Water Softner, is it requried? (fireplace, heater, sink, smells)

[firsthome]

We just moved into our new home and wondering if the Water Softeners are something that is very important to install. Do you guys have any experience with this?

Did anyone use Hague Water Softener system? They have Softner as well as Purification and they quote 3500$ for this.

[tstone]

It's not necessary. I've never had one here. I think it might be nice to have. But for now, I keep some CLR & Lime Away (and rubber gloves) on hand whenever the shower heads clog up. I also clean the faucets' and showers' aerator screens from time to time, as solid particles can get trapped in there.

[BunBoHue]

Water Softener systems are not required, but it does save you from having hard water spots/stains. The systems at the Builder’s Profit Centers are way overpriced. You can get a whole house system at Sears for ~$400, a little more for the fancier ones. You can install it yourself or have one of Sears contractors do it. I think they use salt as the softening agent so you have to continually replace that. I’m sure there’s some replacement/maintenance with the Builder’s systems as well but probably at a higher cost.

[Wysiwyg]

This project is moving up in my DIY project list. (doing a room, making a fake fireplace right now)

its not necessary but personally i've had it with hard water spots, that firkin lime drives me nuts. Initially i'm just going to install a 3-4 stage full house filter. that should take care of the lime. if my mom still thinks the water 'kinda smells' then maybe i'll have to do the water softener or whatever to solve that issue. I dont think it smells tho

[Supermac34]

A lot of water softner systems sold are a little bit of a scam. Like mentioned, a perfectly fine one from Sears ran someone $400 for a whole house system.

[vintagelady]

I wish I would have known about the cheaper water softner systems before we paid 5,000 for Rain Soft to install our along with a purification system. It's not necessary to have them ,but real nice to have soft water vs. hard water. We have to put salt in ours every 3-4 months.

[Mom2Feebs]

Having formerly owning a Rain Soft system, and now not having one, I miss it TERRIBLY!

[vms_cmiamt]

The reason I installed a water softening system in the first place is that I chose to install a Takagi tankless water heater and in order to keep the warranty valid a water softening system had to be installed.

I use to think water softening systems were a scam too, but when I purchased my first home and installed a Kinetico Water softening system the difference is NIGHT and DAY! I was so use to bathing in hard water the first time I took a shower in my new home it was like bathing in liquid silk. Another benefit is washing your clothes in soft water, no more fabric softener, your clothes last longer, and feel better. As for lime build up and soap scum I cannot remember the last time I cleaned my tub and showers?! Which adds to the benefits of owning a water softening system.

I also have a Reverse osmosis system in my Kitchen. The water softening system has a two stage filter system that filter. So the filtered water is piped to the RO system making for added protection.

I think it was a great investment for me and in my next home I plan to install a water softening and RO system.

[stratfordspartans]

Originally Posted by vms_cmiamt

The reason I installed a water softening system in the first place is that I chose to install a Takagi tankless water heater and in order to keep the warranty valid a water softening system had to be installed.

I use to think water softening systems were a scam too, but when I purchased my first home and installed a Kinetico Water softening system the difference is NIGHT and DAY! I was so use to bathing in hard water the first time I took a shower in my new home it was like bathing in liquid silk. Another benefit is washing your clothes in soft water, no more fabric softener, your clothes last longer, and feel better. As for lime build up and soap scum I cannot remember the last time I cleaned my tub and showers?! Which adds to the benefits of owning a water softening system.

I also have a Reverse osmosis system in my Kitchen. The water softening system has a two stage filter system that filter. So the filtered water is piped to the RO system making for added protection.

I think it was a great investment for me and in my next home I plan to install a water softening and RO system.

I have to give another thumbs up to Kinetico as well... just got one installed a few months ago in my new house including their reverse osmosis system. Ended up costing a bit more than if I had done it myself with a Fleck or Clack softener system, but Kinetico only sells via authorized dealers. All-in it was a little less than $5k including the RO system. I love the soft water after living with hard-water stains in the sink and tub all my life.

[texasfirewheel]

I've been debating getting a softener system for years. My water is extremely hard. I googled the Sears system but found a lot of complaints and, to be honest, I'm not fond of Sears (because of having been scammed by their auto repair dept years ago). I'm not crazy about dropping $5k but would do it for a really reliable, low-maintenance system. I'm not a DIY and dont know anyone who is, so installation and maintenance would have to be done by someone else.

I guess there are pros and cons for salt systems and no-salt systems but I dont know what they are. What would you recommend for a retired lady who doesnt want to have to worry about upkeep and problems? Thanks.