Culligan water softener is one of the biggest names in the water filtration system industry. Unfortunately, some customers have not been satisfied with the company’s filtration systems. Several Culligan Water Softener reviews on Google have loads of complaints. The common problems are extensive service fees and salt costs. In this guide, we will explain these problems so you can make a well-informed decision while choosing a filtration system for your home or office. But before that, let’s understand how a salt-based water softening system works.
How Salt-Based Water Filtration System Works?
Culligan water softening technology eliminates magnesium and calcium ions from hard water and replaces them with sodium ions. The process starts when the hard water enters the Culligan water tank. Water flows through resin beads tightly filled in the tank. These beads contain negative ions, while the calcium and magnesium ions flowing through these beads have a positive charge.
Since these beads contain sodium ions, the ionization process replaces magnesium and calcium with positively charged sodium. Hard minerals from the water cling with resin beads, displacing the sodium charge. Water that leaves the Culligan water softener enters your main water supply and reaches your faucets.
Over time, beads become burdened with calcium and magnesium, and the filtration process stops working. In this condition, the Culligan water softener initiates the regeneration cycle. The process takes place in the water tank’s control valve. The control valve works according to the pre-programmed settings according to water hardness level, consumption, and house size.
Culligan water softener comes with a brine tank as well. This tank holds a high salt concentration, which helps in the regeneration process. This is an important component of a Culligan water softening system as it restores positive charge by refilling resin beads with sodium. When the control valve notices diminishing resin capacity, it sends signals to the brine tank to release heavy brine solution. The solution washes resin beads with brine solution and restores sodium ions. However, when the brine tank gets empty, the softening system stops until you add more brine solution.
Reasons Why Culligan Water Softener isn’t a Better Choice
Here are some reasons why people are complaining about this water softener system:
1. High Sodium Concentration
Consuming high sodium a day is unhealthy and leads to numerous diseases. Culligan water softener sends water with a tremendous amount of sodium. Imagine drinking 3,500 mg sodium every day, although the actual intake should be 2,300 mg a day.
2. Expensive Equipment
Many water softener brands in the market have open prices. This means that they offer a fixed price for their equipment. However, Culligan doesn’t disclose their product’s price. To purchase the product, you need to contact Culligan’s sales representative, and they will quote the price according to your water consumption. Many people posted that Culligan quoted tremendously high prices to install standard systems.
3. Costly Maintenance
People have been purchasing salt-based water softeners for a long time. These systems are easy to repair and technicians charge a reasonable amount to fix ordinary softeners. But things are different with the Culligan water softener. Since Culligan filtration systems have complicated designs and components, it takes time for technicians to identify and solve the problem. Furthermore, repairing these devices is another fuss, which is a major reason why many people hesitate to purchase these systems.
The only way to fix these machines is by consulting the Culligan service center, which is another hassle. Firstly, the customer service of Culligan is inconsistent, and secondly, they charge a massive amount to undertake the repairs. Even the basic yearly maintenance cost is unreasonable. Culligan doesn’t offer customer service in many states, so they send service contractors to clients’ homes. So, the cost to the consumer will be unbearable.
4. Complex Installation Process
When purchasing a water softener system, always choose the one with a simple mechanism. Many water softener systems in the market are easy to install. You can install these devices all alone through instructions. If you choose a DIY water softening system, you can save massive amounts on installation. However, the case is different with Culligan systems. Unfortunately, the components are complex and you have to call a professional for installation. Many technicians in the market don’t install such complicated systems, which is why you have to connect with Culligan customer service and ask for help.
What is the Best Alternative to Culligan Water Softener?
The FS500 FilterSmart water softening system is an easy-to-install system. The filtration process eliminates more than 99% of chemicals from the hard water. Unlike salt-based systems, the FilterSmart filtration system doesn’t require salt brine, saving a significant amount on purchasing salt pellets. Furthermore, these systems increase the life of your appliances. Here are some features of the FS500 FilterSmart system:
- Salt-free and eco-friendly system
- Save electricity
- Extends life of your appliances
- Easy installation process
- Reduce up to 99% hard water chemicals from the water
FilterSmart salt-free water softening systems are the best alternatives to Culligan water softener. The customer support team is attentive and instantly sends technicians to the client’s doorstep for evaluation. If you like the FS500 FilterSmart water filtration system, you can also check FS500 Pro by FilterSmart.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you understand why the Culligan water softener system is not the best choice. As mentioned before, the Culligan Water Softener received many negative reviews for its poor customer services, equipment costs, and significant prices. If you are looking for a water filtration system that offers great features and budget-friendly pricing options, then you can trust FS500 FilterSmart or FS500 Pro FilterSmart. These options are available on a low budget. The best part about FilterSmart products is they don’t require salt for softening process and you can save significant money on electricity and maintenance.
