Author Topic: frugal water softener system?  (Read 2863 times)

RadicalPersonalFinance

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frugal water softener system?
« on: April 08, 2013, 12:01:35 PM »
My water softener system is old and shot, and needs to be completely replaced.

Does anyone have ideas/information about how to have the best long-term value?  Specific ideas/brands/advice very much appreciated.

My water has 1.2 parts of iron, calcium, and tannins.  One salesperson from a water softener company said that I can achieve what I need with just the softner--no need for extra filters.

Probably the most important things to me are good water and low lifetime cost (meaning, low salt cost, low replacement parts cost, etc.)

Thanks in advance!

Cinder

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Re: frugal water softener system?
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2013, 07:29:09 AM »
I have very hard water as well, with ph balance issues and chlorine.  Someone from Mountain Pure Water Systems stopped by to try to sell me a 7k system (initial price was 9k before the 'discount' was applied).  I'd be very interested in any frugal water softener info as well.  We have a non-functional water softener hooked up but bypassed, and calling the culligan people when they had a 'free service' offer go out, giving them the make and model, they said it was so old it wasn't worth trying to service because it'd be hard to find parts for it!

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Re: frugal water softener system?
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2013, 08:44:39 PM »

Sorry I didn't respond sooner.  I have installed 3 kenmore water softeners in 3 different houses, in fact, I just installed the 3rd one about two weeks ago.  My experience has been good with them.  They are reliable and should last 15 or so years.  They have good efficiency and can be adjusted adequately to suit your needs.  In the user manuals it indicates how to set the system if you have high iron in addition to hard water.  You can also set them to use the least amount of water and/or salt.

 If you need/want softer water these are a good way to go imho.  My experience is that I would not get the lowest end model nor the highest end model and if you do choose one of the mid range models you will spend between 375-600 on the system and can get them on sale.  Each has different efficiency and house size capacity.  You will also want to pay attention to water pressure reduction.  Water pressure is reduced less on higher end models.  I have never had a problem with pressure but if you have low pressure you will want to pay attention to it. 

I have installed them using both the supplied bypass valve and by making a three valve bypass in the supply system, each worked fine.  Of course  by softening the water you will be able to reduce your soap and cleaning detergent use and you should actively do that in order to offset some of the cost of use.

In one case I had significant water hardness and iron issues where the water was supplied by a neighbors well.  I chose to install the softener first and then see where I was at with water quality.  My plan was to add additional filters if needed after that first step.  In that case I did not need additional filters, the softener did fine along with a brita pitcher in the refrigerator for drinking.

I hope this helps.

Cinder

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Re: frugal water softener system?
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2013, 09:35:36 PM »
I'll have to look into that, I already use a brita filter for drinking water (and making ice cubes.... and I may start using it directly for cooking as well, something I didn't think of till uber-expensive door to door water system guy mentioned something about soups turning out differently if you have harder water)

Thanks!

 

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