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.
O
Obstlerbaum12 Feb 2019 09:41With enough money, the mold problem can easily be solved. It may not be economical, but if comfort is that important to you: why not?
We always use a water softener with salt in this area and would NEVER go without it here. It’s not so much about cleaning—you still have to clean anyway—but my skin definitely thanks me for it.
So far, we managed without one in Munich, which worked fine even though the water there was quite hard. Then, for three years here in OWL in a rented apartment, we went without—and I regularly felt like tearing my scalp off, it really wasn’t pleasant anymore.
Now, with a softening system installed, it’s a relief for my scalp, no more itching, wonderful.
By the way, with such soft water, you need significantly less detergent and soap or shampoo.
So far, we managed without one in Munich, which worked fine even though the water there was quite hard. Then, for three years here in OWL in a rented apartment, we went without—and I regularly felt like tearing my scalp off, it really wasn’t pleasant anymore.
Now, with a softening system installed, it’s a relief for my scalp, no more itching, wonderful.
By the way, with such soft water, you need significantly less detergent and soap or shampoo.
H
HilfeHilfe12 Feb 2019 15:49We also have one. Salt tablets cost 50€ (about 54 USD), maintenance for the plumbing system is 100€ (about 108 USD) per year. Well, then the initial purchase and, if you want the faucets to be “new” like Falk’s, it will cost you. We enjoy it. We used to live in a rental apartment with constant limescale problems.
Here, as with other sources, some people swear by it and don’t want anything else, while others consider it unnecessary.
Thank you anyway for the feedback on your experiences. An initial cost of about 1500–2000 euros plus around 200 euros per year for maintenance is certainly an expense that, although not exorbitantly high, does add up to a considerable amount over the years.
It seems everyone agrees that it is not economically worthwhile, if I have understood correctly.
Thank you anyway for the feedback on your experiences. An initial cost of about 1500–2000 euros plus around 200 euros per year for maintenance is certainly an expense that, although not exorbitantly high, does add up to a considerable amount over the years.
It seems everyone agrees that it is not economically worthwhile, if I have understood correctly.
H
hampshire12 Feb 2019 19:22We are installing a water softener system (BWT) in our house.
1. More comfortable showers
2. Less effort when cleaning
3. Longer lifespan of appliances and fittings
Points 1 and 2 alone are already enough.
Regarding point 3:
I did some rough calculations: we have water-using appliances in the new house worth five figures. If they last longer, then the system is also economically worthwhile.
1. More comfortable showers
2. Less effort when cleaning
3. Longer lifespan of appliances and fittings
Points 1 and 2 alone are already enough.
Regarding point 3:
I did some rough calculations: we have water-using appliances in the new house worth five figures. If they last longer, then the system is also economically worthwhile.