We have a Sears water softener and Sears whole house filter, going on 9+ years old, and I had sears water softeners for decades in previous house, each one outlasted the 10 year warranty. Alas, Sears is no more, so I will be looking for a suitable replacement. I have seen combo units that would save a lot of space. I will probably use Consumer Reports to get a good replacement.

We were in the same boat as you a couple months ago here in Indiana. I've had a Sears softener for years. Ours gave out so I started researching. Ended up buying a Rheem. So far, so good.

Good luck getting Nova filters! We’ve been dealing with a guy for 2 weeks now with no luck. We want filters and softener but he‘s been extremely difficult to deal with on the phone, and very slow with text message replies. We’re going in circles with him. Ready to find another company that’s not crazy expensive like Pegasus is.

Make it Simple
 

If you can't get a recommendation you can trust for a plumber, go to Home Depot or Lowe's. Each will set you up with a plumber. Buy a simple, cheap, softener as they all work the same. There is no reason to use anything but salt and there is no reason to not use softened water at the outdoor spigots. The salt does not enter the water. All it is used for is to exchange the sodium ion (the Na of NaCl) for a calcium ion, the calcium being what makes the water hard.

Home Depot or Lowe's will sell you a 2-stage filter by iSpring. the two stages being a sediment filter and an activated charcoal filter which will remove the chlorine and anything else which smells or tastes bad. You do not need the 3rd stage model as it only removes iron, which is not present in our water.

Three recommendations: First, buy the 10" filters and not the 20". You will have to change them more often; however, the 20" when filled with water are very heavy and it is cumbersome to remove them and re-install them. The 10" are much easier. The 10" will filter just as well as the 20", the only difference is that they must be changed more often. Second, while you are going to all this trouble and will have a plumber at your house, have him install a Watts circulating pump in the hot water line. This will give you near-instant hot water at the faucets and the showers, which is oh so nice. Third, have the plumber change the sacrificial anode in the water heater. This is the device which prevents the metal of the water heater from rusting. It is a rod of aluminum or magnesium which corrodes easily from the slight amount of electricity which is always present in a water system. It corrodes and the steel of the tank does not. Odds are you have never heard of the sacrificial anode-don't be embarrassed, few have.

That is strange. I have had them out twice, once to install the filters and once to change the filters. They were quick and professional.

The Nova guy is an active member here, though I forget his name. I'm sure he will reply to your post.

Not sure perhaps playing telephone tag, but we are very prompt on return calls/texts and email.

I don't know who you are so I just sent you PM with my direct cell#

Bob

I want to thank Bob for contacting me and helping us with our Nova filters installation. All has been resolved, and we are getting these installed soon. If I could delete my comment now I would, but it’s been quoted several times so that would likely be pointless.

Glad we have it resolved

Bob

As always!