Reddit mentions: The best water softeners

I actually didn't tally up the cost as that wasn't really of a concern to me, but I'll try my best to provide links to the things I bought for this. Feel free to add it up for me!

• Lighting
  
  • T-5 Grow light (came with 6500K bulbs)
    
  • 2700K bulbs
    
  • Grow light hangers
    
• Grow medium
  
  • Net Cups
    
  • Black Buckets
    
  • Black lids
    
• Nutrients
  
  • General Hydroponics Flora Series
    
  • General Hydroponics pH control kit
    
  • pH/EC/Temp Meters
    
• Grow tent
  
• Air ventilation
  
  • The only thing I ended up using from this kit was the cheapest part, the ventilation duct...
    
  • The fan from this kit is way too powerful for my setup because my humidifier couldn't keep up
    
  • I didn't use the carbon filter because I'm not growing weed.
    
• Water Distiller
  
• Humidifier
  
  • The cheaper the humidifier, the better. I first bought (and destroyed) one that had some sort of digital switch, so it would always be in the off state when you first supply power to it, meaning you can't turn it on/off with just a relay.
    
• Plumbing
  
  • Aquatec 8852 booster pump
    
  • 2 Gallon accumulator tank
    
  • Pressure relief valve
    
  • Tubing
    
  • Inline Pre-filter (Sorry they must have taken the product down...)
    
  • Misting nozzle T's
    
  • Tube ball valves
    
  • Analog pressure gauge
    
  • Misting Nozzles
    
    • Note that these nozzles are meant for WAY higher pressure systems (~1000psi) and I actually had to take out the spring for them to operate correctly, but they never clogged up, are easy to clean, and worked perfectly for me!
      
• Electronics
  
  • Raspberry Pi 3 kit
    
  • Humidity sensor
    
  • Pressure sensor
    
  • Water solenoid valve
    
  • 5V 4-channel relay module
    
  • Analog-to-digital converter
    
  • 24V to 12V converter
    
  • 24V Power supply
    
  • Resistor kit
    
  • Semiconductor kit
    
  • Circuit boards
    
  • Standoffs
    
• Wiring
  
  • 22 gauge stranded wire
    
  • 22 gauge solid wire
    
  • Power supply cord
    
• Connectors
  
  • Electronic Connectors
    
    • JST-XHP Connectors
      
    • JST-SM Connectors
      
    • Dupont Connectors
      
  • Plumbing Connectors
    
    • Bulkhead connectors
      
    • Quick-connect kit
      
    • NPT to quick-connect connector
      
      I also bought various tools, like crimpers, Dremel kit, drill, etc, but I don't consider those to be project-specific as I'll have them for the foreseeable future. Let me know if there's anything you see that you think I missed!
      

Yeah, I'm thinking the furnace is probably a no-brainer. Not sure about unexpected costs that might spring up along the way, or if I'm being unreasonable in expecting it to cost in that range; probably the best answer is to get an estimate so I know.

The filtration system (like this) I'm also unsure about whether it could be reused, and that's a big part of the question. If anybody knows which of these might be reusable for new construction I'd appreciate the insight.

Insulation, like the furnace, is what makes these questions so gray. The timeline is right on the edge between making these things obvious money-saving things or being worth that many years of comfort and being a frivolous waste of time when we could be spending the money on the new house.

> Savings tip: calculate your spendings in reflection to your savings/month. let's say you can save 500,- a month towards the new house; an expense of 6k now adds a year to your expected moving day.

This is a great way of looking at it. Thanks for that.

You look to have really good well water. Low iron is always a plus. I have one of these, works great.

Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener Digital SXT Metered Whole House System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OGN3162/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oQkuDb0VQ1ATM

Adding a filter before for sediment will help work the softener lasting longer. I have some spin down filters (you just clean the screen and reuse them) and traditional water filters that I change every couple months.

Also have this RO at the kitchen sink. Replacement filters are very reasonable, 2 sets of 3 for around $50 I think.

APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System (ESSENCE ROES-50) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I0ZGOZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5SkuDbSZ9M7QN

Yup. Your well water probably has a higher mineral content than the Brita water. If you're used to the well water the filtered water tea can come across as flat. A bit surprising that it would mute such a strong taste as bergamot though.

If you have the option, you may want to look into adding some mineral content simply by tossing into the bottom of the Brita pitcher a few volcanic rocks of the kind used in filters that re-mineralize the water. This is the type you need (well, minus the ceramic spheres) but you should be able to find them elsewhere cheaper: http://www.amazon.com/Santevia-Mineral-Stone-Post-Filter-Filter/dp/B003T46666/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1341956550&sr=8-22&keywords=santevia+water.

BTW: I have a Santevia system despite having excellent Pacific Northwest mountain range tap water, and it does wonders to improve quite a few of my teas. Expensive, but worthwhile if you really want better water for your tea.

I think there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself first.

1. How do you plan to treat water? Sawyer Squeeze (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1OSU4W/), Aquatabs (https://www.amazon.com/Aquatabs-AQT100-Water-Purification-Tablets/dp/B077737MBN), bleach, etc.?
   
