Friday, November 15, 2013

Can I Install a Chlorinator in My House?

Hello, 
I am on a community water system and want to chlorinate the water as it enters my home. I cannot access the well or well pump, so I need a system that would operate by a flow switch, is that correct?
Phil P.
Tulsa, OK

Phil,
What you need is a proportional feed chlorinator.  A proportional-feed system allows the chlorinator to be installed after the well pressure tank, for instance on the pipe leading to your house, and would be very easy to install and operate.
Pump Control Module
Pump Control Module
Proportional feed chlorinators use an inline pulse water meter with flow sensor to sense the speed of the water and direct the metering pump, via a pump control module, to inject more or less chlorine into the water depending on how fast the water is being used.  If no water is flowing, no chlorine will be injected; as soon the water flows again, a precise amount of chlorine is injected into the water.  
We recommend a 120v Stenner metering pump and contact tank with a 120v pump control module, so that you can power your system by simply plugging it into the wall.  We recommend Stenner pumps because they are very reliable and easily adjustable, allowing you to effortlessly achieve and maintain the desired amount of chlorine residual in your water.
Pulse Water Meter
Pulse Water Meter
If you plan to use a chlorinator, though, we do generally recommend that you install a carbon backwash filter on your line after the chlorinator.  We recommend the CWS Plus Carbon Filter for home applications like yours.  This filter will remove lingering chlorine tastes and odors, and require very little maintenance due to its adjustable auto backwash cycle.  For more information about removing chlorine after chlorination, see yesterday's blog post.
For an idea of how a standard installation of these systems might look, consult the diagram below:

Click to enlarge
We hope this information helps you achieve clean, chlorinated water in your home.  If you have any further questions about these or any other water treatment systems, you can e-mail us at support@cleanwaterstore.com, leave us a comment on Facebook, or use our online contact form.  Thanks for the letter!