[jrref]

Originally Posted by srswans

South of 44, we got a softener to avoid mineral build up on faucets and fixtures. We selected Nova but that was a mistake. The Nova system mostly worked for a while but then the tank broke and dumped resin into our water supply clogging the faucet aerators. Nova fixed the tank but it is barely soft now and we are getting mineral deposits on the faucets. We will be replacing the Nova system.

So, yes we need a softener here but not a Nova.

You realize that can happen with any salt based water softener. I'm very surprised because this is the first time I've ever heard this problem with a Nova softener. In speaker with the owner of Nova they specifically replace the filter and other components and upgrade them so this kind of event doesn't happen. But nothing mechanical is perfect.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by miadford@gmail.com

Rinsing is no problem. The biggest issue is that it rids the water of any chlorine which is why the gunk builds up. Had I known that, I would never have it installed. We have to put chlorine discs in toilet tanks about once a month or so. The gunk also builds up in your faucets and you have to remove the end faucet part to clean or you lose power.

Strange. We have never had to do that in 40 years of water softeners and 7 years of Nova water filter system. Do you leave the house empty in the summer?

[Ignatz]

With a Nova softener, how much water is discharged to the lawn? Thinking of maybe burying a small “drywell” type setup if we get one in order to protect the lawn. Thoughts?

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by H-ned

At our Village of Collier house, my wife and I experienced the same breakdown with a Pegasus salt-based water softener system. Instead of fixing for $2,600 we chose to replace it with the 3-cartridge Nova filtration system for $750. And instead of Nova’s 2 sediment filters with 1 carbon filter configuration, we upgraded to 1 sediment filter with 2 carbon filter’s configuration. Water smells and tastes great, and no issues with scale or mineral buildup. And no more messing with salt, etc. Whatever you do regarding getting a water softener, I highly recommend getting the Nova filtration system with 2 carbon filter canisters and 1 sediment filter canister.

Nova never told us there was more than one configuration for their filter system, and our water softener system is a separate system from the filter system that we added from Nova a few months after the filter system. We wouldn’t have soft water if we only had the filter system that you described, so I’m confused by your comment.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy

Nova never told us there was more than one configuration for their filter system, and our water softener system is a separate system from the filter system that we added from Nova a few months after the filter system. We wouldn’t have soft water if we only had the filter system that you described, so I’m confused by your comment.

Nova doesn't advertise this option but you can ask, for an additional charge, for one Sediment and two Carbon filters vs the two Sediment and one Carbon filter configuration. They offer this because most competitive systems use two Carbon filters. Is it better? You will have to do the research but some feel it is.

The Nova softener system is a separate unit connected After their three stage filter system. Personally, I like this type of system because its easier to service if needed vs an all-in-one softener system.

Hope this helps.

[Risuli]

Originally Posted by Ignatz

With a Nova softener, how much water is discharged to the lawn? Thinking of maybe burying a small “drywell” type setup if we get one in order to protect the lawn. Thoughts?

Had the Nova water filter and softener system installed in June last year. I too was concerned about the flushing onto the lawn and how it might impact the grass.

Started out using the potassium tablets to protect the grass, but at $40 per bag was pretty expensive. Switched to the salt tablets, at well under $10 per bag, and haven't looked back and the grass near the discharge seems fine.

[idlewild]

We moved into a new home down south recently and considered Culligan, Nova, and Pegasus. Culligan was outrageously expensive, Pegasus was shady and similarly expensive, and Nova were extremely informative, responsive, and didn't pressure us to buy anything we didn't need.

We have friends who live between the 6's (CDD 10) who also have Nova but do not have either the softener or the Reverse Osmosis (RO). I have personally seen their bathroom faucet clog dur to calcium build-up for which they simply removed it and soaked in CLR.

Personally, we didn't want that calcium affecting our appliances, pipes, and faucets so we had the softener installed along with an RO for our drinking water and ice (they spliced it to our refrigerator). After we moved in, we had another salesperson - fell victim to a postcard from "Florida Water Analysis" offering a free testing but which was actually another company trying to sell us the same system for more money. While the agent was here, I had her test both the TDS and acidity of our water: both pre-RO (so whole-house filtered and softened), post-RO (whole-house, softened, and RO) and bottled spring water from Zephyrhills. Shockingly, the bottled water was by far the worst: while the TDS was similar to our new tap (whole-house filtered and softened) at ~200 TDS, the chemicals were shockingly high. And the RO was really clean with a TDS ~15.

In short, we absolutely LOVE both our softener and RO. Not only due we feel our home is more "protected" from the Florida tap, but the water also feels amazing to shower and clean with. And Nova charges like $22 a bag - which isn't a lot - and you can order them from Amazon for less, including free delivery, under a subscribe and save scheme. I would highly recommend the softener and would push you to consider adding the RO system too. You won't regret either, especially if you value clean water, and Nova are excellent to work with.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by idlewild

We moved into a new home down south recently and considered Culligan, Nova, and Pegasus. Culligan was outrageously expensive, Pegasus was shady and similarly expensive, and Nova were extremely informative, responsive, and didn't pressure us to buy anything we didn't need.

