Preliminary note: The Wash may be open to perform this test. This test should be taken weekly.
Items needed: One Water Hardness Test Kit. (P-SE-2178)
Procedure:
1. Begin by identifying the Softener that is currently being used of the three. look at the screen on the Softeners, The Softener that you want to test will say “Softening”.
2. Once the “Softening” Tank is identified, locate the Testing Ports on the front of the Softener that says “IN” and “OUT”. This is where you will be taking your samples from.
3. Before testing, rinse your Test Vial and Cylindrical Vial. Rinse them with the water from the Port that you are testing. If you are testing the “IN” Port, then rinse with the “IN” water port, if you are testing the “OUT” water port then rinse with the “OUT” water port. This will ensure that there are no contaminants, and it will rinse out any foreign debris that can give you improper readings.
4. First, test the “IN” side of the Softener Tank. This reading tests the untreated City Water and is a baseline for the hardness of your City Water. It is also important to allow the water to run out of the Port for 30 seconds to one minute (Per Culligan) to allow any old water to be purged from the port and lines which will give you an accurate reading for your test. When you open the valve on either port, you will notice that the water coming out is milky-looking. This is the old water that you want to get rid of.
5. Next, fill the cylindrical vial to the top and pour it into the Test Vial. Using the black measuring scoop, put one level scoop of Reagent into the Test Vial with the test water from the “In” Port. Carefully shake the Test Vial to dissolve the Reagent and mix it thoroughly. Note: do not cover the Test Vial with your thumb to avoid contaminating your sample.
6. When the Reagent is added to the “IN” water sample, it will immediately turn the water to a pink color. Start by adding the Titrant Solution using the Eye Dropper in the cap, count how many drops it takes to turn your test sample to a solid blueish/dark purple color, shaking the container in between every drop. The number of drops that it takes to turn the solution blue is your parts per million, i.e., 7 drops equal 7 ppm.
7. Next test the “OUT” side of the Softener with the same steps as the “IN” side, making sure to rinse your Vials with the “OUT” side Port water. This time, if your Water Softener is working properly, the Reagent will immediately turn blue in the Vial when shaken. If drops are required to turn the solution blue, Please call your local Culligan Dealer for a service visit.