Which water softener ?
Discussion
Well it looks like our old Culligan water softener has finally given up the ghost as it keeps filling up the salt reservoir. I've stripped the head off and given the various gaskets a wipe over and clean but it's still doing it.
Anyone recommend a replacement unit. I spotted this one in Wickes which gets good reviews. Thoughts ?
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Water-Softener-Unit...
I presume as I have one already fitted it's easy enough to swap out ?
Anyone recommend a replacement unit. I spotted this one in Wickes which gets good reviews. Thoughts ?
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Water-Softener-Unit...
I presume as I have one already fitted it's easy enough to swap out ?
Thanks. That's why I'm looking for a recommendation.
Just measured up and that one from Wickes is really too tall. Current one is only ~ 53cms tall (it's a Culligan Water Genie if that makes any difference) and fits under the sink with a drawer over the top which I'd ideally like to keep.
Harvey's & Kinetica keep cropping up on searches. Sounds like these are the better products. Happy to hear reviews, comments & recommendations ! Curiously these 2 don't mention prices anywhere & you need a quote !
Just measured up and that one from Wickes is really too tall. Current one is only ~ 53cms tall (it's a Culligan Water Genie if that makes any difference) and fits under the sink with a drawer over the top which I'd ideally like to keep.
Harvey's & Kinetica keep cropping up on searches. Sounds like these are the better products. Happy to hear reviews, comments & recommendations ! Curiously these 2 don't mention prices anywhere & you need a quote !
Edited by Steve Campbell on Tuesday 2nd May 17:53
I had quotes from Harveys and Kinetico.
As you say, these come up at the top in online searches and seem to have the more complex build, with dual tanks, so filtered water is always available. Anyway, I'm not sure you actually need the dual tank, but both models I've been quoted for have it.
The quote from Harveys was rather optimistic, including something like 260-300 quid to install the 3rd cold water tap on the kitchen sink. They wouldn't move on price and kept insisting you get 3 months (or 6, I forget) to change your mind and if not happy with they'd take it away with nothing to pay.
So went with Kinetico instead, which was cheaper by about 30% iirc. Installation was quick and uneventful. We've had it for about a year, I think, no issues to report and it does soften the water. Mind you, it's still on the expensive side.
As you say, these come up at the top in online searches and seem to have the more complex build, with dual tanks, so filtered water is always available. Anyway, I'm not sure you actually need the dual tank, but both models I've been quoted for have it.
The quote from Harveys was rather optimistic, including something like 260-300 quid to install the 3rd cold water tap on the kitchen sink. They wouldn't move on price and kept insisting you get 3 months (or 6, I forget) to change your mind and if not happy with they'd take it away with nothing to pay.
So went with Kinetico instead, which was cheaper by about 30% iirc. Installation was quick and uneventful. We've had it for about a year, I think, no issues to report and it does soften the water. Mind you, it's still on the expensive side.
Thanks folks. Will enquire for quotes from Kinetica & Harvey' but think they might be looking for more than I'm prepared to pay from reading around the subject on t'internet. I've also asked for a quote from a local supplier for the Twintec 2. I'm yet to be convinced that the Wrappa 2 or anything similar aren't snake oil :-).
I'm a bit sceptical of those suppliers that include installation. I have all the plumbing required and really just need something that plugs in. I've also found Wrekin as a supplier here in the UK. They look like an ideal swap. Anyone used them and can comment ?
Thanks
I'm a bit sceptical of those suppliers that include installation. I have all the plumbing required and really just need something that plugs in. I've also found Wrekin as a supplier here in the UK. They look like an ideal swap. Anyone used them and can comment ?
Thanks
Edited by Steve Campbell on Wednesday 3rd May 16:00
We have a Kinetico 2020c that was in the house when we moved in. It's recently stopped cycling so isn't using salt and the water in the house is now hard.
I've had no luck in finding probable causes and the cost to come and inspect/service have been £hundreds!
The plumbing is all there so I'm also thinking of getting a new one but have read that Kinetico use more salt than others?
I've had no luck in finding probable causes and the cost to come and inspect/service have been £hundreds!
The plumbing is all there so I'm also thinking of getting a new one but have read that Kinetico use more salt than others?
https://www.silkstream.co.uk/product/crown-non-ele...
I have a crown and never have had any issues. Uses standard 4kg blocks.
I have a crown and never have had any issues. Uses standard 4kg blocks.
EJH said:
I'm glad someone has asked this question as I have been meaning to ask it myself.
I don't have a softener and would like to get one fitted...but the opacity of many providers' information (and complete absence of pricing) makes it very hard to get information to make choices.
This is the reason why I purchased from B&Q and installed myself. It still cost a bomb though.I don't have a softener and would like to get one fitted...but the opacity of many providers' information (and complete absence of pricing) makes it very hard to get information to make choices.
brianashley said:
Lots and lots of "Snake oil" in that business . For you , just go as "like for like" as possible .For anyone thinking of getting one. Take care what and who you believe .
You seem knowledgeable but your reply was not terribly helpful.Are you saying the cheaper options don;t work, or the more expensive options are not worth the extra?
The lack of price transparency does remind me of double glazing salesmen!
Currently choosing between:
Kinetico Premier
Harveys Crown
Hague 410 Maximiser
Ecowater compact 100 or 200
This seems a good comparison of usage costs which favours Ecowater and Hague, and liked the cut of their jib, as they supply all of the above but gave a good description of each
http://purechoice.co.uk/blog/the-best-water-soften...
Edited by Adam B on Wednesday 19th July 16:31
I did used to work in this industry, 10+ years ago though. Get a tapworks. Identical inside to an ecowater. Tapworks is their plumbers merchant line. Ecowater is their dealer line. Dealers do the whole service including install. Plumbers merchant sells you a box with the softener in. Given your replacing an old unit you don't need the dealer perk of simplicity. Ecowater use electronics to sense water flow and operate the valves. Many other manufacturers use water pressure, which means more seals therefore more wearing parts. Total wearing parts in an ecowater/tapworks. 2. Cost for those parts. £30 or so. My mum and dad have had one for 20 years. I've replaced those parts once and that was a preventative service. Never been looked at otherwise and just works. Takes tablet salt which is significantly cheaper than block salt, though is a little less convenient as it comes in sacks not little boxes.
Any more questions just pm me. The info above may well be out of date, but I'd have an ecowater/tapworks in a moment.
Any more questions just pm me. The info above may well be out of date, but I'd have an ecowater/tapworks in a moment.
Elrikos said:
but I'd have an ecowater/tapworks in a moment.
I am tending to agreeplease can you comment on these claims of tapworks v ecowater:
http://purechoice.co.uk/tapworks-water-softener
PM me if you'd rather
My parents have had an ecowater rotary valve model (still the current valveset in today's ecowater and tapworks softeners) for 20 years. Serviced it once. Didn't really need it but parts are cheap. Its that reliable. Only fault I've ever seen is if one fills with water. New venturi seal needed. Costs less than £2 and can be replaced in 5 minutes using no tools.
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