Anyone recommend a good water softener? (Phoenix: house, water heater, purchase)

[raining79]

I'm looking to purchase a water softener for my home since the water here in Ahwatukee seems to be quite hard. Does anyone know of a company/water softener that they are quite pleased with, both in terms of the daily use and installation services? I will also need a "loop" installed as my house is not pre-plumbed for a water softener. Thanks!

[wit-nit]

We have a Sears Kenmore system that we've used for more than 20 years and are satisfied with it. They're probably the more reasonably priced ones too.

[LBTRS]

We originally went with a cheap no-name water softener and noticed no difference with our water. Company said it was "working fine" and I paid someone to come test my water and it wasn't softening the water at all. I had this company come remove their product and started shopping for a new softener.

I received a flyer in the mail one day from Ecowater and called them up. The person I spoke to was very knowledgeable and actually told me I didn't need to spend the money on the larger size for my house that the smaller one was plenty big for my needs. Had them come and install their unit and everything was 100% higher quality on the install and the unit. Can't remember my salesman name but their website is Arizona Water Softeners - Phoenix Water Softeners | EcoWater | All About Water

There was a huge difference in the water with the Ecowater system and we've been very happy with it for the last year and a half. Highly recommended.

[raining79]

Thanks for the recommendations. May I asked what you paid? A range is ok, just don't want to get ripped off. Thanks.

[LBTRS]

Originally Posted by raining79

Thanks for the recommendations. May I asked what you paid? A range is ok, just don't want to get ripped off. Thanks.

It was a year and a half ago so I can't really remember, however, I'm thinking it was right around $1000. We looked at some that were much more expensive with other companies and this was one of the least expensive companies and the salesman didn't try and upsell me but actually told me I was shopping for too big of unit for my needs.

As an example of the quality of the install...without even asking they installed a hose spigot in the garage right off the output of the water softener so I can connect a hose and wash my cars with soft water. The first company I went with just threw it in and everything was a mess which wasn't the case with Ecowater.

Ecowater did a quality job all the way around.

[Master Shake]

Many of the generics are good as long as you get a valve control unit that is made by Fleck. This is the same manufacturer that many of the higher-prices, highly-commissioned companies use. The ones you can find at Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. are generally OK, but may not last as long. A complete system usually runs under $1000.

As for the loop/installation, almost any plumber can do this for you, as it is similar to installing a water heater. Just make sure they install the water softener system on the cold side, just before the feed to the water heater (which is usually in the garage for newer homes). This way, you get soft water throughout your house at both temperatures. The installation should cost around $100-$200, depending on how hard it is to find and connect to water inlet.

You might want to also look into an RO system for your kitchen, that can be used for your drinking water (and ice maker).

[AZgarden]

I got rid of my salt lugging and leaky Sears water softener. After 2 years, it was defective. I got a water conditioner instead. Does not need salt. Wonderful.. If you want the name of the co, message me.

[novsaggi]

Has anyone used the Lowe's Water softener ?
I checked that out few months back, It has great features, and runs around 1000 bucks too. The features are auto adjustment on water usage
I just need reviews on that

[raining79]

Thanks all for the recommendations.

What's the difference between a water softener and a water conditioner?

[wit-nit]

This site should answer all your questions: Water Softener info and faqs