Anyone here know about water softners

[nate379]

My thought on a box store unit is if it lasts for 10-15 years, I can replace it 5-6 times to equal the cost of ONE Kinetico unit.

I don't doubt they aren't good units, but not something I can afford.

I used to install water softeners awhile back; there are five basic control heads that I know of, Autotrol, Clack, Erie, Fleck and Kinetico. I know other have said they have had good luck with the big box store brands, but most of them have smaller control valves that tend not to hold up as well as the ones you would buy from a dealer or online.

I would recommend one with a Clack or Autotrol valve, they are the easiest ones to work on when (not if) something goes wrong. I currently have a Kinetico only because I was able to buy it at cost when I installed for them. Prior to that I had one with the Autotrol valve that lasted 20 years; with me rebuilding the control valve at about 15 years. As far as I know it still may be in the house, it was there when I sold it.

If I still did not have a local source for softeners I think I would order a Clack online and install it myself. It is not hard to do if you have basic plumbing skills.

Here is a link on how to size a water softener; http://www.qualitywaterassociates.com/softeners/sizingchart.htm

If you google Clack water softeners you will find a number of places you can order them from.

As far as salt use (someone asked) it all depends on how hard your water is and how much water you use. My Dad says he fills their softener every 4-5 months and it holds 120lbs.

 

[porschedude996TT]

Sears top of the line is my suggestion. You can get a free water sample bottle to send in to check the water condition.

 

[brokenknee]

I agree Kinetico units are way overpriced. I only have one because I got it at cost, believe me there is a huge mark up on all softeners, Kinetico seams to be the worst.

Yes salt use does depend on how hard your water is; the harder the water the more salt you will use.

As I stated earlier, if you have the skills to install one, get one online. You can purchase a very good unit for what you would pay at the big box stores.

 

[kolo]

Go to Budgetwater.com, all the info and free phone help you could want, I install and maintain my own system with their help. great people with alot of knowledge.

 

[machinistchest]

I bought a rainsoft 25 years ago it removes virus to .003 microns still works well however it wasn`t cheap.

http://www.rainsoft.com/

 

[nate379]

Was wondering, guys with softeners, how much salt do you go through?

I got my Whirlpool unit (from Lowe's) in about a month ago.

I put 4 bags of salt which brought it to level "5" in the tank. It is still at that level. I poked down with a stick to make sure the salt was on the bottom and it is.

I was figuring to use 1-2 bags per month.

 

[jdkenyon]

We have a Kinetico that claims to use 1lb of salt per cycle. That happens every 150 gallons. My wife and I use about 8 bags of salt per year.

 

[babzog]

I installed a Kenmore a few years ago. Best thing I ever did to solve the iron and hard water issues. They go on sale in the first couple of weeks in Dec (Sears Red Tag sale).

 

[fiveoh]

I've never had a water softner but was thinking about getting one. Is it true I won't have to wipe off my clear shower doors after use?

I've been in my house(had it built) a little over a year and the hard water is already etching the granite by the sink, i'm assuming this would take care of that issue. What are some other benefits?

 

[midnightcruise]

I've never had a water softner but was thinking about getting one. Is it true I won't have to wipe off my clear shower doors after use?

I've been in my house(had it built) a little over a year and the hard water is already etching the granite by the sink, i'm assuming this would take care of that issue. What are some other benefits?

I have had a water softener for 20 years now and...

Yes it does keep the water from etching sinks and fixtures, but you will still have to wipe the shower doors and clean just about as often. There is a bacteria that grows very well in softened water (don't worry, it's a good bacteria);

The bacteria is called serratia, which is a kind of common bacteria that thrives in the bathroom environment. It produces a reddish pigment called prodigiosin. Routine cleaning followed by disinfecting with bleach (add some to the tank, too) will stop its growth.

City water has chlorine in it, which kills this bacteria.
Well water has iron n it, which combined with the bacteria leaves a brown stain behind.

Either way you have to wipe it down and clean just as much (just not as hard). I do notice far less soap is required to clean (with my water softener on).

I know I rambled on too much...

 

[35mastr]

I am in need of a softener soon. Some real good info in this thread. I think I am going to pull the trigger online. They seem to have some real nice units.

 

[thammel]

I bought mine off the web from qualitywatertreatment.com and installed it myself. Pretty easy job. I use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride to minimize sodium intake.

Tom