Septic, water heater and softener

[kingkohlmn]

Hello,
First time posting, new member. I have several questions about a home we recently purchased. Not all are related to the septic. This is the first time I own a home with a septic system. Home was build in 1998. The tank was inspected and pumped. All is good with the tank. The previous owner recommend once a month to pour a packet of yeast into the toilet and let sit overnight than flush. Home is located in Marble Falls area of Texas.

1. Is it ok to use a water softener since the water will go into the tank? The dishwasher and refrigerator appear to be on the newer side. The inside of the DW is coated/stained with white. The ice dispenser also have a build of the white material. Assuming this is hard water. We are having the water tested.
2. Will be replacing the electric water heater. It works, but the previous owner does not know how old it is and I could not find any date on the tank or labels. I am thinking of replacing it with a tank-less system. Will take up less room and from what I have read will save some money in the long haul.
   1. Is it ok to use a water softener with a tank-less system?
   2. Or should I consider using a reverse osmosis system? I did a google search and found conflicting information. No RO should not be used with a tank-less system and yes it can be used.
   3. Or should I consider going with a softener and a whole house filtration system. I believe they have 3 filters in line, not sure.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[RS]

I would think you would want to have a softener with a tankless water heater, they can be very prone to build-up with bad water. I don't know how bad your water is, but in MN we have 2 places where we have softeners at both, with the discharge going int septic tanks, and all works fine. Tankless water heaters can be a cost savings, but from what I read they can also be a money pit unless you can do your own service and troubleshooting. I am a retired industrial maintenance person, and I would never have one. One of our neighbors installed a tankless heater, and within a year or so put in a small tank-type downstream because of frustration with temperature swings with the tankless. If you run out of water showering with a 40–50-gallon tank-type water heater you are wasting too much water!