Hi All,

 

Having made a resent purchase to improve my detailing regime - some of the guys wanted the information on a dedicated thread.

So starting this off to capture my updates and progress on the topic of Water filters....

 

I dont claim to be an expert on the topic - but this documents the info and products i was directed to by some helpful chaps.

 

I have always been aware that "hard" water can be a nightmare when detailing/valeting.

The dreaded water spotting can very tricky especially on dark coloured cars.

 

So - initially i ordered a cheap digitial TDS meter to inspect a sample of my tap water at home.

I ran a full rinse bucket from the house tap and left for 60 minutes to settle and gas off.

 

Being based in West Yorkshire - i was hoping the result would be acceptable.... infact i got 78-80ppm TDS.

 

Looking online - a sample chart like this was my guide....

 

 

 

So - certainly not soft water that i was used to in Scotland, and stated as "moderately hard" in fact.

 

Links below for a couple of TDS meters.... if anyone cares to follow on this route.

Pretty cheap from £2-odd.... either from China or more local.... two that i tried are linked below:-

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-TDS-3-Water-Quality-Tester-Purity-Meter-TEMP-PPM-Test-Filter-Pen-Stick-/152212531091?hash=item237092e793:g:TkgAAOSwMtxXuB3M

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-TDS-EC-Water-Quality-Purity-Meter-TEMP-PPM-Test-Tester-Filter-Pen-Stick-/152112744637?hash=item236aa048bd:g:NpAAAOSwnNBXUACs

 

 

 

 

Based on the above - i then started some research and asking a few detailers what steps could be taken....

 

For my water hardness level and trying to implement something on a budget; the DI Resin Vessel looked ideal.

 

These can be purchase FULL or EMPTY and with various fittings and capacities.

 

Suitable for most pure water applications such as window cleaning, aquariums,

drinking water applications, gardening, hydroponics, car washing, valeting and much more... is the blurb!

 

I opted for a 19L vessel with optimal 10L resin capacity for the ion exchange process.

It was delivered with necessary fittings for connection to the garden hose.

 

My usage plan was for filtered water to be used in the following detailing areas:-

 

- Wash bucket shampoo mix

- Rinse bucket

- Wheel bucket shampoo mix

- Final rinse stage (hose not pressure washer).

 

Also - i do plan to start making up my variaous bottle dilutions for APC, fabric, citrus wash and foam lance with filtered water.

But in order to keep it cost effective and due to technical flow rates - the pressure washer will still run off the unfiltered tap for now.

 

I have saved some 5L containers from bulk buys and will save and store some filtered water for the above.

Anyway - this brings us to the weekend just gone..... my initial setup and test at home.

 

The 78ppm recorded on the unfiltered tap water was seen to drop to 2ppm on the first bucket via the filter.

Another spot check later.... i was seeing 1ppm reading. I will allow the setup to settle and test again next week.

 

So - i havent seen 0ppm on the readings as yet - but obviously a vast improvement..... now i need to monitor this going forward.

 

Pics of setup, etc below:-

 

 

Small edit: i struggled to find a decent illustration of the Vessel operation...

But hopefully this will do for now...

 

OK - to follow on then.... rather than just be dazzled by the numbers or science - i just got on with a detailing day.

 

Just to note some initial observations, which i need to monitor and confirm:-

 

- wash bucket mix, standard amount of shampoo: wow - the bucket foamed up significantly more than usual.

- wheel bucket mix: same extreme head of foam on the bucket (bucket is only half full of water btw)

- Foam mix: but via the pressure water unfiltered input. Nothing massive - although dwell time seems somewhat longer perhaps.

 

So i would suggest the filtered water is allowing the shampoo and other products to perform better than usual.

Perhaps i can reduce my usage of normal shampoo, and wheel soap.... and more, to offset the filter running costs?

 

Pic below to illustrate:-

 

 

 

 

That's pretty much where i'm upto on this chaps.....

 

Hunty, Nick and Karl asked me to collate this info and share for all to have a look see.

 

I guess all that is left to do is perhaps share some links on possible purchases on this idea?

I trust that's ok with the mod team - i have no links with these companies etc.

 

Initial links are from Alan at AMDetails in fact - so a big thanks to him for the information.

Can be found on his Youtube channel - Vlog Episode 16.

