Switched From Easy Water to a Salt System
Question: "I'm not a plumber or did any big research, just a consumer that purchased an Easy Water over 2 years ago after our very old water softener started leaking, thinking the saltless feature was more environmentally responsible, cheaper to operate, and healthier than drinking salt water. Even though our plumber did an annual flush, our pipes kept getting so built up with scale that the flow rate of our tankless water heater was so low, the heater often wouldn't kick on when taking a shower, unless we would turn on the water at the sink at the same time. We just now purchased a traditional water softener, and the difference is amazing. Hot showers again, with actual water pressure, no calcium deposits on the faucets, I can comb my hair easier. We definitely wasted our money with Easy Water." - Irmi Swan
The Water Doctor Replied: I saw a recent study that tested systems like the the Easy Water and found that they were around 40% efficient. The same study also found that systems similar to our Green Wave MEP models were over 95% effective in preventing scale. Of course, water softeners that use salt are also very effective at removing and eliminating scale. We are one of the few companies that sell both salt-free and salt-based water treatment systems. Both can be effective, depending upon what you want to accomplish.
23 Comments
Hello. I recently purchased a home with an existing older, salt-based Mark 100 Culligan water softener. After only a few weeks, I find the treated water inside the home often has a dirty brown tinge, as if suspended dirt is in the water. The water becomes clear in the house but, right after the unit regenerates itself, the water has the light brown turbidity again.
So to narrow down the sources, I checked with the water company in case they had any pipe repair projects going on upstream and they say nothing going on. I checked the brine liquid in the bottom of the salt tank, and it is very clear. Finally, I bypassed the softener and the water cleared inside the house. What might this signify? Can the inside of the softener vessel, the walls of the vessel, have lost the integrity of its protective (fiberglass?) coating and be corroding? Any comments or other ideas?
Thanks. Russ Santa Rosa, CA
I have had and used a salt based water conditioner system since I built in 1994. Never had a problem of any nature save handling 40 lb to 50 lb bags or blocks of salt.
I had a prior residence, in the same city and on the same water system for 15 years, without a conditioner and replaced faucets almost annually.
In seeking to eliminate handling that weighty salt, I have been looking at salt free alternatives. After viewing "the water doctor web site, I have decided to keep my existing system and put up with the inconvenience of hauling salt.
We had our well water tested and have elevated levels of arsenic . We have considered Easy Water filtration and have also recd info from Culligan .We have globs of rusty sediment coming out of our upstairs and downstairs bathroom tub faucets. The Culligab system includes a reverse osmosis filter but that takes out healthy minerals that the Easy Water leaves in .. we also cant use a sodium system due to health reasons. Any idea which system is the best for our circumstances
We have had Easy Water system for 4 years and I have some questions: Why is the inside of my water tank BLACK?? I can clean it out a little with a brush but the tank is still gray. I use the water in my CPAP tank and if the water sits a couple days, there is a build up in the container. I have to use vinegar to remove the scale. Maybe I did not do enough research before we bought the Easy Water system. Thank you for answering my concerns.
Ron,
We sell the GreenWave with the MEP Media and ScaleNet with nextScaleStop Media. We also sell water softener that use salt. We can help you decide which one is right for you. Call us at your convenience at 800-608-USWA.
Roy,
If you have customers who are satisfied with a product which has no scientific basis, then maybe. You call it a “binder system.” That is not only unscientific, but also is just really silly! Really? Come on! Do you sell snake oil too? Yeah, they work – very poorly! You really shouldnt speak about things you know nothing about!
Roy,
There are dozens out there. I would advise you to get some education about water chemistry. Most of these companies will not be around in a year.
Think about it for a minute. The Easy Water doesnt take anything out of the water and it doesnt claim to. Yet, there is something in the water that is causing Black stains. It needs to be removed, but Easy Water doesntremove anything. If you want to fix your water problem, heres the first step:
https://www.uswatersystems.com/us-water-lab-water-test.html
Once we know EXACTLY what is causing the Black, we can tell you how to remove it and Guarantee the results.
We have been saying that for years. If we can help you, please let us know. We sell real solutions, not snake oil!
Can we help you in any way?
You may not like what I am about to say, but when I hear that takes out healthy minerals that the Easy Water leaves in I have to stop and say Do you understand that your drinking water is not a significant source of minerals? If you drank a bathtub full of water a day, you would not even get 5% of the minerals your body needs. But, you have arsenic in your water (and probably other contaminants) that you need to make sure you utilize the best technology. Can you send me your water analysis and I will tell you what is the best way.
I would be glad to do that.
Its also possible it is not working at all and yes, the tank could be rusting. Thats why new tanks are not made of steel.
I need a good unbiased opinion for an iron filter. We have close to 20 gpm flow. A lot of iron and minimal hardness. Years ago we had an aeration iron filter. With the new well it wasnt necessary for 15 years or more. Now we are having iron issues. We also have fine clay sediment issues but have got those under control. Also looking for someone that can reload a backwashing sediment filter with media. We have been having to clean our well regularly with citric acid. It skews our water samples, but we dont want to deal with the well when it has not been treated. We have looked into Pelican and Easywater. Saw varying reviews. Not sure what to buy, but we want something very soon
Mark, I have used an Easywater in my home for the past 9 years. Our city water is taken from an aquifer and is excessively hard. I was pretty cynical about whether the system would work, but decided to give it a try after having spoke with a local BnB owner who had used it for a couple of years and was very.pleased.
The Easywater is not a softner, but it does keep these water minerals from collecting in my water pipes and faucetsband showerheads. Showering, dishwashing, and clothes washing are no problem. The only negative Im experiencing is, since the system doesnt remove the minerals, any standing water that evaporates leaves behind a white-colored residue. Using a sheeting agent in our dishwasher keeps spotting to a minimum.
Just had my 10-year old water heaters checked and their was no mineral build-up, and they were operating efficiently.
Im not a scientist, water expert nor do I work or have any association for Easywater. But I do know it works for me!