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Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1781
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 7:47 pm: | 
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I have icky South Orange water -- white film on the glasses, hard to work up a lather, weird taste, etc. Today I got a brochure from Culligan. Does anyone have their softener and/or filter? What do you think? Pros/cons? Pricing? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 3440
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 8:18 pm: |
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We just went through the same dilemma in South Orange about 1 month ago. We got an estimate from Culligan and then got an estimaate from Jayson. The Jayson salesperson was much more "agressive", but he was able to beat the Culligan price by about $200.
Since we have had it installed, I find the water to be drinkable and actually refreshing. |
moving soon
Citizen
Username: Movingsoon
Post Number: 74
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 8:31 pm: |
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Priced both, went w/Jayson, who was cheaper and offered a rent to buy option, applying 12 month rental fees to purchase price. This way, I didn't have to pay it all up front.
Installer showed md how to moderate softness, by moving the value so that I'm getting a mix of softened and unsoftened water. (sounds complicated, but isn't) Found that when all the water is softened, it was hard to rinse the soap in the shower.
Bottom line, our glasses and plates were all really icky before the softener, now they're better. It's a crime that homeowners have to shell out $$$$, one would think that the township could address the issue, but I recommend Jayson (I'm sure Culligan is fine too, just a few more $) and doubt you will be disappointed.
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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 575
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 8:34 pm: |
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I have had a Culligan Mark 89 w/softminder meter softener for almost 7 yrs. They installed it, and a pressure regulator (which is required by Culligan or they won't install - mechanical reasons) for $1,420. I like that it regenerates on a demand basis instead of a time basis.
They also deliver us salt on a use-based schedule. I usually get 3-4 bags. It's well worth it vs buying at Costco or someplace, and having to lug and store.
I highly recommend buying a product called "Glass Magic" by the case. We still need it, even with our softener. If you use a lot of it for several washes, along with Jet Dry, your glasses will sparkle again! Kings sells it.
(I also had experience w/Jayson since a rental unit was in our house when we moved in. Without going into detail, they were inept and almost ruined our plumbing when asked to relocate the softener to another part of the basement and when we considered buying they wanted an unbelievable amount of $$ for their softener that had been installed over 4 years prior!) |
kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 624
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 12:12 pm: |
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A salt based water softener can cause the sacraficial anode in your water heater corrode more quickly. Once the anode has corroded, your tank can start to rust which can lead to premature failure.
Interesting eBay auction - posting for the photo:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6037567881
Anode rods generally last about five years but if salt is added to the water (such as when a water softener is used), anode rods can corrode very quickly. We've found a two to three year lifetime for the rods in these applications in our area. Your area my differ due to a wide variance in water conditions throughout the country.
I don't have first hand experience with this, so it's just FYI.
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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 580
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
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kevin - that may be what happened to our 13 yo water tank. Glad we replaced it with a continuous supply tankless hot water heater (Rinnai). It ain't cheap up-front, but I never heat water until it is needed. |
Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 238
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 3, 2006 - 1:06 pm: |
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Just got the "gold" model Culligan water softener last week for $1,500. Can't believe what a difference it makes!!
And, it's a darned shame how many posts there are about this!
For shame, South Orange, for shame! |
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