How to Install a Water Conditioner | Ask This Old House

[@alec4672]

That previous plumber sure did a good job, not used to seeing that on this channel. He put in copper union's and a bypass valve, that's high rollin.

[@jackpast]

I’m betting he was a pipe fitter. Don’t ever call them plumbers.

[@cmleong]

It was due to this program that I wanted to get something like this for my home in Arizona but was so glad that Amazon allows users to share user's experience after installation. But changed my mind after the many negative feedback on the use of citric acid conditioners causing corrosion of the copper pipes leading to blue water and exceeding the safe level of copper consumed by the home owner and people living inside. A mandatory health and damage warning out front to those wanting to install such a system should have been issued first.

[@DeanyKong]

That man's bathroom is bigger than my house!

[@brendanwalker8903]

Deany Kong yet his bath is teeny!

[@karenbrett6850]

holy shit

[@ghasanahmed6159]

I know . Richard was like what the heck this bathroom is huge.

[@BobBob-we3wr]

You live in Communist China?

[@bigroblee]

@@BobBob-we3wr they've got apartments in San Francisco that small, and New York.

[@briancnc]

And that is the first and last time he ever installs new filters on that unit.

[@jameshawkins809]

briancnc I have a filter system on my home and I have to change the inline filters every 3 months. I kinda hate it but I have no choice since my home is on a well.

[@gravitygear]

And your solution to that is...

[@briancnc]

gravitygear change the water filters per manufacturer recommendation. The point is most install this and never change it. I will bet a majority of Americans call a plumber to do this if they are concerned.

[@jameshawkins809]

briancnc okay so no facts just opinion with no evidence at all to back up the claim.

[@TheXxneowolfxX]

briancnc: Hilarious is it not? That guy has went 3 years without fixing the problem. Those units are rated for 5 years no maintenance so lets replace that with a 6 month (at best) "cabin/earthship" unit and call it a day!

[@justice3865]

I would like to suggest another reason places like AZ do not like the old style softeners. Water waste. Flushing the system will waste water, which is already a scarce resource in regions such as that. I'm sure it's not a HUGE amount of waste, but when you live in an arid climate, ever bit helps.

[@nicori3320]

Professional softeners (Fleck, Clack, Erie etc)30-60gallons of water and a bag of salt every 1-2 months. Kenmore, home depot crap up around 150gallons and as much as a bag every week!

[@daydreamer415]

So this video is 2 years old, and he mentioned it was new technology. Has the tech been proven to work better than water softeners?

[@drakeanderson6473]

not even close lol

[@JamesMaccarone]

A better option if you don't want to use a traditional softener is a media tank with Filtersorb SP3. Lasts a lot longer (years), no salt and doesn't add acidity to the water. I would also use a traditional carbon tank (10x44) that will go 2-5 years between re-bedding of the media. The carbon cartridge here will not last long.

[@cmleong]

Thanks for your honest reply here will review your feedback for a whole house system.

[@lostevesy]

Holy she that's a big house, that huge bathroom looks like it's just an en suite let alone the main bathroom.

[@marcspencer9077]

What is the make and model?

[@oscar.gonzalez]

Is there a gauge available that measures gallons. Would be good to get a visual number to know when it's time to change the filters.

[@natsreenath851]

yes. I do not know where you can buy this. Try the internet to find what type of meter you can buy. Best to call the local water supply company and they will tell you more. Good luck.

[@plumiegirl47]

I have the Nuvo H2o unit and it works so well. All my lime has gone away, even the dishwasher looks like new. The lime in the toilet is gone. I love it.

[@suzanne5971]

How does it taste?

[@dynamiteshrimp321]

The toilet water?

[@plumiegirl47]

@@suzanne5971 It taste fine but I have a fridge filter. I have drank water from the faucet and it is fine.

[@plumiegirl47]

@@dynamiteshrimp321 I watched the lime fall off the toilet over 2 weeks and it is very easy to clean.

