Help to decide which water softener

[Mike's House]

Can some please help? :confused:

We are on a community well and have, of course, very hard water. In addition, 7 picocuries of Radium was found during testing a couple months ago. The Illinos EPA said not that big a problem since but if exposed over 20 years, it could be. Action item for local county is to come up with a plan to get under the mandated 5 picocuries. Looks like the problem was coming from the deep well (1000 ft) and with 6 other shallower wells, the county may dig more shallow wells. Lastly, we also want an RO system for drinking.

I've had Culligan come out to give their dog and pony presentation. Looks good but expensive, close to $3000 for softener and RO with installation included. I've heard of the GE system and the Johnson systems that are both less money. So, now you've heard most my story, can anyone provide some better 'independent' suggestion / ideas? Thanks in advance. - Mike

[Gary Slusser]

You've got a wide range there, from moderately high to the lowest of the line. Why not something better that you can repair yourself with the lowest replacement parts cost like the Clack WS-1? Or the Fleck 7000 control valves although their parts are more? They have variable reserve and soft water brine refill while the 7000 also has variable brining. Both are sold by 'independent' dealers.

BTW, radium is removed with a softener.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2

[Mike's House]

My neighbor and I just had a demo / presentation by the Johnson Rep. Like his system (but all these softeners still seem the same). Any pros/cons with any systems? I'm not sure I'm handy enought to repair my own. I'm just looking for something that will last and is reliable and at a good price. The Johnson system is 1770 installed with an RO system model E75FC-3SF (75 gal per day, 3.8 gal tank).

[Gary Slusser]

What brand of control valve do they use? IMO $1770 is way too much for a water softener unless it's up in the 4 cuft or larger sizes.

A teenager can repair a Clack WS-1 control valve; it's that easy/simple by design.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2

[Mike's House]

The valve is called a Proforma Valve 460i. The brochure says Osmonics Autotrol Product Specifications. It also has a demand initiated regeneration which what the sales guy was saying was real good.

[Gary Slusser]

Not a bad valve but not worth as much as a Clack WS-1 or Fleck 7000 controls and it won't have most of their features. They are demand/meter regenerated too.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2

[Mike's House]

Thanks Gary, appreciate the response!

[mikekerr]

Mike,

I would not use Johnsons Water Conditioning. They are a very shady company.

You have a couple options you might want to consider. One is to by mail order from Gary. You will likely save thousands and know exactley what you are getting. Another is to buy the "disposable" units from Home Depot. Both much better choices than using Johnsons.

I am in West Dundee, feel free to come see my setup. And if you do buy from Gary or a local retailer, I am happy to help you install.

Take Care,

Mike

[Mike's House]

Mike,
I apprecitate the information and offer to help. Why are you saying Johnson's is shady?

[rbad]

I purchased a softener (and several under counter R.O. filters) from Gary. Not only did he spend 2 a ton of time educating me, his prices were excellent and the system (I went with the Clack valve and 2.0 cuft capacity) is significantly better than most others out there in terms of overall quality.

I had been to Lowes and Home Depot, but their softeners were fairly flimsy item.

Just my .02 :thumbup:

Thanks Gary !! You have THE BEST customer service of any company I have ever dealt with locally. (that may not mean too much as I live in NJ :p ) :D