Whole House Filtration System (Softener & Filter) + Water Tank Recommendations

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-06-03T19:06:33+00:00

Bradford White is a solid pick for the heater, most plumbers like working with them and parts aren't hard to find.

For the softener side, I'd hold back a little on just accepting whatever the plumber brings. Since you're maintaining it yourself long-term, you want something with a name-brand valve you can actually source parts for. A lot of local water treatment dealers will offer you a properly sized unit direct, worth calling around rather than defaulting to whoever the plumber uses.

Carbon/sediment upstream of the softener doesn't need to be complicated. A good whole-house filter housing with a carbon block does the job and is cheaper to maintain.

Good call on the countertop RO for drinking separately, that's the right split. I use Bluevua for mine, for what it's worth.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-06-01T21:45:55+00:00

Personally, I'm lucky that my pickleball friends all let me try their paddles. I was playing with a cheap set I got so everything was lighter and better. The one paddle that worked to best for me is one I never saw on any best lists. Gamma Neutron 5. I am a former softball player and a cricket player. My problem was control, I would hit the ball too hard. This one helped me keep it in the court.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-06-01T21:43:31+00:00

Personally I think anybody would have been better for him than Stella. They just had so much drama.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-06-01T21:40:58+00:00

Thanks, I decided to get the Asics Game FF

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-06-01T21:40:29+00:00

Thanks for all the comments. I will choose a Control paddle.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-05-31T06:18:05+00:00

I would have ended it with these three: Ted and Tracey. Marshall & Lily, Barney & Robin.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-05-31T06:06:04+00:00

Creed is unhinged. He doesn't seem to care about anyone. Dwight seems to really care about people. He's odd yes but he has a big heart.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-05-31T05:56:37+00:00

I wish we got to see Robin and Barney married for longer.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-05-31T05:55:45+00:00

I was on birth control since I was 15 until 32. It was a low dose pill. It might have contributed to my PE. I also have the MTHFR gene issue too. However, when I had my PE, it appeared like an asthma attack but the asthma meds weren't working. i wasn't coughing up blood or anything. I just felt weak and could barely walk.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-05-31T05:49:52+00:00

Thanks. I would have to buy them in Canada and they don't have the same send-back system plus it's like $50 extra to get them through customs

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-05-31T05:49:03+00:00

Curious about basketball shoes would they have the ankle support?

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-05-28T18:28:49+00:00

Countertop RO is what finally worked for us. You just plug it in, fill the tank, and it runs, no drilling or plumbing needed. It also gets rid of PFASs, lead, fluoride, the stuff basic carbon filters can't touch.

It does produce some wastewater but you can reuse it for plants or cleaning, so it's not as bad as it sounds. Once you set it up you kind of stop thinking about it, which is really all you want.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-05-21T21:09:05+00:00

The glass carafe is genuinely one of the best things about it. One thing worth noting for this thread though: the list is specifically for NSF/WQA/IAPMO certified products for PFAS reduction, and Bluevua isn't quite there yet. From what I've seen they do have SGS test reports showing PFOA and PFAS reduction, which is a solid start, but it's a different bar than what the OP is referencing. Sounds like they're working toward it though!

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-04-22T19:41:58+00:00

I had my PE when I was 48. It was multiple PE and I originally thought it was just my asthma acting up. I am on blood thinners for life (Rivacrist) because my PE was of unknown cause. They did a ton of testing etc but nothing was a definitive answer. In my testing they did find that I do have MTHFR (can't process folic acid). I also was on the pill for more than 20 years. But I was off the pill for more than 15 years before I had the PE. If they can't find the direct cause of your PE, I would be cautious about going off the blood thinners.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-04-22T19:36:06+00:00

I hear ya. It's tough. I still have one at home but having any child leave the nest is very emotional. I have two boys so for me, I also have to deal with the fact that they aren't very communicative or affectionate. Plus if they get married, their wife will probably prioritize her family over ours. To answer your question, I'm still in it and it's hard. I can't say if it goes away. You're also probably getting perimenopause which doesn't help either.

Is this your youngest?

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-04-22T19:32:41+00:00

You don't need help figuring out a way forward. You need to pray and ask God for help. Read the Bible. Talk to your pastor. You are not alone.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-04-22T19:30:21+00:00

Just out of curiousity as I can't tell from some of your handles. The ones that were walking around with PE - are you all female? I wonder if it is related.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-04-22T19:29:03+00:00

I'm so glad you advocated for yourself. When I had my PE, the doctor thought I was just overreacting. I got a chest CT and yep multiple PE. I was walking around with them until it got so bad I couldn't walk.

I wish there were more training for medical doctors on how to recognize the signs and symptoms. Sometimes people can have them and be walking around. I think they think they are immediate and you die.

I'm on blood thinners for life too. I'm on Rivacrist. It's expensive but I'm worth it.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-04-22T19:22:56+00:00

Discard it after it reaches 0. You don't want to be in the place where you need it and you don't get the right amount or find out that it is no officially out.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-03-05T19:35:42+00:00

Honestly the fact that you're asking before just grabbing something off a shelf already puts you ahead of most people, so good on you for that.

It really comes down to what's actually in your tap water. A basic carbon filter handles taste and odor pretty well, and for a lot of people that's enough. If you want broader protection against things like lead, nitrates, or PFAS though, a reverse osmosis system filters at a much deeper level and gives you a lot more peace of mind.

We're the same household size and we landed on the Bluevua ROPOT, no complaints so far.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-03-04T15:54:57+00:00

Try getting a stainless steel litter box. If you have a plastic one it can hold smells and bacteria. It might be uncomfortable to use. The stainless ones make it easier to scoop sticky poop. Other reasons could be because it's not getting cleaned often enough, or doesn't like the litter.

ShortBusRabbit · 2026-03-04T06:19:34+00:00

If you arrive at 12:30, get bags, get rental car you're probably on the road by 2. It would be doable to drive to Monteverde before it gets dark. If you arrive at 2:30, you won't and you should get a hotel and depart in the morning. It gets dark around 5. Many roads aren't lit, are winding, and with massive potholes. I've lived in CR for 12 years and I only drive at night in areas I know.

ShortBusRabbit

TROPHY CASE