[@plumiegirl47]

@@dynamiteshrimp321 you are being literal and so am i. The Nuvo system is a whole house conditioning system. I put the filter (and it the size short ) in the part of the water pipe that comes into the home. It is outside but I made a cover for it. So water comes in past the filter and the lime that tries to stick on th porcelain drain hole tends to get really lime bad in a hard water situation. The filtered water binds with the citric acid an the lime falls off and self cleans. My dishwasher makes it look new now. I was skeptical but it is amazing. I live in the OC and i get hard deep wells and some colorado water it is so limey

[@SanchoSanto]

Wouldn't it be a good idea to add a sediment filter before that carbon filter? Otherwise the carbon filter will clog up with sediment prematurely. Some sediment filters can be washed and reused and are fairly inexpensive to replace.

[@ifscottcanyoucan]

That is what I plan on doing.

[@djclown7pb]

What is this product called and where can I find one? We are in Colorado and have bad hard water wouldn't be bad if it didn't clog up all the faucets

[@weiss27md]

djclown7pb it's in the video description.

[@nickv4073]

Don't waste your money. Just periodically put some white vinegar or CLR in a plastic bag and rubber band it around your faucet overnight. It will unclog and remove all that mineral buildup and your faucet work like brand new overnight..

[@dkarukas]

Been in the water treatment business for 20 years. I've used many filters like these for restaurant ice makers and other equipment. I'd never use it for a house. The carbon filter does clog as it adsorbs chemicals and the citric acid will dissolve too quickly and can play havoc with pH. Also, the the calcium will build up in the hot water heater, especially the tankless ones. Do not use this if you have any iron or hydrogen sulfide. Seen a lot of gimmicky products, but nothing beats the resin water softener to fix hard water.

[@dennistoth6286]

dkarukas question sir. Would that exact system work for my application? Four full baths, three sill cocks, two kitchen sinks, two service tubs, washing machine, ice maker, 74 gallon hot water tank. Biggest issue I have is where the water enters the residence, there is no drain and there are a few lines that branch to various areas before entering the main mechanical room. Copper piping, city water ( has a chlorine odor, mineral deposits ) , and usage is 4,000 every two months. What would you recommend? Last two homes had excellent water quality and water manifolds, missing those qualities!

[@nicori3320]

Google pH and copper corrosion. Invest in a good softener and you will not have to worry about consumables for the next 10-15 years

[@dkarukas]

Your biggest problem is the fact that your water line splits off before entering the house. Can you fix that? As far as no drain water softeners drain water is under pressure so you can run a line to a drain somewhere but it can't be too high.

[@dennistoth6286]

dkarukas it would be quite a bit of work as the water lines run in a finished basement ceiling. As far as running a discharge line, that too would run through two finished rooms of the basement. This product may be my easiest option. Would you recommend this item or any other brand?

[@dennistoth6286]

dkarukas and much appreciation sir.

[@aspenwatersolutions1793]

I have come across this type of system and they don`t work as well as a softener with resin. The results are much better with a salt system.

[@jimschowe2770]

Has Richard been completely sold on this water filtering system? Is there a drop in water flow in the house? I would like to get rid of my water conditioner since the salt is detrimental to my septic system. I am having a renovation done now at my house and this would be a good time to change the system.

[@bobbyj6410]

I would just turn it off. Working around hard water is easy. Clean your faucet aerators with vinegar, and use borax powder in the washer and dishwasher. It is a chemical water softener.

[@c0mputer]

How do you know when you’re supposed to replace the cartridges? Will you just have to notice if the water is becoming harder? Or do you periodically test the water or open the cartridges and have a look?

[@jackpast]

I would educate myself and have a reputable test kit. Use it until you get a feel for the frequency for when the 2 cartridges need replacing. Definitely don’t want to wait until the wash gets stained by something.

[@fcelp]

You will still have hard water going thru your pipes as none of the calcium or magnesium is removed. You soap will still not lather up. The minerals may not bond to metal, but at the end of the day, you still have the same hard water flowing.

[@earthling6388]

he did say it was to fix a purely cosmetic problem

[@enanotodo]

if you don't encapsulate the calcium and magnesium it will eventually fill your pipes and ruin everything including your water heater. With this system at worst you are drinking calcium+magnesium+citric acid

[@bhbae1]

@@enanotodo Is it worse than drinking sodium water by water softener?

