The Investigator Series #1: Solving Water Problems with an Investigator’s Perspective

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Welcome to the first article in The Investigator Series, where we approach water treatment problems like detectives. By carefully listening, gathering evidence, and investigating all possible causes, we can uncover the real issues behind smelly water, hydrogen sulfide odors, sediment, bacteria, and water problems—and then apply the right solutions that deliver long-lasting results.

When solving water problems, the most important step is to “listen” carefully to the customer. Taking notes about their water quality concerns and investigating every detail will help uncover the root causes. Being a true problem solver in the water treatment business will always go further than just selling equipment as a temporary band-aid.

Recently, while researching our article "Top 5 Shower Filters with Carbon + KDF-55 (and Why They Help)" "Top 5 Shower Filters with Carbon + KDF-55 (and Why They Help)," I spoke with a product specialist from a manufacturer. What started as a simple product question turned into a conversation about his personal well water problems—including hydrogen sulfide odor, the use of whole-house filters, maintenance frustrations, and his water quality. This case study shows exactly why listening matters and how a step-by-step investigative approach solves water problems for good.

Step-by-Step Chart: Solving a Smelly Water Problem

  1. Start with a water analysis: The customer had not yet tested his well water. A professional water analysis is always the first step to understanding issues like hydrogen sulfide, iron, or bacteria.
  2. Review existing filters: He had a 10” whole-house carbon filter before the softener, trying to remove odor. The filters lasted only one month, leading him to add a shower filter with KDF and carbon to keep his wife happy with hair quality and odor-free showers.
  3. Check sediment protection: Although he didn’t have a major sediment problem, it’s always best practice to use a sediment pre-filter to protect expensive water treatment equipment.
  4. Investigate hot vs. cold water odors: He noticed smelly cold water at the kitchen faucet even after replacing filters, while hot water remained odor-free.
  5. Find a cost-effective solution: Rather than investing in a three-stage whole-house filter system, I showed him how to solve his odor problem with a $65 fix that delivers odor-free water throughout the home.
  6. Leverage KDF 55 media: As discussed in our Consumer Advocate articles and our Pro Tips Series, adding 2 lbs. of KDF 55 filtration media directly into the water softener resin tank removes low levels of hydrogen sulfide by redox reaction—neutralizing the rotten egg odor without chemicals.
  1. Sanitize the plumbing: Odors in cold water often come from sulfate-reducing bacteria in household plumbing. I recommended bypassing treatment equipment, running diluted bleach through lines, and sanitizing all cold water pipes before reinstalling a fresh 20-micron sediment filter.
  2. Avoid salt additives: A critical Pro Tip: never use water softener salts with additives (resin cleaners, red-out salts, etc.) when hydrogen sulfide is present. These additives worsen odors by bonding sticky black sulfides to the resin beads, causing severe odor after regeneration.

The Takeaway

The moral of this story: water treatment solutions are never “one size fits all.” It takes careful investigation, listening to the customer, and applying the right water treatment system design to permanently fix problems. That’s what we do at The Water Softener Blog—leverage our experience and insight to provide practical, research-based answers as true consumer advocates.

You know what they say: Happy customer, happy life! And with odor-free water, everyone wins.



Pro Tips Series #2: How to Maintain Your Water Softener for Optimal Efficiency and Quality of Water



I wish you Good days and Good water!


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