Water Filters and Softeners ... - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Dave MW · RV-Dreams Family Member

Water Filters and Softeners ...

vannchan · RV-Dreams Family Member

I recommend this site: www.rvwaterfilterstore.com. I have called and left a message and another time contacted via their contact link and received responses. I did buy my stuff through them, but I don't have equipment to measure flow rates. Ask them - they may be able to help answer your questions.

arcaguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave,

I was looking around the site John or Sama listed above and ran across their "South of the Border" system which advertises 5gpm flow rate. Not sure what any of their other systems flow but it looks like they are at least conversant in the issue. One thing I might add is to seriously consider a rust removal system. In my s&b (which I'm still in) I had terrible rust issues. I put in a rust removal system about 10 years ago and it's still going strong without any new media. Not sure what the media is but I highly recommend it. Just my two cents.

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Can’t answer your question about our actual pressure drop, but I can tell you that the exact filters you use and their size will make a difference … so it will depend.

Our set-up is similar to what you are looking to build, but our first filter filters down to 1 micron and I have tried numerous 0.5 micron filters, with the below giving us the least pressure drop of the numerous 0.5 micron filters that I have tried (i.e., I can’t tell you the actual pressure drop difference, but there was a noticeable difference between the different 0.5 micron filters).

Our set-up is below:

Our first filter is a jumbo filter, the larger size filter canister/filter helps maximize flow rate: Pentek DGD-2501 Spun Polypropylene Filter Cartridge, 10" x 4-1/2" (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014C09XG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

This filter nominal filtration rating of the pre-filter layer is 25 microns, and the rating of the post-filter layer is 1 micron. Personally, I choose to filter down to 1 micron (versus 5 micron), prior to the 0.5 micron filter, or I believe that I would need to very regularly replace the more expensive 0.5 filter due to clogging/decreased flow rate.

Per the amazon write up “initial pressure drop of less than 1 psi at a flow rate of 10 gpm”.

Followed by our softener: On The Go Double STD Water Softener (https://www.amazon.com/Go-OTG3NTP1DS-Double-Water-Softener/dp/B00SQFXLNE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1545006914&sr=8-2&keywords=on+the+go%2C+water+softener)

The 0.5 micron filter we use is: Pentek FloPlus-10 Carbon Block Filter Cartridge, 9-3/4" x 2-7/8", 0.5 Micron (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZVZ79U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Per the amazon.com write-up “initial pressure drop of 2 psi at a flow rate of 1 gpm”.

One thing you can do to alleviate a pressure issue, if you find the pressure is ultimately lower than desired, is install an accumulator tank.

Lynn

-- Edited by Lynn and Ed on Sunday 16th of December 2018 07:19:17 PM

Dave MW · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks so much folks.

Certainly more research is needed in an effort to get it right the first time.

Dave

Hdrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

We do almost exactly what Lynn & Ed do.

DaniellTaphous · RV-Dreams Community Member

I would recommend you to use Water Filters and Softeners because it supplies 40% more soft water as compared to other units. The first choice of RV owners.

Howard · Host

There are so many things that affect flow rate and pressure, the primary one being the water source. But the diameter of hoses, the gallons-per-minute rating of your water pressure regulator, quick-connect fittings, restricting devices found in some RV plumbing, etc. are all factors as well.

With a good water source, our flow rate has been most affected by cheap water pressure regulators and filters that need to be replaced. We've never used a water softener (going on 14 years full-time), but I'm sure they factor in as well.

I have no scientific or test data to back this up, but as long as you maintain your filters and your water softener, I don't think they will cause significant enough flow reduction to be too concerned about it.