Reasons To NOT Buy A Clack Water Softener
Reasons to NOT Buy A Clack Water Softener
Clack water softeners do NOT filter. Neither the Clack WS1 series or the WS3 duplex machines provide any sort of water filtration. Clack machines only treat hard water and will do nothing for any contaminants, bacteria, fluoride, heavy metals or viruses in your water.
This means you should not be fooled by the low price point of Clack softeners, you will still need to buy and install some sort of filter which will eventually end up costing more in extra plumbing fees, add to your on-going maintenance tasks, take up more space when compared to whole house softener filter combination systems like this.
Clack softeners are also identical to Fleck softeners, however, Fleck is much more popular and widely used so might be the better option because there is more support and online troubleshooting information for Fleck devices. Also, plumbers are more likely to be familiar with Fleck so it will be easier to get help with these machines.
Do You Even Need A Softener?
Before talking about the benefits of getting a clack water softener, why do you need to get a water softener in the first place?
Do you have hard water?
If you’re not sure, the first step is to get a water test to see.
If you find that your sinks are stained with white limescale, your skin is dry and itchy then you may have a problem with hard water. And if this is the case then you probably need a water softener.
Water softening systems will help increase the life of your appliances, plumbing and clothing. A good water softener can even help you save money in the long run.
Things A Water Softener Can Help With
This is because you will save money on having to keep replacing appliances destroyed by hard water:
– Hard water causes mineral deposits on the skin, hair and clothes.
– Blocks pipes, water tanks and boilers, which reduces efficiency and increases energy costs.
– Stains toilets, bathtubs, showers, toilets and faucets.
– Their deposits form lime deposits, which reduce the effectiveness of household appliances, such as washing machines.
Basically, water softeners remove high levels of calcium and magnesium ions that is present in hard water. The softener system removes “hardness” with salt and this will stop ugly white stains and scales in your water, kitchen and bathroom.
There are many different types of water softeners and clack is one of them. This article is a clack water softener review that will help you decide if this brand is correct for you.
Best Clack Water Softener Features
The Clack water softener units are suitable for commercial, industrial and residential applications. You can time and control Clack systems by using its meter. This is also why a Clack softener with a meter is one of the most expensive options.
One of the best features of Clack softeners are its meters, which allows you to automate its control:
- The advantage of a system controlled by meter is that it allows the system to calculate water consumption.
- It allows you to only run a regeneration cycle when enough water has been consumed until the resin bed runs out. These systems avoid unnecessary waste of water and ensure that your resin bed never runs out.
- The timer controls, although less robust, are extremely reliable and consistent.
- Meter controlled softener systems are ideal in environments where the demand for soft water is not particularly high or the need for soft water around the clock is not absolutely necessary. This is because your system is likely to be offline for at least 2 hours during a recovery cycle.
- If the system is programmed, it can be set manually at a time when you probably need less soft water.
Benefits of Using A Clack Water Softener
Bathrooms, shower cabins and toilets are no longer contaminated by mineral deposits.
Consumption and spending on detergents and shampoos can be reduced by up to 50%
Home devices and appliances last longer and the maintenance costs are reduced.
Energy bills can be reduced by at least 10%
The condition of the skin can improve markedly. Especially people with eczema, who see significant improvements after using soft water.
Hair feels and clothes are softer, lighter and brighter.
Saves time and eliminates the need for aggressive chemicals to eliminate lime.
Clack Water Softener Manual
Here are links to the most requested Clack water softener manual.
1” Control Valve Series Model: WS1
1.25” Control Valve Series Model: WS1.25
WS1 and WS1.25 Drawings & Service Manual
If these manuals are not helpful or right for your model then you can try calling the Clack water softener number on 608-846-3010. If that is not possible then try email customer services by using the online contact form available on their website.
Clack Water Softener Price
The price for a clack water softener is typically around $500.
This is pretty standard for most water softeners of a similar specification. Of course, getting a larger capacity model or one with more features will cost more.
Also, this does not include the potential costs of getting a professional plumber to install it for you.
Nor does it include the costs of maintenance and upkeep for instance, it doesn’t include the water softener salt that you need to buy to make the softener work.
