Water softener dealers?

[Groves]

We're getting a water softener.

Hello soapy froth. Goodbye clogged sink sprayers. Among other things.


Don't want a big box unit, but will be getting something with a Fleck or Clack valve.

About to pull the internet trigger, but I'd prefer to help the local-ish little guy if he can come close.

Anyone here deal in Fleck or Clack equipment?

We'll be getting a 1.5cu-ft system, probably with 10% resin due to Springfield's chlorine-happy disposition.

[007]

Originally Posted by Groves

I'm with you.

The culligan/rainsoft/ecowater/kinecto (sp) brands are those high end/high price places.


What I'm saying is that you can get a fleck valved system for $400-$600 at those other online places, which is right at sears prices, even under.

I don't work for or have any interest in any of these thing, I'm just sharing research from other professionals I've gathered over a few weeks of reading.

For that same $400-600 that you would have spent at Sears, you get these bonuses over Sears:
1. Valve that everyone says is bulletproof and long lasting. Nobody says that about the Sears unit.

2. Valve internals that are 1 1/4inch, not just 1 1/4 inch inputs with smaller internals.

3. Resin that is legit 8% instead of the 5% resin you'd find in the big box units. This alone is huge in extending the life of the unit. I can't find Sears's resin specs anywhere on their site. It's like not putting how many horsepower a car makes. Strange to leave it out. If it is indeed 5% resin, I sure wouldn't put it out there in print either.

4. Parts may from Noryl instead of pvc or abs that becomes brittle over time.


I think all the Sears units will work. They're not faulty, they're just not built to last, and everyone in the industry knows it. Just know what you're getting and if that's what you want. They do a good job of matching up parts and materials that will work together for the relatively short life of the unit.

People are transient these days. Why buy a unit that will last for 20 years when you'll only be there for 4? Huge market for short life units, and they're filling the void.

Not my style, though. (Neither are the $3000 units, yikes!)

Hmmm, didn't realize fleck was a low cost unit. I may look into one of these. Do they do the install or do I have to find someone to do it/

[Groves]

Originally Posted by Guru

Hmmm, didn't realize fleck was a low cost unit. I may look into one of these. Do they do the install or do I have to find someone to do it/

If you want someone to install your water softener, you're one of these people.

1. Lots of money, don't want to mess with it.
2. No skill. The whole concept scares you.
3. Can read and follow directions, new skills don't bother you.

People 1 and 2 can easily get these people to install inexpensive units

• Sears
• Probably Home Depot and Lowes have contractors available
• Plumbers (not Jake)

and with a serious leap upwards in price, these companies will install the units they sell.

• Culligan, EcoWater, Water Softener Companies


People in the 3rd camp can get the advice from plumbers or plumbing forums. If your house already has hookups, you're set. If not, you're still not far from set.

[007]

Originally Posted by Groves

If you want someone to install your water softener, you're one of these people.

1. Lots of money, don't want to mess with it.
2. No skill. The whole concept scares you.
3. Can read and follow directions, new skills don't bother you.

People 1 and 2 can easily get these people to install inexpensive units

• Sears
• Probably Home Depot and Lowes have contractors available
• Plumbers (not Jake)

and with a serious leap upwards in price, these companies will install the units they sell.

• Culligan, EcoWater, Water Softener Companies


People in the 3rd camp can get the advice from plumbers or plumbing forums. If your house already has hookups, you're set. If not, you're still not far from set.

I have never been comfortable with plumbing work. I have a friend that used to work in his fathers plumbing business that I trade computers services for. I'll probably go that route if and when I finally get a unit.

EDIT

When I say plumbing, I mean tearing into the pipes. I can install faucets and toilets just fine though.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by Guru

I have never been comfortable with plumbing work. I have a friend that used to work in his fathers plumbing business that I trade computers services for. I'll probably go that route if and when I finally get a unit.

EDIT

When I say plumbing, I mean tearing into the pipes. I can install faucets and toilets just fine though.

My BA in sarcasm requires me to say a few things here. First. your pipes have all been torn up and everyone knows how familiar you are with plumbing.

[007]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

My BA in sarcasm requires me to say a few things here. First. your pipes have all been torn up and everyone knows how familiar you are with plumbing.

pipes are fine and yes, I am familiar with plumbing

[Kerberos]

The harder your water + the least costing unit = a unit that won't last long. IMHO

[007]

Originally Posted by Kerberos

The harder your water + the least costing unit = a unit that won't last long. IMHO

Who said anything about the least costing unit? I just don't see any justification for spending $4000 on one.

[HemiEd]

I like what I read about the Pelican salt free system. Anyone have any comments on that?

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by HemiEd

I like what I read about the Pelican salt free system. Anyone have any comments on that?

http://www.doityourself.com/forum/wa...ee-system.html

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

http://www.doityourself.com/forum/wa...ee-system.html

Thanks! Very interesting reading. So this site is bogus? Very misleading if it is!

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Thanks! Very interesting reading. So this site is bogus? Very misleading if it is!

go to that site and scrill down to the very last line.

[J Diddy]

Sounds like a dope deal in here or something.

"Hey man, I got shit that'll make your water softer than an impotents eunich's dick. Seriously. Wife comes in just looking rigid, flash this shit and bammmmm. Putty."

[FlaChief58]

This system is really catching on here and my customers love this thing. It uses no power or salt, does not need to regenerate itself and carries a lifetime warranty. The only thing that will go bad in time are the 4 o-rings which can be changed out in about 15 min.

www.nuvodirect.com

[007]

Originally Posted by Flachief58

This system is really catching on here and my customers love this thing. It uses no power or salt, does not need to regenerate itself and carries a lifetime warranty. The only thing that will go bad in time are the 4 o-rings which can be changed out in about 15 min.

www.nuvodirect.com

Let me guess. $4000

[FlaChief58]

Originally Posted by Guru

Let me guess. $4000

Actually, less than $500 and installation takes about an hour. I charge $900 total