 

https://youtu.be/S0wQ4Gz0PCw

 

"Water Filter Information:

19L Tank With Fttings - http://amzn.to/2aTHsQa
5L Tank With Fittings http://amzn.to/2b3ixaj

Media required - http://amzn.to/2aTHxU5
Water Meter - http://amzn.to/2bcXZgo"

Thank you for spending the time creating this. I think the first thing I need to do is to get a TDS and see how bad the water is here. I assume that as you are using this for your final rinse stage via a hose, that the pressure is sufficient to allow this. Is there much drop off when compared to normal pressure from the tap?

 

I did read on a thread on DW that someone who is a water softener engineer suggested that there is a way to "wash" the resin, increasing it's longevity but I'm not convinced I understand what he was suggesting..post #73 in this thread is where he tries to explain it....http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=104955&highlight=resin&page=8

Thank you for spending the time creating this. I think the first thing I need to do is to get a TDS and see how bad the water is here. I assume that as you are using this for your final rinse stage via a hose, that the pressure is sufficient to allow this. Is there much drop off when compared to normal pressure from the tap?

 

I did read on a thread on DW that someone who is a water softener engineer suggested that there is a way to "wash" the resin, increasing it's longevity but I'm not convinced I understand what he was suggesting..post #73 in this thread is where he tries to explain it....http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=104955&highlight=resin&page=8

 

 

Absolutely - for the low cost on the TDS meter.... buy one and see how bad it looks at your tap.

 

I found the pressure on the hose for final rinse to be  perfectly adequate.

 

In fact - i also tested the output of the filter into the pressure washer - just to see...

Using the Karcher variable lance - it also ran fine on the minimum pressure setting.

 

On maximum lance setting - it did start to starve the pressure washer of its desired flow rate.

Absolutely - for the low cost on the TDS meter.... buy one and see how bad it looks at your tap.

 

I found the pressure on the hose for final rinse to be  perfectly adequate.

 

In fact - i also tested the output of the filter into the pressure washer - just to see...

Using the Karcher variable lance - it also ran fine on the minimum pressure setting.

 

On maximum lance setting - it did start to starve the pressure washer of its desired flow rate.

 

 

I should have mentioned though; there is a simple way to sort out for the pressure washer situation really.

 

A few guys have the tap water+filter output feeding a decent sized water butt and then this feeding the pressure washer.

 

Of course - requires a bit more space and expenditure - but perfectly doable.

As a final comment on my setup to date - just wanted to add links to this.

 

I run from the outside tap at the rear of the house, across to the garage.

I then employ a hozelock 4-way tap split.... which allows me some flexibility

for car duties and gardening etc.

 

- One tap to the water filter input.

- Second tap to the pressure washer input.

- Third tap for the garden hose and general watering duties.

- 4th tap unused at this time.

 

Official hozelock version and cheaper alternative linked below....

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hozelock-4-Way-Tap-Connector/dp/B000TAR072/ref=pd_sim_sbs_201_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KYEHEN5PCE6VHA9Y2CMH

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parkland-Water-Connector-Individual-Shut/dp/B01HIPIOFC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1473161414&sr=8-4&keywords=hozelock+4+way

Cracking post mate. Something that I will be researching heavily! This could be an actual lifesaver during the summer months! And at £98 plus the few bits and bobs, it isn't that much for someone really in to it. You've really got a great set up there mate.

Cracking post mate. Something that I will be researching heavily! This could be an actual lifesaver during the summer months! And at £98 plus the few bits and bobs, it isn't that much for someone really in to it. You've really got a great set up there mate.

 

Thanks Neil - i appreciate the comment.

 

I hope its a wise investment.... and if that 19L vessel+resin does 12 months; the cost is acceptable for me.

 

But only time will tell. I've asked Karl to have a play with the setup as well and see what he thinks.

He has a key fob for the garage door and free use of the facilities whilst he doesnt have a garage at his pad.

 

I'm not one to try and brainwash everyone with the idea, esp with the costs associated;

but i want to see and feel the improvement using the filtered water - absolutely..... and share the good news i hope!

Fantastic write up there Ste! It's certainly an improvement to have the filter than not. I've noticed foam dwelling longer & not drying out when the sun decides to show its face.

The difference in suds from the shampoo is dramatically improved also. It's a great bit of kit and quite complicated to understand but once you get your head round it, it's actually fairly simple. More testing will lead to deciding Wether it's a long term thing but I certainly think it's well worth doing.

I'll certainly keep tabs to see how it pans out chaps! Thanks again for the info and I look forward to the updates!

I'll certainly keep tabs to see how it pans out chaps! Thanks again for the info and I look forward to the updates!

Ditto!

Well - see how everyone gets on with initial TDS data from thsoe purchasing the digital meter.

 

Nice idea from Nick to setup this dedicated thread as a central point for useful info.

