water softner help in chosing and is this true

Doc_N

Avoriaz wrote: »

^^^ Kinetico has been around since 1970.

They are not newcomers to water softening.

That's not that long, really, though, in terms of water softeners. Ecowater, for example, have been around since 1925.

Avoriaz

Doc_N wrote: »

That's not that long, really, though, in terms of water softeners. Ecowater, for example, have been around since 1925.

A 40 year track record is plenty long enough for me.

I bought a Kinetico twin tank softener in 1985. It lasted well over 20 years before it would no longer soften properly.

I sold it on Ebay a few years ago as "needing refurbishment" for about £250 and bought a used Kinetico for about £300. That is working fine.

I am very happy with Kinetico although I wouldn’t pay over £1000 for a new one.

Catbells

Avoriaz wrote: »

I am very happy with Kinetico although I wouldn’t pay over £1000 for a new one.

Why not?

I am assuming it may be because you are good at refurbishing things yourself??

As you know I have just bought a Harveys system. Installation is needed - the only 'intrusive' bit is the overflow pipe which needs to go through the back of the kitchen cupboard where it will sit. I couldn't do this myself. As I see it I am paying for this and for the superior quality, backup, reliable installation and guarantee. I also have a 60 day period and can return it if not happy.

As I understand it Harveys were the company which built the Kinetico business/name up over the past 30+ years and recently sold it on and now make their own.

Am realising that water softening is not rocket science and the more a process is made to seem to be complicated the more confused the buyer becomes. Its a simple idea and I bet someone could produce them for a lot less.

Avoriaz

Catbells wrote: »

Why not? ..

Because I prefer to pay about £400 for a used or refurbished unit than over £1,000 for a new one.

Catbells

Avoriaz wrote: »

Because I prefer to pay about £400 for a used or refurbished unit than over £1,000 for a new one.

I realise that but I would like to know also how you can be sure that it will work - ie in good condition as if it doesn't you've lost £400 and no guarantees to fall back on.

Avoriaz

Catbells wrote: »

I realise that but I would like to know also how you can be sure that it will work - ie in good condition as if it doesn't you've lost £400 and no guarantees to fall back on.

Nothing in life is certain but I buy used softeners in the same way as I buy used cars and other used goods.

I buy and sell on ebay regularly and, with care and common sense, I can usually get a good deal on most things.

--Tony--

Today I picked up a Permutit PTS 65 v2 in B&Q clearance for ........ £75 what a bargin...

there was no clearance price on it so i asked and they scanned it at £200 but said they would do it for £75, on my way out a manager said (without knowing I got it for £75), bargin you got there they retail for £600!!!!!!!!!

joe_t

FTA of matt filterman.
matt i sent you a PM a week or so back im guessing you have not noticed it yet.
if you get the time could you have a read and get back to me.
thanks.
joe.............

joe_t

hi,
i have a 4 bed 3 adults 1 child property.
we have a power max pressurized system (not sure this is relevant)
we live in norfolk.
we have £1000+ to spend this is a gift, i really from what ive read here dont need to spend this amount.
my father who is paying for this wants me to have via patmores a twintec s3, this is what he has.
its a bit awkward telling him that its overpriced and costs more to run.
we are fairly heavy users i would say.
i had pmd matt filter but he no longer seems to be using the site.
i had been hoping to get some one opinion advice from him.

i have read through this forum a few times now, some of the info i assume is now dated.
i have found moonrakeritz, westie and matt filtermans advise very useful particularly in some older posts.
i am looking for a softener with one of these valves FLECK, AUTOTROL OR CLACK.
i dont know which of these is best, i dont mind paying a bit extra for a longer lasting valve.
i really want to use granular salt.
i THINK I want a metered rather than timed, but can be convinced otherwise.
we can fit under sink or in conservatory that backs onto the water main.
im hoping i can get sorted out fitted for around £500 to £650.
i really want reliable rather than gadgety but i dont mind both.

im really needing 5 or 6 options in varying prices, i dont want any salesmen round as i believe the advice here is better than being blinded with sales pitch.
whatever you can help me with will be great.
thanks....
joe..

moonrakerz

joe_t wrote: »

i have found moonrakeritz, westie and matt filtermans advise very useful particularly in some older posts.

Hi Joe, I am still around , don't post much on this thread because it just seems to go round and round the same arguments - at least you did take the time to read some of what has gone before.

I would still give the same advice, don't get seduced by all the glib sales patter. You DO NOT need two cylinders "to ensure a constant supply of soft water" - it is unnecessary additional complexity to buy, and as most of them use block salt the running costs are FAR higher than a single cylinder machine. It is true that they might use a little less salt - but when that salt costs twice as much ???
Even if you don't have electricity close by, the price differential is such that it well may be cheaper overall to get an electrician in to put in another 13A socket (or two).

I shall now put my tin hat back on and retreat to my bunker :rotfl::rotfl: