Water Softener System

[terrysdelight]

Hi, hope I'm in the right place.

I'd like to have a water softener system fitted/installed. Live in a very hard water area. We've noticed how nice and soft water is abroad so think it's a good idea.

Can anyone advise on the running cost of the systems. We have a 3 bedroom house and usually three occupants. At the moment, only one bathroom/shower.

Any idea on price and approx cost for installation? How long does installation take roughly?

Recommendations for a half decent, value for money product would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

[ih]

hi
i have kinetico brand water softner which was installed in approx couple of hours about 10 years ago. It is non electric model. Installed in 3 bed semi with 3 people use it cost approx under a fiver a month. I under stand this make should last about 20 years. I have had no problems to date. i hope this info helps but am sure there are more qualified people out there.
ih
p.s the installation is subject to the necessary water supply readily available as mine was under the sink.

 

[terrysdelight]

hi
i have kinetico brand water softner which was installed in approx couple of hours about 10 years ago. It is non electric model. Installed in 3 bed semi with 3 people use it cost approx under a fiver a month. I under stand this make should last about 20 years. I have had no problems to date. i hope this info helps but am sure there are more qualified people out there.
ih
p.s the installation is subject to the necessary water supply readily available as mine was under the sink.

Thanks - sounds cheap enough to run. Any more recommendations greatly received.

 

[JohnD]

I have an old Permutit which used to be a good brand, but the local service co tells me the brand was bought up and now sticks the badge on cheap stuff.

It costs about £5 a month in salt. It gives fantastic soft towels and clothes, and I get no limescale on taps, WC cisterns, bath etc. Washing up is easy. You can clean windows and mirrors by wiping with a damp sponge and it leavers no smears. I would not be without mine.

Be sure to buy one that has a water meter and regenerates the resin when you have used enough water to replenish it, not just a timeclock.

In 25 years usage I have had 2 repairs, and one replacement machine when I was offered a reconditioned one at an attractive price. The water valve mechanism scaled up and had to be cleaned out and fitted with new seals.

Ask around to see if there is a well-established local firm that does softener repairs and see what brand they stock and will service.

if you buy a cheap one from a shed you will probably have to bin it when it goes wrong.

I found it an advantage to get as big one as it has a larger cylinder and salt bin so needs refilling less often (the bags of salt I use are 20kg so a bit tiresome to lift and tip). It is heavy when full of salt and water. Put it where access is easy, and not upstairs or in a cramped kitchen cabinet. Have a waterproof floor covering under it as salt crystals and dust will sometimes spill and they corrode metals and attack most other materials if not quickly cleaned up.

 

[terrysdelight]

I have an old Permutit which used to be a good brand, but the local service co tells me the brand was bought up and now sticks the badge on cheap stuff.

It costs about £5 a month in salt. It gives fantastic soft towels and clothes, and I get no limescale on taps, WC cisterns, bath etc. Washing up is easy. You can clean windows and mirrors by wiping with a damp sponge and it leavers no smears. I would not be without mine.

Be sure to buy one that has a water meter and regenerates the resin when you have used enough water to replenish it, not just a timeclock.

In 25 years usage I have had 2 repairs, and one replacement machine when I was offered a reconditioned one at an attractive price. The water valve mechanism scaled up and had to be cleaned out and fitted with new seals.

Ask around to see if there is a well-established local firm that does softener repairs and see what brand they stock and will service.

if you buy a cheap one from a shed you will probably have to bin it when it goes wrong.

I found it an advantage to get as big one as it has a larger cylinder and salt bin so needs refilling less often (the bags of salt I use are 20kg so a bit tiresome to lift and tip). It is heavy when full of salt and water. Put it where access is easy, and not upstairs or in a cramped kitchen cabinet. Have a waterproof floor covering under it as salt crystals and dust will sometimes spill and they corrode metals and attack most other materials if not quickly cleaned up.

Thanks so much - it's a great help. Have found a specialist company near to me - will contact them and ask all the appropriate questions. Sounds silly, but one of the things I'm really looking forward to, as well as soft towels etc, is softer hair! When I'm abroad, my hair is so much nicer because of the soft water. Thanks again.