Water softeners: any experts here?

[1railman]

I am in limestone country and knock on wood my water heater is 22 years old and still has its original elements. I have a reverse osmosis. Unit is basically maintenance free, although I have had to dump brine(?)tank every 3 to 5 years. Mine was installed by a small independant company and would suggest the same if you have local one with good reputation. I had bad experience with high pressure sales from Rainsoft.

[Vern B]

Rob

I've got a Kinetico system and love it. We had Culligan before and it was good, but I spent half my life hauling salt. Unlike the Culligan system which regenerates itself every 24 hours normally, the Kinetico system regenerates itself as needed, so salt consumption is normally less. If you go on vacation for two weeks the Culligan system keeps regenerating and using salt, unless you shut it down...................then you have to reprogram it. The Kinetico system does'nt regenerate if you do'nt use it. Also, it does not use electricity. For us salt was the big cost and the savings is dramatic with the Kinetico.

One other thing, normally if you have a well, you have a septic system and normally all that salt is routed into
your septic.................not good!!

$ 2495 sounds high. I'd try to get a couple more Kinetico quotes if possible.

[Charley Lillard]

I have a GE and it works fine. I think I got it at Home Depot.

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charley Lillard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a GE and it works fine. I think I got it at Home Depot. </div></div>

Charley: Are you on well water? Is your system the GE Merlin? If not,which system?