"Snoop Drew" wrote in message
news:EnHBc.86736$HG.60511@attbi_s53...
I got a quote from a Ecowater reseller to purchase the ERR 3000
(http://www.ecowater.com/residential/...p?page=1_1_1_1) to soften
my
12 grain water hardness in my home for $2695. This includes installation,
tax, and lifetime warranty on some main components of the softener.

I'm also tempted to purchase the Kenmore 275A from Sears for $599

(http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...vertical=APPL&
pid=04238827000). Tax will be $50 and installation about $250. So that's
$900 dollars.

But the Kenmore warranty is only 1 year. The Ecowater reseller keeps
saying
that their warranty is lifetime and that they have better quality parts,
better workmanship, claims are easily handled directly through them, etc.

Should I spend an additional $1800 on an Ecowater or am I getting a better
price/performance value from the Kenmore unit? My wife wants soft water
for
washing clothes and dishes and baby, while I want something to keep my
plumbing and appliances working well through the years.

The most important component of a softener is the control valve. IMO the
best control valves bar none (based on service free operation) are the Clack
WS-1 and Fleck 7000. They both have 5 year warranties and are ideal for the
DIYer that would change a part in needed. No special tools are needed and
you can buy parts (or service) from any local dealer selling any equipment
using Autotrol, Clack, Fleck or Erie control valves or any franchise dealer
(Culligan, Kinetico, Rainsoft, etc.) that will sell them to you. They are
industry standard and nonproprietary. The prices for the same size
(capacity) are less than what you've quoted here. Do a web search for "Clack
WS-1" typed with the quotes and see. And save the installation costs by
installing your softener yourself. I've taught untold numbers of people how
and to solder in less than 15 minutes and $50 for the tools they need.

Gary
Quality Water Associates
www.qualitywaterassociates.com
Bulletin Board www.qualitywaterassociates.com/phpBB2