[@David-vm1oq]

I would like to know more about the water softener or where to buy one. Thanks

[@linnellhomes]

My wife said she can take have hard water any longer. I like the information in this video. can you help me find were to get this new set up?

[@hongtkwan]

Besides the environmental difference between this and the traditional water softener, what other benefits does this new technology have over water softeners?

[@julieheaton295]

You can drink the water and water plants straight from the tap versus a brine system.

[@Jetfuture737]

The original homeowner system was likely the best option. It looks very similar to my Environment Water System conditioning water filter. It lasts 10 years. No need for a softener, salt, and it is maintenance free. You will also note no drop in water flow or pressure. The only problem is that you need to plumb a drain line to a floor drain or outside (it's clean water so could be recycled for landscaping), as they backflush each week and recharge the filter media (one reason why they last so long). I just hit 10 years with mine and decided to just get a new tank with the filter media already inside. They are not cheap, but if you want whole house filtration and don't like the feeling of softened water, these are the best option in my opinion. I'm actually surprised Richard used this system that requires the homeowner to wrench those two tanks and replace the entire filter media every 6 months. But they ARE cheaper for installation.

[@Bhemp715]

Could you give me some more info on the environment water system that you use and recommended. Brand name ect.

[@surafelhaile4154]

You are wise teacher .I can understand your way of teaching easily Thank you

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

This seems to be exactly what we need. Thanks!

[@bixbabble3935]

Would that cause rust on any metal pipes or appliances?

[@bobbyj6410]

It is possible if the citric acid makes the water corrosive.

[@sgvpotter]

rust only happens on iron based pipes, unless you live in a house with galvanized pipe or the uncommon iron pipes, rust is not an issue. Citric acid takes the path of least resistance. it will attack metals in solution before pipes, this will create salts such as MgCl and CaCl which are not removed but are now inactive in pipes and wont scale.

[@ryan736]

I want to know if electronic water De-scaling devices work? I’m ok with hard water I just don’t want my pipes to get jacked up.

[@thihal123]

We live in the piedmont area of North Carolina and the water is so soft. We don’t have any scaling even on a water boiler that has been in use for two years. Amazing.

[@deeblack9393]

I have heard that in some areas like Phoenix those systems don't work due to the high concentrations of minerals in the water.

[@robertputnam6324]

Hay Richard we do not get our water fron the Colorado rive here in Phx we drink ground water,

[@saritsotangkur2438]

It’s $1000 for basically a proprietary water filter holder for which you are forced to keep feeding with $90 cartridges every 6 months. I’ve seen this product for many years now. Gotta wonder when their patent expires and the market gets flooded with more reasonably priced alternatives.

[@nicori3320]

Not proprietary, they look like Viquas' big blue housings which can take any conventional filter. There are alternative water softening cartridges out there, like cartridges with Cation resin, but you are right, they are all expensive right now

[@possum2023]

My filtration system was almost $40,000 and costs nearly $1,000 a year to maintain. I wish mine would be this simple.

[@nicori3320]

possum2023 you filtering salt water? lol

[@chooch5728]

Where do you get your water from Chernobyl?

[@Blox117]

actually it looks like a 4.5" x 20" housing, which you can put any filter inside of

[@Jemalacane0]

Calcium and magnesium are nutrients which make water taste good.

[@rosaliemendoza9939]

Puragain Water CO sells Whole house system called a Filtersorb systemSP3

[@mavirek]

Where do you find these citric filters? Don’t say Publix or HomeDepot or Lowes. Was this new solution, so new that it isn’t adopted anywhere?

[@thedevilsadvocate3710]

Wouldn't it be simpler and easier to just send the old filter to be rebuilt?

[@optimus_prime_____]

MyTwoCents I’m guessing cost was probably the biggest factor. Not to mention they’d probably say it was”outdated” and force him to buy a brand new one.

[@jameshawkins809]

You see the size of that thing! The company would call you send a tech and probably try and sell you a new one or get your on a lease program to "save money" and "prevent downtime."

[@jameshawkins809]

I'm debating on what else I need to add to my home. I have a whole home water system because I am on a well, all brand new system but I still get the rotten egg smell! Even tried premium salts in the brine tank. May have to add something else in line.