2. How do you plan to carry that much water? Does your bag and gear accommodate the space and weight?
   If you are using the Sawyer Squeeze, you could use something like 3L CNOC bags (the thread on top matches the Squeeze, unlike other bags), and the 3L CNOC bag is 3.7oz each ($23 https://www.amazon.com/Cnoc-Outdoors-Vecto-Container-Orange/dp/B07F1BBWHC). Good lightweight construction. If you plan to use Aquatabs, Aquamira, or bleach, you could use something even more lightweight like the Platypus 2L bags at 1.3oz each ($9 https://www.amazon.com/Platypus-2-Liter-Ultralight-Collapsible-Bottle/dp/B000J2KEGY/). Those do not match the Squeeze threads, but if you're not using Squeeze anyway it wouldn't matter. Both the CNOC and Platypus bags roll down to nothing when empty, and are easy to travel with. You could carry 2 of the CNOC or Platypus bags + 2 1L Smartwater bottles (again, the threading on these matches Sawyer Squeeze) for a total of 6-8oz, without using that much space, and without costing that much money. Just remember that water itself is pretty heavy, which is why most people try to camel up and drink a lot at water stops, and then not have to carry as much all day.

Get a real hardness test first. Money well spent.

Hach 145300 Total Hardness Test Kit, Model 5-B https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FM7WLU/

Then get a water softener. Put it after your filters. They are easy to install if you have done any plumbing work. I got this one, it’s great (edit: size your water softener based on your hardness test! I had 19 grains hardness. You want to run a week between regen, give or take, with a 20% buffer. 19 grains x 4 people x 75 gallons per day x 7 days x 1.20 buffer is 47,880. I got a 48,000 grain softener):

Metered water softener with 3/4" Fleck 5600SXT control, 48,000 grain capacity with by-pass valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GBZ2P6/

My water was quite hard, around 19 grains. The softener fixed that, but made it taste like mud.

So I got an RO system and plumbed it to my fridge only. That was easy too. Took me a couple hours total.

I got this one:

iSpring RCC7 High Capacity Under Sink 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System and Ultimate Water Softener- WQA Gold Seal Certified https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XELTTG/

It’s been a trouble free year now with great tasting water. The showers are a bit slipprier, yes, but my kids are less itchy, and gross shit doesn’t grow over every water source in my house any more. Worth it.

I have a Kinetico Sulfurguard system with Fleck water softener. The water softener I bought on Amazon and installed myself which is very easy. Kinetico only sells and services through their dealers. My drinking water is better than the city or county. This is the best setup Ive found.

https://www.kinetico.com/specialty-solutions/sulfur-guard-backwashing-filter/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OGN3162/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uGqCDbP3RQG4Z

Edit,...the kinetico is a hydrogen peroxide system

I'm in the desert so can't say anything to colder climates. Typically they break down due to scale buildup which can be remedied with a descaler, ie something like this at the input line. Like with anything follow the reviews. There should be a unit that works for your climate and the number of people in your house. If you only run one shower at a time then a big tank seems overkill, to me anyway, and some of these units can provide enough for two showers and two sinks at the same time.

However, living in MN definitely drops a wrench in the idea. You may just be better off sticking with a tank.

It's a Nikken Magna-Charger

>The Nikken Magna-Charger has powerful neodymium and ferrite magnets that reduce mineral clumping, acting as a natural water softener without adding chemicals or salt. It decreases buildup inside pipes and may help prolong plumbing life


Looks like they sold for roughly $150

I’ve heard the crystals are best. There are also pellets and the big blocks. I use the crystals and then once a month I put in resin cleaner.

(Package Of 2) Pro Products RK41N Pro Res Care Resin Cleaning Solution (1 Bot... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FKFMVVG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_5KcYCb7K2DP88

You need to open an air purge valve (I am assuming you have one or more of them) to allow the water to drain out.

The reason that it may be gunky is that it has not been cleaned, nor has had an anti-corrosion additive used.

https://www.amazon.com/Oatey-35206-Hercules-Heating-Cleaner/dp/B000BVOTD2

https://www.amazon.com/Rectorseal-68712-Quart-Boiler-Treatment/dp/B008A3UEA0

With boilers, a clean system is a happy system. If you take care of this now, and drain and maintain it on a regular schedule, you should get many years of great service out of it.

It is when they get neglected that things can go to shit.

It sounds like you need a softener. The fleck ones are popular. A softener would help with the problems you described. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OGN3162/


You should test again though and confirm.


The first thing you posted is basically 2 big blues but way more money. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0014C3IOS/

Both things you posted are housings. The second one is basically a single housing that has multiple filters where as the first one is 2 housings which would each have a filter each. Most likely 1 particulate, 1 carbon. They would both more or less do the same thing

That being said it sounds like you need the softener not the filter.

You're not going to find a small RO filter. You're better off with a small distillation unit like this one.

Why don't you want a regular RO filter? I have one that fits nicely under my sink.

