinion. It takes forever to have a shower and get rid of the soap film-feeling. I have an old Kenmore water softener with a mechanical timer. I have the manual and can figure out how to adjust the settings, but I assume I'll have to hire someone to determine the water hardness? If I try to estimate the hardness (which shouldn't be very high since I currently have a new pre-filter every 2 weeks), how can I tell if I've gone too far (before my water heater gets clogged up with rust)?

Thanks,
Bill

Hmmmm... BakerB... I think you may just have a sediment buildup issue here. That is, that when you shut down water supply to replace the filter... AND then turn water back on sediment in the pipes gets disturbed and you see dirty water in filter. That is not so unusual.

As long as it is only isolated to when you install the filter. I know the filter gets ugly quickly... means it is doing its job to me... ;)

If you are concerned you could always install a filter bypass with a boiler drain to clear the line of sediment before redirecting water through the filter... I am just not sure you need to.

Filters are designed to last 3 months/average... so should not need to replace so frequently.. I know they get ugly... but that does not always mean you need to replace the filter earlier than manufacture recommends.

Anyway, just my thoughts on this.

In terms of water softener, biggest issue is letting the water get too soft which can lead to a sulphur bacterial buildup in water heaters... may need to change your anode rod at your water heater to a combination metal anode rod (as opposed to magnesium rod) if you have any odd odors or colors associated with hot water ONLY (check out sites online)! Let me know.. ok?

In terms of hardness... you would need to get tested... there are kits so you can do yourself.. check online or at nearest home supply store or may need to hire company to determine.

Anyway, that is all I have for now. Get back to me with any thoughts.

If this helped please click on RATE THIS ANSWER. Thank you.

If I ket it go for 3 weeks, the interior of the filter is rust-colored. I know that the filter should last 3 months, but mine is the exception. The filter gets caked with rust to where it's falling off the filter and starting to gather on the bottom of the filter housing (I have a clear housing). My filters get clogged much sooner since they have a lot of rust being fed into them.

My hot water has no smell at all, and no odd colors. It's possible that the previos owner already had a magnesium annode installed.

I'll check Lowe's for a water hardness test kit.

Thanks for the help!
Bill

On the rust issue. Do you know how old the well is and what type of pipe it has. If it has galvanized pipe you may be picking up rust from the pipe on the initial surge of the pump. I suppose that you could be getting rust from the tank if it is very old. Do you have a blow-off valve you could open and let the pump run at full capacity to see if you get rust?

Thanks very much for the reply, and I'm sorry for the long delay in responding. My well is at least 20 years old, and it was deepened about 10 years ago. I don't have the exact figures but I believe it started at 600' and is now over 1600'.

I'm not sure what type of piping was used and it could certianly be galvanized.

I may have a blow-off valve, but if so, how could this help me determine the cause?

Thank you again,
Bill