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.
hausnrplus2521 Jul 2021 08:09We already live in the same drinking water supply area as our new build, and the water hardness is 14 dH. Yes, the limescale spots on the fittings are annoying, and yes, descaling appliances (such as coffee machines and kettles) is a hassle.
However, we decided not to make any changes to the water quality. We chose not to install another device in the house that would involve purchase costs, space requirements, salt storage space, and ongoing time and money for maintenance tasks like refilling salt, monitoring it, and regeneration. The limescale does not disappear; it just cannot adhere as easily. Of course, you can notice the difference. But since we don’t have black fittings and our water hardness is not above 18 dH, we ruled it out. If we had plenty of time and money available, it would have been included, but it was on the cut list.
However, we decided not to make any changes to the water quality. We chose not to install another device in the house that would involve purchase costs, space requirements, salt storage space, and ongoing time and money for maintenance tasks like refilling salt, monitoring it, and regeneration. The limescale does not disappear; it just cannot adhere as easily. Of course, you can notice the difference. But since we don’t have black fittings and our water hardness is not above 18 dH, we ruled it out. If we had plenty of time and money available, it would have been included, but it was on the cut list.
Hmm, time? You probably save at least one cleaning session per month (at least), and with that, you can easily refill salt. Everything else is done automatically by the systems nowadays.
You would have to calculate the costs or find statistics, as dishwashers or washing machines are often replaced with descaling versus without.
But yes, the comfort is dispensable, especially if you don’t have hard water to begin with. 14 dH (25° Clarke) would be the limit for me to say yes...
You would have to calculate the costs or find statistics, as dishwashers or washing machines are often replaced with descaling versus without.
But yes, the comfort is dispensable, especially if you don’t have hard water to begin with. 14 dH (25° Clarke) would be the limit for me to say yes...
V
vorkalmatador21 Jul 2021 13:17The developer has now offered me a Grünbeck softliq18 system including 2 bags of salt, installation, commissioning, and 1 Schuko flush-mounted outlet (separate electrical circuit) for €3,900. According to Idealo, the system is available for direct purchase at €1,680, so the offer seems quite high to me.
Alternatively, just the preparation for independent later retrofitting is offered for €690.
What is your opinion?
Best regards
Alternatively, just the preparation for independent later retrofitting is offered for €690.
What is your opinion?
Best regards
One option is just the curb edge, the other is a fully operational installation including a 5-year builder’s warranty.
Of course, there is a price difference, since both the installer (usually less) and the builder (usually more) need to make a profit.
Of course, there is a price difference, since both the installer (usually less) and the builder (usually more) need to make a profit.
vorkalmatador schrieb:The installation unit already costs €400 on the open market, without installation and without installer or builder margins.
Alternatively, only the preparation for independent later retrofitting for €690.
MayrCh schrieb:
The installation unit already costs 400€ on the open market, without installation and without the installer’s or builder’s margin.I’m not sure if we mean the same thing by “installation unit,” but I find the offer of 3900 EUR completely excessive.
The system itself, as mentioned, costs around 1500 EUR. Usually, “preparation” just means providing a power outlet and a drain, which are overpriced here at 200-300 EUR.
In our case, we are lucky that the plumber (from the general contractor) offered that I could directly purchase and place the system myself. Then he would simply connect it, which would only take about 15 minutes. The installation is still to come, but I don’t expect that to be a problem.
I bought the SD21 system with installation unit (!?) and all accessories for 1750 EUR.
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