Hi Guys

I'm looking to buy a water softener for my home. I've looked at menards and home depot. Just wondering if anyone knows of a good brand or which brands to stay away from.

thanks for your help

Mark

 

We have had a Culligan for about 20 years now. The only problem I have had with it, sediment (from the well) will sometimes stop the flow meter from working..

 

My very old Culligan died some time ago. I need to find a replacement. It will be outside with a shelter over it. I want the type that has the separate salt container. I think Grainger has some.

 

Check out Culligan. They have the separate salt container. Had mine for 13 years. Nothing more than just some normal maintenance.

 

Kinetico is the best, forget all the rest.

 

What would be an average price for one?

 

We have had a Culligan system running here since May 1992. (Separate salt container.)

 

Cornfeed: Sounds like Culligan and Kinetico are two brands that you should study up on the internet. I am not familar with Kinetico, although Redranger03 gives it a strong endorsement. My Culligan has served me well over the years. These are items that you do not replace frequently, so do your homework and study carefully. Look over location for running supply line, electric source and running of drain line, when the unit recycles. I have observed some pretty sloppy installations, simply because the homeowner let the installer make all the decisions. I laid it all out before a deal was made. If you are going to install yourself, then you will insure a good workmanlike job.

 

I've had my Kinetico since 1989. It's been virtually trouble free.
Depending on what size you need and if you pay to have it installed, you're looking at as much as $2000.00. I know, OUCH! But I'm sure you can install it yourself Mike W. to save $$. Nothing to it, just basic plumbing.

It runs on Kinetic energy, so no electric hook up neccessary.

It comes with two softner tanks that switch automaticly so you never run out of softend water.

I would check it out before you buy anything else.

 

Redranger03:

You have got my interest up on the kinetic water softner. When we had our culligan installed in 1991, I had never heard mention of it. Culligan is the poplar name in the Tampa Bay area. Can you recommend a site to study up on the kinetic water softners. I understand that you don't have to deal with the salt bags and that would be a big plus. Planning on building another home and this might be the alternative. Do they have a URL that you could post. Would like to find a local dealer in Tampa and learn more.

 

Make sure you have your water tested for the minerals in your water supply.
Will this be on city water or well water?
The minerals and amount of useage will determine the size system you need.
I would suggest you find a local dealer to answer all your questions and test your water.
It will save you money in the long run.
My father has owned a water treatment buisness in KY. for 32 years.

 

I'll second the Kinetico. We recently replaced our other water softener as it wasn't working very well. Apparently the resin in the tank(s) will wear down or break down over time. High chlorine causes this.

The difference between the Kinetico and others is the Kinetico is maintainence free. Almost. As was said earlier the Kinetico has two tanks, when the one is used up it automatically switches to the other and regenerates the first. So there is never a time when hard water is a problem. The othersuse a timer to regenerate usually around 2 AM or whenever you are sleeping. Usually not a problem until it's Thanksgiving and you are washing dishes, many people using the bathroom, or washing cars and you run out of water in the middle of the day. Then the system will regenerate and you have hard water for a little while.

Without the time it doesn't need electric, there is a mechanical eter that knows when to switch. You will still need bags of salt (or potassium). That goes in a separate tank. The Kinetico still takes up the same amount of floor space, just three pieces instead of one.

It is pricey, $2000 sounds about right. We also got a Reverse Osmosis system and our total was a little under $3000. The Reverse Osmosis system is well worth it if you buy bottled water or don't like the taste of tap water.

If you need more info or have specific questions I have the paperwork filed and can get it for you.