Iron/Hard water 1. Using magnetism? 2. Favorite softener? 3. Installation $$ ?

[tgm1024]

My 15 y.o. constructor grade(?) (I'm assuming bottom of the line) water softener is producing water that tastes like a lot of salt. Was testeed at multiple times the limit allowed in Massachusetts. Without going whole hog on further testing, I'm told that it's likely time to replace it anyway.

• I need a crock of @#$% check: I've heard of these strong magnetic coils that can be wrapped around the water pipe before the primary filter. (Immediately after entering the basement from the pump?). They are purportedly able to magnetize the iron particles enough to cause them to clump together enabling the filter to remove them. Do these things work?
• Is there a favorite softener that installers "in the know" prefer for houses in the 2400 sq. ft. range? 4 bedroom. This would help a lot. Even knowing what brands to run screaming from would be an enormous help.
• How much is too much to spend on an installer? (Eastern Massachusetts).

Thanks in advance!

 

[speedbump]

I don't know what to tell you to expect for pricing in Massachusetts, but buying a quality machine instead of a cheap one will save you bucks in the long run. Before buying anything, have your water tested for hardness, iron, possibly manganese and check the PH. Now you will know what equipment you need.

By the way. The magnetic (whatever they call them) are a joke.