My daughter is currently renovating the house of my late parents. After reinstalling the water supply, wastewater system, and heating, the question of water softening has come up. The water hardness is 21.4 °dH (degrees German hardness). The pipes are plastic composite pipes. Based on experiences with friends and at work, softened water is often not drinkable on its own anymore. It tastes soapy and unpleasant. However, this would not be a problem for us. We would install a hard water line for the kitchen tap. For the dishwasher, of course, we would use softened water.
However, there are reports of other problems. Some users mention yellow deposits with certain systems, such as those from Grünbeck. Brass fixtures—which are commonly used for taps—may also be affected. The question is whether the disadvantages outweigh the advantages or vice versa. On one hand, there are costs for purchase, maintenance, and consumption (water and salt), possibly corroded fittings, and maybe other issues.
On the other hand, softened water means fewer deposits in storage tanks, pipes, and appliances, as well as easier cleaning.
We all have issues with customer service. If such a system is installed, it should ideally be maintenance-free or easy to maintain by oneself.
To be honest and leaving aside the usual sales pitches: is water softening really worthwhile or not? Would you install it in your own home? What are your experiences? If yes, which brand is affordable and as maintenance-free as possible? Installation is not an issue.
However, there are reports of other problems. Some users mention yellow deposits with certain systems, such as those from Grünbeck. Brass fixtures—which are commonly used for taps—may also be affected. The question is whether the disadvantages outweigh the advantages or vice versa. On one hand, there are costs for purchase, maintenance, and consumption (water and salt), possibly corroded fittings, and maybe other issues.
On the other hand, softened water means fewer deposits in storage tanks, pipes, and appliances, as well as easier cleaning.
We all have issues with customer service. If such a system is installed, it should ideally be maintenance-free or easy to maintain by oneself.
To be honest and leaving aside the usual sales pitches: is water softening really worthwhile or not? Would you install it in your own home? What are your experiences? If yes, which brand is affordable and as maintenance-free as possible? Installation is not an issue.
Is it possible to install something like this yourself?
My plumber wants to sell me the Grünbeck SD 18 at about 50% above the market price (depending on how expensive the installation would be, which is included in his price).
I suspect he won’t install a unit that I provide myself...
My plumber wants to sell me the Grünbeck SD 18 at about 50% above the market price (depending on how expensive the installation would be, which is included in his price).
I suspect he won’t install a unit that I provide myself...
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HilfeHilfe10 Jul 2020 08:08Mycraft schrieb:
Yes, if you don’t have two left hands and the right tools.And maintenance?Maintenance is not the same as installation. That was not the question.
Furthermore, you also need to consider the insurance aspect. If something gets blown away and water from the main line floods the house with a pressure of 5-10 bar (72-145 psi), the damage will be significant, and it raises the question of who will cover the costs, since the installation was not carried out by a professional company.
Furthermore, you also need to consider the insurance aspect. If something gets blown away and water from the main line floods the house with a pressure of 5-10 bar (72-145 psi), the damage will be significant, and it raises the question of who will cover the costs, since the installation was not carried out by a professional company.
Mycraft schrieb:
regarding the insurance-related aspects.Mainly because self-installation violates the technical connection requirements (TAB) of most municipal utilities, where almost exclusively certified installers are allowed to work. Especially if the utility company starts investigating the cause of contamination, you are treading on thin ice here.Mycraft schrieb:
Maintenance is not the same as installation.Personally, I would feel more confident doing maintenance than installation. Occasionally cleaning the brine probe, and that's it. Of course, this assumes a proper initial commissioning.
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