[@3beltwesty]

james hawkins water that sits in a unused filter or unused water heater here gets that rotten egg smell too. Ie needs usage

[@pl2464]

Check to see if the smell is in just the hot water if so then you need to change the anode rod on your hot water tank to an electric type anode. Softened water and aluminum and even magnesium anode rods cause the smell when the softened, (salty), water is heated.

[@andrewguerra4953]

Question. .can I hook this system up to my water heater lines. ??

[@987micim]

Can someone explain why the system linked in the description is over $600? That seems a little excessive for two filters and their connections.

[@ss4Joey]

I just pulled it up on the website, its $1500 😳

[@miguelvargas6020]

What’s the name of the water conditioner you installed?

[@meagenfitzsimmons4681]

We have a well water system with a brine tank. What do I need to do to get rid of the brink tank?

[@rgeo27]

Carbon filter system with sediment filter should be installed before or after the the water softner?

[@Cynthia_Cantrell]

BEFORE the softener. If the sediment filter is not BEFORE the softener, then the softener BECOMES the sediment filter! The original owners of my house did not have a filter before the softener. The softener died when the bead tank filled up with mud.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

How about water softeners with no digital display? I see a lot of them like that.

[@ldam]

Will the cartridge fit big blue canister?

[@bmich281]

I wonder if you can just stick that cartridge into a big blue filter canister. Or are those holes on the side of the filter ports on the canister.

[@monroejosh]

I was wondering the same thing. It appears that the filters cost $89 while the system initially costs $949. I really doubt that housing is worth $860! Almost seems worth it to buy a cartridge and try before buying a system.

[@Petrochemtester]

How did he sweat the fittings so close to the housing? Is it not plastic?

[@liaqatali-ht3it]

What is difference between water softener and water conditioner

[@burimlimani2694]

does anyone know the brand of this product and where to get it?

[@smartgorilla]

Omg that's a huge place

[@brianandcherylhicks6958]

I use A scale blaster with whole house filtration

[@timothydecelle3201]

I just installed a scalesweeper. What do you recommend for filtration? I heard a carbon filter is the way to go?

[@donjones8025]

Richard, Hello, Is this conditioner/system suitable for well water? Thanks!

[@bobbyj6410]

Yes

[@franchelleg9467]

Any update to this? Is it still working? Did it work? Pros/Cons?

[@natet255]

I can't say for this video, but I bought this system to replace an aging water softener. It did not work for me. Water tastes better, but it left hard water deposits on our faucets, shower, dishes, dogs water bowl. We went back to a salt based system. Not only did it not work, they dont mention how much of a mess it makes to change the filters. Do your homework before switching to this style of "softener".

[@tomasartica4861]

@@natet255 how long did you use it before switching back to a salt based softener system? Was told the citric acid needs 3 to 6 months to clean everything out (old and new). Also considering U.S. Water Systems LimeBlaster to get away from salt, but still have a great performing system and cleaner.

[@natet255]

@@tomasartica4861 I believe it was 45 days before I decided to return the system. It was closer to 60 days before I finally removed and sent the filters back. The more I tried to talk to the manufacturer about trouble shooting the issues, the more I realized the citric acid system wasn't designed to work with our water.

[@ggarl12]

Where can I get one of those water conditioner?

[@romawst3860]

First you have to do a test water. , and design what kind of filters do you need. 1500$ it’s to experience.

[@mattgartner9065]

How do I get you to come work on my house?

[@davidmuir836]

DOES ASK THIS OLD HOUSE RECOMMEND THE NUVO H20 SYSTEM THAT IT INSTALLED IN THIS HOUSE.

[@patriotamerican62]

Where do I get one of these filters?

[@kurtsimmons1587]

I see all kinds of water conditioners! Have you ever did a comparison test? What about the NUVO H2O system that uses citrus?

[@eskimogolfer]

does anyone know how much a system like this typically costs?

[@KeffelewAssefa]

Thank you, great lesson to learn.

[@mgp-bct7723]

I bought a house 🏡:) and what a System I need to buy filtering the water and soften to ???