We have friends who live between the 6's (CDD 10) who also have Nova but do not have either the softener or the Reverse Osmosis (RO). I have personally seen their bathroom faucet clog dur to calcium build-up for which they simply removed it and soaked in CLR.

Personally, we didn't want that calcium affecting our appliances, pipes, and faucets so we had the softener installed along with an RO for our drinking water and ice (they spliced it to our refrigerator). After we moved in, we had another salesperson - fell victim to a postcard from "Florida Water Analysis" offering a free testing but which was actually another company trying to sell us the same system for more money. While the agent was here, I had her test both the TDS and acidity of our water: both pre-RO (so whole-house filtered and softened), post-RO (whole-house, softened, and RO) and bottled spring water from Zephyrhills. Shockingly, the bottled water was by far the worst: while the TDS was similar to our new tap (whole-house filtered and softened) at ~200 TDS, the chemicals were shockingly high. And the RO was really clean with a TDS ~15.

In short, we absolutely LOVE both our softener and RO. Not only due we feel our home is more "protected" from the Florida tap, but the water also feels amazing to shower and clean with. And Nova charges like $22 a bag - which isn't a lot - and you can order them from Amazon for less, including free delivery, under a subscribe and save scheme. I would highly recommend the softener and would push you to consider adding the RO system too. You won't regret either, especially if you value clean water, and Nova are excellent to work with.

Culligan is probably the best system you can get. The build quality, features and warrenty are the best but as you say it's expensive. Nova is good quality for the price you are paying. Plus they are local so any service or issues can be address quickly.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by jrref

Nova doesn't advertise this option but you can ask, for an additional charge, for one Sediment and two Carbon filters vs the two Sediment and one Carbon filter configuration. They offer this because most competitive systems use two Carbon filters. Is it better? You will have to do the research but some feel it is.

The Nova softener system is a separate unit connected After their three stage filter system. Personally, I like this type of system because its easier to service if needed vs an all-in-one softener system.

Hope this helps.

Okay, I guess I misunderstood your comment. I thought you were saying your filter system and water softener were all one system, not the two separate systems we have. Thanks though for the info on the alternative filter system. I’m going to ask them about it.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Risuli

Had the Nova water filter and softener system installed in June last year. I too was concerned about the flushing onto the lawn and how it might impact the grass.

Started out using the potassium tablets to protect the grass, but at $40 per bag was pretty expensive. Switched to the salt tablets, at well under $10 per bag, and haven't looked back and the grass near the discharge seems fine.

We switched from potassium to sodium too, but mostly because I thought the tap water had a metallic taste and wanted to see how it tasted with the sodium instead. It’s much better so we’re sticking with sodium, and as a bonus we’re saving quite a bit of money too.

[BobnBev]

Originally Posted by Pondboy

We’re in the Fenney area as well and got one 2 yrs ago.

Pros ; better for skin, sudsier soap, minimal calcium buildup on shower, faucets, etc., better tasting water. Won’t need to use a water filter in your refrigerator.

Cons ; takes up room in garage, it’s an added expense, waste water needs to drain somewhere (hopefully not in a flower bed), need to buy salt / potassium (potassium more expensive), salt/potassium bags be heavy (40 lbs I think, they need to be added to unit). You’ll also need an electrical outlet to plug it into.

I think it was worth it.

Investigate Home Depot / Lowe’s for purchase as well as Nova and that other brand (can’t think of the name).

I love our NOVA. The only drawback is the 40lb bag once a month. Usually hurts my back. Very expensive.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

I love our NOVA. The only drawback is the 40lb bag once a month. Usually hurts my back. Very expensive.

You are likely using the potassium salt rather than the sodium. The sodium works great and is very cheap. I think less than $10/bag. The water tastes better too with the sodium IMHO.

[Battlebasset]

If the discharge from the WS was piped out the side wall of my garage, it would not be a long trip to discharge directly into my cleanout which is in the flower bed. Has anybody done this vs just letting it spill on the ground, or creating a drainage sump?

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Water softener will make the soap in the shower go farther (you will use less).

When you mention flushing, you are referring to the toilet? The water softener has nothing to do with that, the flushing is caused by the water already in the tank and not the water coming through the pipes.

I don’t believe a water softener has anything to do with gunk in pipes. I can’t think of what it might do to cause that or prevent it.

We had one in MD but not here (Brownwood area). I notice the difference but don’t feel I need one here. Been here part time since 2018 and full time since 2020. Some small amount of mineral buildup but nothing significant. I like that I no longer need to worry about keeping salt in the tank or where the waste water is going.

He might take mirror and look at toilet bowl swirl holes. Maybe the are scaled up and affecting water flow? Which would probably happen every time IMO? Depending on toilet and what being flushed it may not be able to flush normally which seems he has occasional flush problems. I also agree water softener system not going help his flushing problems. I could also be vent problem or tank flapper hang up problem?

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy

You are likely using the potassium salt rather than the sodium. The sodium works great and is very cheap. I think less than $10/bag. The water tastes better too with the sodium IMHO.

Isn’t sodium bad for vascular system? Every one I even knew with high blood pressure was told to reduce sodium intake?