Need info about water softeners

[rgrouse]

We just found out our water is hard, and has elevated iron and manganese levels. This can cause issues with water spotting, staining and sometimes bad taste and/or smell.
Does anyone have advice on methods that have worked well or some that have not?
I think we will stay away from the ones that add salt, as they bring their own set of problems.
Thanks in advance for any help!

[cleosmom]

As far as the taste, my solution is to buy spring water. I won't install a water softener myself as I never have cared for soft water and how it makes you feel like you're never completely rinsed when bathing/showering.

[maggiekate]

I don't have one, I heard sears-kenmore has a fairly good one-you can go to there web site and read real reviews-then culligan, which seems ok- and there is a pricey one which does not use salt, 3000-to 4000. also ask your neighbors about what they have etc.me, i just use the water. you can call the town they check for water safety.
be carefull with a sales pitch.

[texdav]

Where I live we have very soft water. Everytime I go to a place where the water is hard ;I never feel like the soap works and then does not rise off very well. Culligan has good systems from what I hear.

[Briolat21]

Culligan is a salt system to my knowledge.

[msjack]

How and where can I find out if I have hard or soft water?? Thanks!

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by msjack

How and where can I find out if I have hard or soft water?? Thanks!

If you have municipal water, ask the water department. If you have a well, talk to your local heath department. Most will give you a sample bottle. Anyone with a well, the 5" PVC well water has much better quality. When mine has not been run, what is in the tank will smell a little. I just turn it on and let it run.

[msjack]

I believe I have municipal water. I definitely do not have a well. I will check out there website. Thanks for the help!

[Greenchili]

If you enquire with Culligan they will come out for free and test your
water. I LOVED my Culligan water softener and plan to get one
in my new home this June. It takes a bit of getting used to when you
get soft water,but you will get used to it and your clothes,pipes,bathtubs,
sinks,skin and hair will thank you for it. I HATE hard water. Ruins everything!

Greenchili

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by Greenchili

If you enquire with Culligan they will come out for free and test your
water. I LOVED my Culligan water softener and plan to get one
in my new home this June. It takes a bit of getting used to when you
get soft water,but you will get used to it and your clothes,pipes,bathtubs,
sinks,skin and hair will thank you for it. I HATE hard water. Ruins everything!

Greenchili

I would caution anyone making a decision on a test the people selling the equipment would take.