Am I getting ripped off?

[dlary]

I just moved into a new house and have a water hardness level of 8 (I am on well water) I called the local water treatment guys and got a quote on a Watermaster Silver series two tank water system. The system looks just like a Fleck 5600 series system. The quote was $2295 installed. I have a nasty feeling I am buying a $500 water softener and paying someone $1800 to install it.

[nomind]

Hi Diary,
- you don't break down the quote, so it's hard to say. A lot may depend on the cost of control head and media. If you give facts and figures I'm sure somebody here will have an opinion.
-- (HOWEVER- I have to say as an independent operator, that I am constantly surprised at the rip-offs many well companies foist on an unknowing public. )
:cool:

[Gary Slusser]

No residential softener is worth that amount of money unless it is over maybe 5 cuft (150k) installed on 1.5" plumbing. And that would be installed, not through an internet dealer. Internet dealers have little to no overhead so it's unfair to compare their equipment price to a local dealer that installs the same equipment after doing water testing and gives advice and quotes.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2

[nomind]

Gary,
- thanks, I was waiting for one of you Pro-Treatment guys to put up that kind of answer ! It seemed high to me, but I don't have the expertise to say so . I know I install them for 8-1200 depending on unit ! -Some difference ! :cool:

[dlary]

The proposal includes a Fleck 5600 mechanical meter, a 9X48 brine tank and a 18X33 salt tank. I think I will call them tomorrow and cancel the install and go get a $500 softener at Home Depot. I can go through three or four of those before I get to $2295 for the one system.

[Gary Slusser]

You can buy the same or much better over the internet and install it yourself. I think the best control valves for a DIYer is the Clack WS-1 and Fleck 7000 control valves. The Clack WS-1 is the easiest to repair if needed and the parts cost the least of any manufacturer, includng the big box store brands. And you can get parts from any internet or local dealers. So do your homework before you buy anything.

nomind, your charges are the same as what most local dealers would charge with installation.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2