[@woodywoodlstein9519]

If it cleans the scale it’s gonna clog everything as it cleans out the pipes. No?

[@davidalearmonth]

How do the operating costs compare?

[@francescogiacobbe3303]

Who manufactures this system?

[@conqwiztadore2213]

Lol is the device plastic? So could it melt when he did the Soldering?

[@goose7251]

Yes, plastic melts..🤦‍♂️

[@marsrover7345]

Awesome show ...

[@mikewallace6181]

What is the name of the home organization app

[@buelowexcavating]

Where do you get that filter system from?

[@sethgthomas]

Interesting tech, however, looking at the price of the replacement cartridges, around $125, if you do that twice/year, that's pretty hefty vs. salt.

[@pl2464]

I would add that he stated a 40lb. bag of salt lasts only one month. In my softener a 40lb. bag last at least 3 months.

[@saopongvongkeo2300]

Thanks

[@raymondjr.1080]

Where can I order this?

[@wooskee]

What kind of soldering material is appropriate for water distribution in a house?

[@somebody7276]

which would work better for a septic system house???

[@Cynthia_Cantrell]

I've lived in my house for 30 years with a salt-type softener and a septic system. The only problem I've had with the septic system came from not emptying it in a timely fashion.

[@jeremyfeuk9901]

I want to know to what brand are you using been considering getting one

[@weiss27md]

Jeremy Feuk its in the video description.

[@vinha916]

www.homedepot.com/p/NuvoH2O-Complete-Salt-Free-Water-Softener-System-50-000-Gal-DPNCB/207107279?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D26P-Plumbing%7c&gclid=CjwKCAjwmefOBRBJEiwAf7DstBdXK7ia8Jqk9p4kkkTvPfG1THZb52PG8JErCQA5gHN7-f1EoC97RxoCS-sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKyVqPTJ4tYCFVMHDAodC_gAJg

[@fluxstandard8364]

I had one but when I installed it massive problems made no difference what so ever, didn’t even get my money back

[@ferretface5149]

My 40lb salt last 3-4 months and in a 4 person home, 3700 sq feet and we shower twice a day and laundry three times a week 40lb last 3-4 month Another promise like the tankless water heater that tanked and flopped

[@Videpedia]

What is the softener you have ? Thanks.

[@sweetlou2000]

This is a nice set up. Can it be used in South Texas as well?

[@bobbyj6410]

Yes. Are you in corpus?

[@ricardoesquer5153]

Novo filter, better than softeners and biodegradable 👍🏼

[@LoriFitzgeraldutrealtor]

Nuvoh made in Utah’ i am a property manager and had the system installed in 2 new townhomes 2 years ago. They work great however you do not get that soapy don’t feel rinsed feeling. I have seen zero mineral buildup and had no problems. Great product!

[@stargazer1682]

I don't know about him saying softened water doesn't taste like salt; I can always tell when someplace has a water softener and I drink the water, and I hate it.

Your life is a mess

[@pl2464]

You should never drink softened water, period!

[@Cynthia_Cantrell]

@@pl2464 I've been drinking softened water at my house for 30 years. It has a taste that is different from bottled water, but I wouldn't call it "salty." It is a HUGE improvement over the VERY hard water from the well.

[@pl2464]

@@Cynthia_Cantrell You, do know what salt salt does to blood pressure, don't you?

[@Cynthia_Cantrell]

@@pl2464 Until the past few years, my blood pressure has been on the low side - like 98 over 66. It is now up in a more normal range - 110 over 80, and I don't have nearly so many dizzy spells.

[@ferdicombrinck8305]

Is this available in South Africa?

[@hulk690072]

Hi, I too am looking for a cost effective solution for hard water, any idea's, I am from South Africa too

[@jblyon2]

Give me a true water softener any day. There is nothing like properly softened water. If you have a septic tank the backwash is highly beneficial to the bacterial health of the system too.

[@nickv4073]

After researching, I found that these things are a waste of money. I have hard water but I'll stick with cleaning with CLR or Zep Calcium Lime and Rust remover to keep my shower heads and toilets clean. Even white vinegar works. Much cheaper too.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

That works for fixtures but the yellowed clothes in the washer is what knocked that equation out of the park. Sure, I can take my best clothes to a dry cleaner for washing but that adds up big time. After a softener, never had any issues with my clothes. Also, itchy skin is what affected me most on hard water. Had all kinds of scaling itchy skin, which all went away after having a softener installed.

