Just making sure I know how to bypass my water softener

[tntpilsner]

Hello again, and I need to say one more time how valuable this forum has been.
I've read WAY more than I've posted, this is incredible knowledge.
Okay, from what I've gathered, I need to use my well water while bypassing my water softener system if I want to do All Grain (namely BIAB), due to the sodium and lack of magnesium from water softening.
So I have a 2-tank water softener system, each with a handle that is between 'Service' and 'Bypass' when it is ON. I just want to show my ignorance here and ask, to be sure, I just need to move the black handle to 'Bypass' on each tank to bypass the softener system and get my normal non-softened hard water, correct?
Then I'm guessing I need to let my faucet run for a few minutes before filling up my kettle for the mash?

 

[day_trippr]

Yup, that's all there is to it.
I have a neutralizer and a sand filter both with the same type of bypass valves. Just swing them 'til they stop...

Cheers!

 

[tntpilsner]

Thanks so much @day_trippr I appreciate it!

 

[AkTom]

After you get your process dialed in, try a batch without bypassing the softener. I don’t bother any more and beer is good. I would forget, so i stopped even trying. Maybe my water needs a little help, or my softener isn’t working well.

 

[odie]

Um, I have a water softener. Is this bad for brewing?

 

[brownni5]

Um, I have a water softener. Is this bad for brewing?

The concern is excess salts in your water. I have a softener, but also an RO filter, so I use the RO water for brewing.

If you're just now asking, I'm guessing you use the softened water with no problems. In that case, keep on brewing.

 

[Soulshine2]

d

Hello again, and I need to say one more time how valuable this forum has been.
I've read WAY more than I've posted, this is incredible knowledge.
Okay, from what I've gathered, I need to use my well water while bypassing my water softener system if I want to do All Grain (namely BIAB), due to the sodium and lack of magnesium from water softening.
So I have a 2-tank water softener system, each with a handle that is between 'Service' and 'Bypass' when it is ON. I just want to show my ignorance here and ask, to be sure, I just need to move the black handle to 'Bypass' on each tank to bypass the softener system and get my normal non-softened hard water, correct?
Then I'm guessing I need to let my faucet run for a few minutes before filling up my kettle for the mash?

Do you have an outdoor spigot? Usually those arent plumbed to a softener system as people shouldn't or don't want to pay to water their lawns with softened water. Its only roughly <10 gallons per batch, not including if you plan on running your immersion chiller with it like I do.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Do keep in mind that, even once bypassed, there will still be a volume of softened water in the plumbing system. Marginal, perhaps. Volume will depend on how much piping is between the softener and source outlet.

 

[Homergah]

Do keep in mind that, even once bypassed, there will still be a volume of softened water in the plumbing system. Marginal, perhaps. Volume will depend on how much piping is between the softener and source outlet.

Then I'm guessing I need to let my faucet run for a few minutes before filling up my kettle for the mash

 

[odie]

The concern is excess salts in your water. I have a softener, but also an RO filter, so I use the RO water for brewing.

If you're just now asking, I'm guessing you use the softened water with no problems. In that case, keep on brewing.

I’ve only run a few batches thru it. For years I just used plain tap water. Having attenuation issues but it’s probably due more to using Muntons yeast...I heard it’s kinda weak

 

[odie]

d

Do you have an outdoor spigot? Usually those arent plumbed to a softener system as people shouldn't or don't want to pay to water their lawns with softened water. Its only roughly <10 gallons per batch, not including if you plan on running your immersion chiller with it like I do.

Actually everything is usually plumbed for the shortest/cheapest route. A water softener is an afterthought. All my outside faucets tap off the closet indoor source. Only the one faucet at point of entry from the city supply is un softened and unfiltered on my house.

 

[Soulshine2]

Actually everything is usually plumbed for the shortest/cheapest route. A water softener is an afterthought. All my outside faucets tap off the closet indoor source. Only the one faucet at point of entry from the city supply is un softened and unfiltered on my house.

I was asking the OP about his water source . and in my book home construction should be done the proper way, whether or not its the cheapest and easiest way. I've seen first hand too many home improvements that were done cheap,"quick fixes" those usually are done wrong by cutting corners and dont last.
Built right the first time is cheaper in the long run.

 

[tntpilsner]

In my case, the softener system is right after the pressure tank and goes from the softener system to the rest of the house. So everything is affected.
But I've been running the water for a few minutes after bypassing the system and using the water report from my (non-softened) sample that I sent in, and the beer has been great

 

[passedpawn]

I do wonder, if your tap water doesn't taste salty, why would you expect a problem with brewing?

 

[SEndorf]

For most people, the taste perception of saltiness doesn't occur until reaching about 3,000 ppm.
So the taste test wouldn't apply for brewing.

 

[tntpilsner]

Yeah, I was just basing it all on articles, forum threads, etc. and the general consensus seems to be that it's better to not water that has been treated by salt. Not sure if I'd taste the difference, but since I have BeerSmith I'm kind of getting anal about the water chemistry, haha!