Water softeners
 

Which water softner did you decide on and why? We had Culligan out today but was not happy with the way they presented their product so looking for alternatives.
Also, in the garage they said we had two alternatives. One put equipment near the water shut off value which would require a levelor piece because the floor is uneven at that point or run pipes to front corner of the garage and put unit there.
Any ideas as to other options?

There are several threads on water softners, just do a search. Most conclude that one should go to Lowes or Home Depot and for $500 you can get a good unit.

Bought a Sears hybrid softener/filter w/ 3 yr warranty <$1000

Mike Scott Plumbing (Dave) installed it running the water lines to the offset in the garage so I don't need to climb over it all the time ( cost $ 285).

Very pleased so far: 0 hardness & chlorine. Water pressure is normal.

Beware the "phone call/water test" crowd. Their products range from excellent to quackery and all want 3 to 5 thousand.

:wave:

Before you purchase, talk to the folks at Kinetico. They are definitely not the cheapest, but I think they have the most efficient.

If you want to get into the details, consider not only the initial purchase price of a properly sized unit but the on-going operational costs as well. How much water and salt does it use per regeneration are the two biggest factors.

Bill :)

Exactly! And when the cycles are. Most are set to cycle during the night and do so whether needed or not. Then, there's the problem of possible power outages and heavy usage periods.

It cost me about $11 a month for two bags of salt. The cost is well worth it.

Also if you are trying to estimate the cost, you have to figure in the lesser amounts of detergent you use when using a softener. And the reduction of lime buildup in your hot water heater that keeps the elements cleaner and in effect produces hot water without the extra work.

Also, the feel of the soft water on your skin.

This discussion could go on and on with the for and against water softener people.

It is like the electric vs gas and frame vs stucco threads and now Cicic's vs Flippers.

Z

Gracie calls these threads pixxing contests!:laugh:

Z, hope you didn't misunderstand the intent of my post. I was simply trying to offer up the idea that some water softeners cost more operationally than others, not whether someone should have a softener or not. Thus over time - other factors being equal - a piece of equipment that's less expensive up front, for example, could end up being more expensive over the long run when you factor in operational considerations.

Sorry if my intent wasn't clear! :wave:

Bill :)

I guess I did. But if you put it that way, I agree. :beer3:

go on line and read all about water softners. I have a water Boss sold by Home Depot and like it. a little under 500 dollars
drd

I read that some areas don't need them, if that's the case the first thing to do is test the hardness.

But if the guy testing is selling water softeners ??????

Anyone in TV installed a Pelican (non salt) water softener? Have heard that Pelican or Kinetico are valid alternatives to a salt use system, ignoring the cost element. Pelican are located in Deland so probably have a large Florida useage. Personally I think TV water is pretty good as it exits the faucet --- admit have not had it tested for impurities/hardness, so am thinking no need for a filter?

We got a letter from the water company a couple of days ago and it said that there were some kinds of impurities in the system some time ago and at that time it was ???? percentage under what the standards allowed and now the latest testing showed none. The letter was sent to us because it was required for it to be sent to us.

I read it. Sweetie read it and we shugged, said no big deal and tossed it.

I was thinking this is gonna be an issue for somebody but we didn't see anything to worry about.

We don't have any purifiers on the water. Drink water out of the fridge filtered is all.