[@marksteven3534]

Saw the price what a rip.

[@YouTubestopsharingmyrealname]

Richards audio levels seem a bit too low. maybe a lapel mic might help?

[@lisab3396]

Or you could install a simple Electronic Water Conditioner that does not use filter cartridges and/or add anything into the water and does not require constant monitoring and cartridge purchase/replacements. A Quality and Proven Electronic Water Conditioner will not only prevent scale build-up, but it "will" also descale the plumbing lines, hot water tank including tank-less heaters and shower heads, etc! Ohh and not to fail to mention, only costs just around $10.00 a year to operate! Additional thoughts. 1) Filter housing are subject to (cracking) failure if water hammer takes place anywhere in the home. 2) Water pressure in a home is typically around 60 psi. If water pressure is around 80+ psi, there may be leakage and or cracking. 3) If water pressure for what ever reason is around the 120/140 psi range, Don't even consider installing a plastic/poly filters!

[@Videpedia]

Can you recommend the best Quality and Proven Electronic Water Conditioner ?

[@lisab3396]

@@Videpedia Hello, What is the application and where exactly are you located. I may be able to steer you to a good provider.

[@Videpedia]

@@lisab3396 Thanks. I don't want to see and clean on a regular basis all the build-up on the plumbing fixtures/tubs/stainless steel sinks...etc, and I don't want build-up to form inside my pipes, my water heater, and all my appliances either.

[@lisab3396]

@@Videpedia I get the impression that you have a commercial/institutional facility. Where are you located as in country and city etc.

[@Videpedia]

@@lisab3396 Thanks. It's my house, residential, in CA. I want an effective water softener with the best tried and true technology and don't want to limit myself to supplies in my local areas, so open to getting one from anywhere. Also, if you happen to know anything about upflow regeneration, regeneration with soft water please let me know. Or if you know someone who knows about those topics I would like to talk to them.

[@bjornjoseph]

That bathroom can fit the iss

[@williewonka1970]

Better put some straps on that hot water heater. I can see Richard smirking when the home owner tasted the citric acid

[@martinevan4237]

6:18 Whaaaa

[@tadghb]

Is he happy with how it works?

[@nicori3320]

I'd imagine that those water softening cartridges are an expensive consumable. Invest in a good water softener, No big box store softeners which waste water and salt. and you are good to go for the next 10-15 years.

[@crockpot5194]

If I were the homeowner I'd just take the Showerhead off after all that has been done to the house. And soak it in CLR to take all of that white stuff off

[@the486man9]

This guys living the life with a keg in his fridge

[@kennygraley824]

The 486 Man I noticed that! Lol cheers

[@kajakkille]

What a weird bathroom.. looks like an institution with the glass bricks. And then a sunken bath tub, isn’t the ceiling high enough?

[@coldnutshell]

People get hung up on the numbers... if you live alone or only two people occupy your house the majority of the time, chances are you do not need to change these every 6 months.

[@Luisgonzalez-py8dq]

Lucky's Cantina sticker on the fridge.

[@michaeljavert4635]

All the plastic. So you have clean water that is now contaminated with BPA and synthetic estrogen. BTW, BPA free plastic is still toxic and mimics estrogen. It also causes the cancer and excels the growth of other or developing tumors. Also, I hope you made a jumper ground so the ground isn't lost in the existing pipes.

[@jpulley]

A fellow Kansas city chiefs fan (Refrigerator sticker)

[@christianrico6640]

O I love your vids

[@Jerm0915]

He just dumps water back into the house. Other than that I have no complaints.

[@chooch5728]

1500 bucks for 50 bucks worth of plastic? wtf

[@tommytmt]

I GUARANTEE this guy hasn’t replaced the cartridges… ever

[@kalijasin]

Did he have to mount them so low? 🤨

[@julieheaton295]

No, I have a NuVo system and it’s mounted higher. I think he did that to align with the pipes that were already there.