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.
F
fromthisplace25 Aug 2022 18:36We are also dealing with this topic at the moment. Our plumber offered us a Judo i-soft safe. Since I am not familiar with the manufacturer, I would like to join the discussion here and ask: is this device recommended?
Tolentino schrieb:
Is it possible to retrofit 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 supply myself... Market price or online price? He probably includes installation and so on right away.
Also, this system should be serviced once a year, especially when it is new... otherwise, the 2-year warranty is not very useful. There are also drinking water regulations to consider.
F
fromthisplace25 Aug 2022 20:35Patricck schrieb:
Yes, it is. We have a Grünbeck system and initially had some issues with the taste, but a Grünbeck technician can adjust that. He actually comes to our place every year for customer service.
Today, I wouldn’t build or renovate a house without a water softening system. I would appreciate some feedback on the Judo system because our plumber only offers that brand, and I would prefer to buy from him for warranty reasons.
fromthisplace schrieb:
I would like some feedback on the Judo system, because our plumber only offers this one and I would prefer to buy it from him for warranty reasons.Grünbeck, Judo, BWT, all good. If that is the system your plumber installs and services, go with it.