Replies

1. 
   DanH | Sep 28, 2006 03:23pm | #1

   They're remarkably effective at softening you bank account.

   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
2. 
   IMERC | Sep 28, 2006 03:27pm | #2

   only fer the seller...

    

    

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

3. 
   jhausch | Sep 28, 2006 04:10pm | #3

   They are a scam.  I think the best that they do is keep the minerals in suspension to help prevent scale and build up, but they do not soften the water by removing the minerals.

   The traditional resin-pellet/salt recharged units work great and are easy to install.  Even a small one with not enough "grains" to handle your hardness level will be an improvement.

   Side comment, I did just that - put in a slightly undersized softener in our garage/apartment.  I love it.  The difference is amazing and one unexpected benefit was to the appearance of the pancakes I make every Sunday morning. 

   Oops, sorry, I re-read your post.  I do not have "first hand knowledge"; I've only read the research of others.

   http://jhausch.blogspot.com
   Adventures in Home Building
   An online journal covering the preparation and construction of our new home.
1. 
   DanH | Sep 28, 2006 04:55pm | #4

   I have heard people claim that they work, but it's always sounded like they were simply rationalizing their purchase. In theory the right electromagnetic field could change the molecular structure of some water hardness components and reduce the tendency to lime up fixtures, etc, but most units mount on the outside of a metal pipe and can have essentially no effect. You'll do as well with a cow magnet and a piece of duct tape (which is about all most of these units are).
   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison

1. 
   woodway | Sep 28, 2006 08:04pm | #5

   Do Cow Magnets attract cows? Do cows really care?