Water Softener + Plumber Recommendation (Austin, Round Rock: houses, buyer, vs)

[austin_buyer]

We already have a Softener Loop pre-plumbed in the garage and are debating between a Whirlpool 40,000grain from Lowes or a Fleck 7000SXT from QualityWaterForLess.com. Can you please recommend what to go with?

Also, the one which is pushing us back with the Fleck purchase is that different plumbers have given us variant quotes($180-$560). If we go with Whirlpool, Lowes installation is a flat $199. Can you please recommend a good plumber who charges less but is reliable. We plan to install 2 softeners in 2 different houses.

[hoffdano]

I do not see how a plumber can charge $500 to install a softener in a location already plumbed for it. Copper or PVC - it shouldn't take them more than two-three hours or so to install it.

Although Fleck has a "premium" reputation, I might be inclined to choose the Whirlpool unit because it has demand based regeneration. It is almost certain to use less salt because it will adjust its regeneration frequency based on water use. The Fleck unit will always regen on a fixed schedule.

I installed my own unit, similar to the Whirlpool, a number of years ago. It took me half a day, working methodically.

[SergeL]

I'll go with Whirlpool and Lows installation service. Also, I'm considering to add this Whirlpool Whole House Water Filtration System

[austin_buyer]

Thanks for your input. Regarding the demand based regeneration of the Whirlpool vs the Fleck, the Fleck7000SXT has this in the specs -- "The 7000SXT Electronic Meter-Demand system can cut salt and water use by as much as 40%! Unlike timer-based systems, the meter-demand system regenerates only when necessary. Coupled with fully-programmable regenerations, the 7000SXT can achieve even greater performance. The end result? Significant savings in both water and salt".

So my understanding is that the regeneration in 7000SXT is demand based as well. What am i missing?

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by austin_buyer

Thanks for your input. Regarding the demand based regeneration of the Whirlpool vs the Fleck, the Fleck7000SXT has this in the specs -- "The 7000SXT Electronic Meter-Demand system can cut salt and water use by as much as 40%! Unlike timer-based systems, the meter-demand system regenerates only when necessary. Coupled with fully-programmable regenerations, the 7000SXT can achieve even greater performance. The end result? Significant savings in both water and salt".

So my understanding is that the regeneration in 7000SXT is demand based as well. What am i missing?

I probably misread the description of the Fleck. "Meter demand" doesn't read like demand based. But I think you are correct and didn't miss anything.

[atxb]

@austin_buyer - Did you decide which one you are going with?

[ITO]

If you are in Austin, you don't really need a water softener, but if you are in Round Rock and Pflugerville, then yes you do.

Choice Water Conditioning | Water Treatment System | Pflugerville, TX out of Pflugerville, provided a Fleck with install for around $550, but that was 12 years ago. After about 8 years I had the media replaced in the filter for $250 and every has worked just fine.

I think the guy's name was Greg Gould? Nice guy good work.

[austin_buyer]

atxb - I just placed the order for Fleck 7000SXT 48K softener.. Still need to figure out which plumber to engage though..

[atxb]

Thanks a lot for the reply.

[SergeL]

I've installed the Whirlpool from Lowes. The installation services from Lowes took care of everything. So, it was straight forward and now I have the softener and whole house water filter installed in my garage.