I feel like I got scammed by Culligan
*Pics are from new filter - not directly from the sink*
We have well water. We have a water softener. We have heavy orange staining in shower, toilets, sinks, clothing, etc. I just assumed it was something we'd have to deal with. Until I realized the water is destroying my hair (took years to realize water was the culprit and not medical issues).
So, I start looking into what can remove the iron. After a lot of research I decide on Fleck 5800 SXT AIO with katalox. My husband is hesitant and wants to have someone come out before investing in something so expensive. I agree, Culligan comes out and "tests" our water.
All they did is put some water and some drops into a couple test tubes. They tell us the water is soft and confirm the water softener is working as it should. They say iron is at 7ppm. Says its "normal" for our area and that a Hi-flo in-line filter will fix our problem. $479. Filter should last 6-9 months.
They installed it 4/29 (setup is water bladder -> culligan filter -> water softener). Seems to work well, for 7 days. Then the shower starts turning orange again. Day 10 I make my H check the filter and the filter is dark orange, particles floating in the very orange water of the filter housing, filter housing is lined with sticky orange film.
My H calls Culligan and they now claim the filter is working fine and that its our water softener (which they previously said was working as it should) and suggest we buy their $1,500 water softener.
My H believes them. I do not. I think we should've gone with the Fleck all along and Culligan is full of shit.
I ordered a more in depth water test but haven't gotten it yet, so idk numbers on anything but the iron from Culligans test. Idk if yall can even help me without the more in depth water testing but Im hoping someone might have some advice.
We do not drink our water. It smells like rotten eggs at times. We have 2 bathrooms. 6 people living in the house. Dishwasher is used EO day. Usually 2 loads of laundry per day.
Im going to attach pictures of the water i dumped out of the filter housing - 1st/2nd pic is right when I dumped it. 3rd pic is the next morning.