It seems like some de-ionization resins are rechargable (ex: this one) by putting them in a salt water bath occasionally (weekly?). They dont last forever but you might get a year out of it. I think something like this plus using brita filtered water should prevent the vast majority of scale from accumulating.

check my edits that I was making probably while you were replying. If the filter is hanging off there as well, then you most likely have all the parts screwed onto to that connection awaiting your use. You just need to unscrew them, assemble them in order on your tubing as I described (adding in the filter in between where shown int he diagram).

I just caught you that you said you don't have that male union. If that is truly the case, this is a special part called a BLFC (Brine Line Flow Control). Appears just like a union, but has a special insert for Flow Control. You can get BLFC for the more common Fleck control valves, but you need to contact your supplier as the insert is specific for your filter.

​

EDIT: appears Hankcraft duplicated the design of a Flek 5600, and the parts are interchangeable. If so, here is your part that you said you are missing:

https://www.amazon.com/AFWFilters-FP-13244-Brine-Fitting-Softener/dp/B07NJCFNTB

source of claim parts are 90% interchangeable:

https://www.softenerparts.com/kb_results.asp?ID=231

http://www.amazon.com/Fleck-5600SXT-softener-digitial-metered/dp/B004GEFKN8

That exact setup, but I got it from another website for a little less and I got to choose the resin tanka and brine thank size. I don't remember the website though

Scam

I looked at the product and immediately thought scam...ten I saw that there were over 200 reviews and most were positive and then I thought "Could it really work?"

I read the reviews. All of the positive ones were very well written, they were very specific (ex purchased on February 12, 2017 or my gpg is 197) and most contained photos...hmmm.

The reviews on Amazon are VERY different from the HD reviews https://www.amazon.com/ScaleBlaster-SB-175-Water-Conditioning-System/dp/B0089FLDWM

Scam 100%

Not opposed to working with a licensed plumber, though I’ve never found one that shares my attention to detail and I’m fairly confident I can do the copper work with SharkBites.

Ranch house built in 1948, warm climate. Mostly ½” copper.
Currently the copper main comes in, then a previous owner fitted around 100ft (!) of PVC tubing into a water softener clear on the other side of the basement area. I don’t have any pressure problems, but it’s a sloppy mess of unnecessary PVC so it’s going away.

I’ll start with cutting off the copper-PVC fitting and run a new span of copper to the accessible area of the basement. Then an elbow, then a SharkBite cutoff ball valve, then a leakSMART automatic cutoff valve (link below), then an Eddy water descaler (link below) wrapped around copper line, then back to the rest of the system.

Suggestions welcome!



Automatic Shut-Off Valve by leakSMART includes 1" Automatic Water Shut-Off Valve (Only)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071YHRXG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_mX02DbHG1YBFR


Eddy Electronic Water Descaler - Water Softener Alternative
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Z96GR4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_LY02DbB9T7PAY

Like this one? https://www.amazon.es/Descalcificador-descalcificadores-Water2Buy-Elimina-derivaci%C3%B3n/dp/B009SOYMTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502895019&sr=8-1&keywords=water+softener

Do you recommend one other then this Fleck? https://www.amazon.com/Fleck-5600SXT-Softener-Digital-Metered/dp/B004GEFKN8/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen-bath&ie=UTF8&qid=1478113584&sr=1-4&keywords=water+softener

>I’ll just say I don’t think determining if something works or not can be measured by whether or not builders include them in new constructions.

If they worked, why wouldn't they be used in place of real water softeners that use the well-established chemistry of ion exchange.

After all, these electronic gizmos are cheaper, easier to install, and have no routine maintenance required.

When they first hit the market ~20 years ago, they were called "electronic water softeners". The FTC came down on that term, so they've rebranded themselves as "electronic water conditioners" or "electronic water descalers". The revised claim is that they change the "shape" of magnesium/calcium salts so they won't bind surfaces.

My house came with one (installed by the previous owner). I left it running till it died about 2 years ago. When it died, I looked into replacing it, but didn't follow through. And surprise, surprise - there's zero difference in how my dishes dry, or the scale in fixtures. So, it's big fucking placebo effect.

P.S. This is the one my house came with:

https://www.amazon.com/Clearwave-46100000-Field-CW-125-WHITE/dp/B00795B9IQ

has anyone used some like this?

it seems doable for the price and how easy it looks to install. im skeptical, but i also understand I have a hard time grasping electrical knowledge.

I'm thinking of this one from Fleck. Any big differences between it and what I have now?

Fleck
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004GEFKN8?vs=1

Kenmore
http://m.sears.com/kenmore-extra-high-efficiency-water-softener/p-04238350000P

Also, since I already ordered the unit (which is obviously bulky), could I just replace the valve and not the tank?

I ordered the Fleck 56000SXT 48,000 grain

Reminds me of this thing
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JEYL7AO

This is only $200, can be installed by anyone, and will stop calcium and lime from depositing on your pipes or appliances. It won't help with rust but that doesn't look to be a problem for OP.