Water Softening: Are there other options besides a big softener?

[rbattelle]

My water softener has developed a hairline crack (almost invisible to the naked eye) at one of its ports and will need to be replaced.



My water hardness is 26 grains/gallon (which is apparently extremely high).



The thing is, I have no interest in buying another plastic softener that will simply break on me again in 10 years. I'd like to get something that's all-metal, like a whole-house filter.



But the only filter cartridge that also softens has a capacity of 4500 grain (which means 175 gallons or so for me) and costs $55!



I'm probably going to get rid of the softener altogether. If I can't find a better solution, I'll have to live with the horrible film on my dishes and shorter water heater element life.



Anyone out there familiar with any sort of softening system that doesn't use the traditional resin tank/brine tank system? Or, a softener that has a cast brass head instead of plastic?



I know it's a long shot...



Ryan

 

[klenger]

Invest in a Kinetico. Excellent product. http://www.kinetico.com



It's not all metal, but is very high quality. In regards to your problem, I suggest getting a water pressure regulator and monitor gauge. Your pressure may be too high.

 

[rbattelle]

I don't think my pressure is too high. At least, it doesn't seem like my pressure at faucets is any higher than anywhere else I've lived.



Of course, getting a regulator is probably a good idea.



Ryan

 

[E7mack96]

We use Ionics. Good water softner.



Definately recommend a pressure regulator. One failed at a rental property the day before thanksgiving and I was 1500 miles away. The service tech said line pressure was 175 psi, and that is what blew up the water heater. THe pressure regulater failed.



Back to Ionics, they are expensive but you get stainless and brass.



E7

 

[p-Bar]

My wife sells real estate for a living and you would be surprised how many regulators are blown or set way to high per the home inspector. Always a good idea to check it once in a while.

 

[rbattelle]

I'm going to install an all-brass pressure regulator and gauge. Now that you guys have pointed out that the regulators fail, I'm torn between these two regulators:



Cheap one.



Expensive one (P/N 4676K22).



Maybe I should also get a pressure switch and connect it to a warning lamp?



Ryan

 

[Skydiver]

We mounted an ashcroft 0-200 psi 12" face in the operators lab. The needle never stops fluctuating. Even when all the pumps are shut down.

http://www.ashcroft.com/products.cfm?doc_id=603

I'm out of here,Gone hunting 5 days.

Later guy's See ya next year!!

 

[rbattelle]

I found a softener with no plastic pressure parts! Apparently, Fleck models 9000, 1500, and 2750 all use cast-brass valve assemblies!



Ryan

 

[outlawram]

I use the fleck brand on most of my installs. I use the 2510 model. I pour the tanks myself and use the brass valve with digital display. You cant go wrong with fleck on hard water over 20 grains. I replace alot of kineticos because the small parts in the head cant handle iron or extremely hard water, and they cost 2000 dollars compared to 700. Also the 5600 se valve from fleck can be had with a cast bottom, it would be cheaper yet.

 

[rbattelle]

Checked my water pressure for 24 hours. Rock steady at ~75 psi.



I'll still get a regulator and turn it down to 50-60 psi.



Ryan