[dcase84]

My recently purchased home is currently on a well system running a water softener. I have noticed significant buildup on all the faucets, causing damage to the fixture.

Would replacing these fixtures with high end stainless steel ones solve the problem? How about adding on a RO system? I'm not a chemist so I really don't understand how different metals react to softened water.

 

[Akpsdvan]

What kind of build up ?
What is the water test before the softener?
What kind of softener are you talking about?

 

[Bob999]

If the softener is working deposits are unlikely. Have a sample of your "softened" water tested for hardness--it is very likely that it is not working--or was not working in the past so that deposits developed.

RO water requires special piping and faucets because it is very corrosive unless treated to add back some minerals.

Deposit buildup is not typically a fixture problem--rather a water problem so stainless fixtures don't stop buildup.

 

[dcase84]

After seeing several friends places with the same build up I just assumed it was a result of well water and the water softener.

I only had the water tested for arsenic and a few other things when I purchased the place, and programmed the water softener with the recorded settings. I'll have to go get a test kit this week.

I wouldn't say there is much build up, appears the outlet on the faucets have a green & white corrosion on them.

 

[Bob999]

I wouldn't say there is much build up, appears the outlet on the faucets have a green & white corrosion on them.

If you have copper plumbing the green corrosion suggest you may have acid water. Acid water will, over time, cause pin hole leaks in copper plumbing and with copper plumbing should be treated.

The most common treatment method is a backwashing filter with calcite media (pH 6-6.9) or a mix of calcite and corosex for pH below 6.

The best pH tests are done in the home immediately after the sample is taken because pH can change with the passage of time after the sample is taken.