I already asked some questions about our gas supplier in another thread—thanks again for the feedback.
Now we are facing the decision: "Water softener system—yes or no?"
Our house is about 10 years old (just bought it). Unfortunately, we have very hard water here (around 23). You can already see it on the faucets (where the water comes out), and of course, this isn’t ideal for cleaning or for the pipes either.
We were advised to install a water softener system (we had the idea before, too). However, the local utility company advises against it, and I have also read that these systems can be prone to bacterial growth if they are not properly maintained. Also, chemicals are said to be added to the water (I initially thought it worked through a special salt). Maintenance and service costs also seem quite high, on top of the initial purchase price.
How have you dealt with this? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages?
At the moment, I am leaning toward not installing one.
Now we are facing the decision: "Water softener system—yes or no?"
Our house is about 10 years old (just bought it). Unfortunately, we have very hard water here (around 23). You can already see it on the faucets (where the water comes out), and of course, this isn’t ideal for cleaning or for the pipes either.
We were advised to install a water softener system (we had the idea before, too). However, the local utility company advises against it, and I have also read that these systems can be prone to bacterial growth if they are not properly maintained. Also, chemicals are said to be added to the water (I initially thought it worked through a special salt). Maintenance and service costs also seem quite high, on top of the initial purchase price.
How have you dealt with this? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages?
At the moment, I am leaning toward not installing one.
netuser schrieb:
I’m not sure if we mean the same thing by "assembly block," but I find the offer of 3900 EUR completely overpriced.
The system itself, as mentioned, should cost around 1500 EUR, and “preparation” usually only refers to a power outlet plus a drain, which should be around 200-300 EUR.
In our case, we’re lucky because the plumber (from the general contractor) offered that I could buy and place the system myself. Then he would just connect it directly, which would only take about 15 minutes extra. The installation is still pending, but I don’t expect any problems.
I bought the SD21 system with an assembly block (!?) and all accessories for 1750 EUR. When was that price quoted? I’m just asking out of interest, since we’re currently at 1895 EUR including VAT for the SD21, plus another 40 EUR for the appropriate duct connection.
RE-1407 schrieb:
When was this price offered? I’m just asking out of interest, since we are now at 1895 including VAT for the SD21, and with a matching duct connection it’s another 40 € more. Three weeks ago! Take a look on eBay... there are reliable sellers with price offers 😉
However, it was only recently shipped due to delivery issues. It will arrive early next week.
Could someone with a water softening system describe how much easier cleaning has become compared to before?
For our new build, we are considering installing a system right away. One of the reasons is the often mentioned advantage when it comes to cleaning. There will still be some limescale spots, but they should be much easier to clean. Do cleaning intervals also become less frequent, so that you could say it’s enough to clean the faucet only once a week?
We want to add minimal black accents throughout the house (black door handles, black railings, light switches, etc.), so black fixtures might also be planned. Currently, our water hardness is 12-14°dH (214-250 ppm), and black fixtures would be unthinkable for us; we already struggle daily with limescale on standard chrome. Is lowering the hardness to about 6-8°dH (107-143 ppm) expected to make a significant improvement, so that black fixtures wouldn’t require more maintenance?
Furthermore, I have a question for anyone who has severe problems removing white spots. There is another forum where several water softener owners complain about white spots that are almost impossible to remove. Apparently, this is not caused by limescale but by “water glass.”
Is anyone here familiar with this problem?
For our new build, we are considering installing a system right away. One of the reasons is the often mentioned advantage when it comes to cleaning. There will still be some limescale spots, but they should be much easier to clean. Do cleaning intervals also become less frequent, so that you could say it’s enough to clean the faucet only once a week?
We want to add minimal black accents throughout the house (black door handles, black railings, light switches, etc.), so black fixtures might also be planned. Currently, our water hardness is 12-14°dH (214-250 ppm), and black fixtures would be unthinkable for us; we already struggle daily with limescale on standard chrome. Is lowering the hardness to about 6-8°dH (107-143 ppm) expected to make a significant improvement, so that black fixtures wouldn’t require more maintenance?
Furthermore, I have a question for anyone who has severe problems removing white spots. There is another forum where several water softener owners complain about white spots that are almost impossible to remove. Apparently, this is not caused by limescale but by “water glass.”
Is anyone here familiar with this problem?
No, I can’t confirm that… I would always recommend water softening, as I haven’t noticed any stains anywhere… What I especially find really great is the shower tiles.
After showering, the fixtures are quickly dried with a Prowin cloth: even after 2 years, everything still looks like new.
After showering, the fixtures are quickly dried with a Prowin cloth: even after 2 years, everything still looks like new.
Do you have experience with what happens if you don’t dry it off?
May I ask what tile color you have in your shower?
EDIT:
Another example with a faucet. You use the faucet and water drips from your hands onto the fixture, but you don’t clean it immediately. What does it look like after 2-3 days?
May I ask what tile color you have in your shower?
EDIT:
Another example with a faucet. You use the faucet and water drips from your hands onto the fixture, but you don’t clean it immediately. What does it look like after 2-3 days?
We also have these white spots. However, they come off easily with citric acid or ceramic cooktop cleaner.
And you still have to clean, even with water softening. If I simply dry the fixtures every 2-3 days, there are no white spots. If I don’t, then I just have to use a cleaner.
And you still have to clean, even with water softening. If I simply dry the fixtures every 2-3 days, there are no white spots. If I don’t, then I just have to use a cleaner.
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