 

I've posted up my readings and setup; and will monitor the ongoing readings.

I guess i should track number of cars detailed or average over a period then try to cost the solution.

 

I'll be interested to see what those further south in real HARD water areas find...

Soft water is great but you could always kill 2 birds with 1 stone and fit a water softener to your house which could work out cheaper in the long run as the resin can regenerate using a brine solution, plus you have the added benefits of a cleaner bathroom, using less washing powder in your washing machine etc.etc. You would also not have a problem with low pressure as they are designed with high flow in mind for showers etc. if you buy a quality unit.

 

I find your hardness reading interesting as I'm in west Yorkshire too and my unsoftened water is way higher at around 160PPM IIRC

Edited 7 September, 20169 yr by SuperbTWM

Soft water is great but you could always kill 2 birds with 1 stone and fit a water softener to your house which could work out cheaper in the long run as the resin can regenerate using a brine solution, plus you have the added benefits of a cleaner bathroom, using less washing powder in your washing machine etc.etc. You would also not have a problem with low pressure as they are designed with high flow in mind for showers etc. if you buy a quality unit.

 

I find your hardness reading interesting as I'm in west Yorkshire too and my unsoftened water is way higher at around 160PPM IIRC

 

 

Great info and something that might be of interest many on here...

 

Thanks for posting up.

Being originally from West Yorkshire ( Halifax), I was always under the impression that we did have Soft water, very surprised. 

Tony

Being originally from West Yorkshire ( Halifax), I was always under the impression that we did have Soft water, very surprised. 

Tony

Explanation for the discrepancy....Total dissolved solids (TDS) and water hardness do NOT necessarily go together. Yes, a hard water will have a higher/high TDS value....but it's also possible to have a soft water that has a higher/high TDS. The ions in the water supply that render it "hard" are not the only ones present....any dissolved material will mean a higher/high TDS, but won't make the water hard.

So.....high TDS doesn't mean, per se, hard water.

Explanation for the discrepancy....Total dissolved solids (TDS) and water hardness do NOT necessarily go together. Yes, a hard water will have a higher/high TDS value....but it's also possible to have a soft water that has a higher/high TDS. The ions in the water supply that render it "hard" are not the only ones present....any dissolved material will mean a higher/high TDS, but won't make the water hard.

So.....high TDS doesn't mean, per se, hard water.

 

 

Good to know - thanks for that. Silly me for referencing the first basic chart Google gave me...

 

Just trying the reference the TDS/ppm readings primarily.... and obviously targetting a significant reduction.

A very localised check to conclude my water tests in the Bradford postcodes of West Yorkshire.

 

I've used my original TDS meter plus a 2nd back-up to check at home, at work and at the next village - where i used to live.

 

BD18 = 80ppm

BD17 = 75ppm

BD16 = 78ppm.

A very localised check to conclude my water tests in the Bradford postcodes of West Yorkshire.

 

I've used my original TDS meter plus a 2nd back-up to check at home, at work and at the next village - where i used to live.

 

BD18 = 80ppm

BD17 = 75ppm

BD16 = 78ppm.

 

A better test of how hard your water is, would be to get a testing kit that they actually send with the water softeners to enable to you set it up.

 

http://www.wrekinwatersofteners.co.uk/wrekinwatersofteners/final.asp?id=208

 

You put 10ml of water in the container and add drops of the solution until it turns from red to blue, and from that you can calculate hardness. IMO its a lot more reliable than cheap electronic analysers and there is plenty in the bottle to do lots and lots of tests

Edited 8 September, 20169 yr by SuperbTWM

Your water supplier will, if requested, supply you with a full chemical analysis of the mains water you get....you need to give them your postcode. It surprises many people that water supplies can vary over even relatively small areas....one end of a town can be supplied from one source while the other end from a completely different one - with widely different chemical compositions.

One thing to add aswell, I'm completely useless at glass cleaning. Really bad... with the filtered water not leaving streaking and watermarks, cleaning glass was made so easier!

Your water supplier will, if requested, supply you with a full chemical analysis of the mains water you get....you need to give them your postcode. It surprises many people that water supplies can vary over even relatively small areas....one end of a town can be supplied from one source while the other end from a completely different one - with widely different chemical compositions.

 

Cool - one to look into for sure.

 

I'm happy with the digital readings (@£5) for information; that's exactly what i wanted.

Plus i then compare the improvement after the filter in place...... job done.

 

But that's for post up the info on chemical tests and psossible free kit from the water companies.

Maybe one of the guys following will pick this up and let us know how they go.