Where To Buy Clack Water Softener
You can go direct to Clack to find out where their water softeners are stocked. Alternately you can look for them on places like eBay. It’s not the easiest water softener to find and there are many other options that you can consider.
Best Clack Water ALTERNATIVES
 | |
| Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water). | Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water). |
| Does NOT require electricity. | Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor. |
| Control Your System With An App:? NO | Control Your System With An App:? YES |
| - Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty.  | - Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty. |
| $$$ Ships to US and CA. | $$$ Ships to US, CA and Puerto Rico. |
| Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link. | |
| If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50 | Coupon Code: GEEK5 |
 |  |
 | |
Clack vs Aquasana vs SpringWell?
Although Clack is generally a good water softener, it is hard to find and has some better competitors.
Aquasana produces some of the best rated salt free softener systems and whole house filters on the market today.
Its systems don’t require salt they can treat hard water up to 24 ppm (which is extremely hard).
Its filters are powerful enough to treat pharmaceuticals, chlorine, pesticides, lead, mercury and other nasties.
Getting a UV filter upgrade means that the machine will also remove bacteria, viruses and chlorine resistant cysts.
Why is Aquasana Better? (Salt FREE Softener + Whole House Filter Solution)
Getting this system will deal with ALL the problems with your water. Hard water, contaminants, sediments etc.
It also has a good capacity so can sufficiently provide soft water for the average home of between 1-4 people.
The best part is that this system will treat 1,000,000 gallons – which means it will take 10 years before you need to replace the filters.
Installing it is not a problem too because the units come with a FREE professional installation kit.
It does NOT use salt to effectively treat hard water up to 24 parts per million (which is extremely hard).
The powerful filters remove things like volatile organic chemicals (VOC’s), herbicides, chlorine, heavy metals like mercury, lead and much more
Water and energy efficiency means lower operating costs.
The UV filter will effectively treat bacteria viruses and chlorine resistant cysts.
Comes with IAPMO and NSF certifications.
Purchasing it direct from the manufacturer gives you 90-Day “Pure Satisfaction” guarantee.
This salt based softener and whole house filter is ideal for easy installation, easy setup and offers great value for money.
You should onsider getting this softener model because it:
Takes care of itself (set it and forget it).
The salt based softener is good at dealing with very hard water.
It includes multiple stages of filtration so your water is both soft and drinkable.
Has a softener and filter combined in a single solution.
Can effectively treat extremely hard water for between 1 to 7+ bathrooms (depending on which model you select).
| |
| Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water). | Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water). |
| Does NOT require electricity. | Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor. |
| Control Your System With An App:? NO | Control Your System With An App:? YES |
| - Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty. | - Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty. |
| $$$ Ships to US and CA. | $$$ Ships to US, CA and Puerto Rico. |
| Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link. | |
| If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50 | Coupon Code: GEEK5 |
| | |
| | |
I was told to avoid plastic bypass valves. Looks like Clack bypass is plastic. YOur thoughts?
Hello,
I’ve been searching your site to find an explanation for what a “salt-free softener” is. Does it use potassium chloride? Is there really another way to soften water besides ion exchange? I’ve seen a few brands advertise this and would be interested in purchasing if this was more clear.
Hi Gabriella
A salt-free softener re-conditions the water (i.e. changes the structure) so that you don’t continue to experience the problems caused by hard water e.g. limescale.
It will not need potassium chloride or salt to do this. However, this means that it doesn’t actually produce soft water.
The most important thing to consider before choosing between a salt-free softener or salt based softener is the level of your water hardness.
Salt free options from places like Aquasana are effective at treating hardness of up to 25 PPM but if your water is extremely hard then you should go for a salt based softener like this.
Hence you might want to get a water test kit first in order to find out your level of water hardness if you are unsure.
Stay hydrated,
Luke
Hi Luke,
Thank you for clarifying. I’m familiar with water conditioning systems. But I do find it misleading to describe something as a “salt-free softener” when, as you say, “it doesn’t actually produce soft water.”
Hi Gabriella
I actually agree with you and I think the terms can be a little bit misleading.
However, “salt-free softener” is a more effective lable that explains to people what the main function of this type of device is and what it’s main value proposition is.
Many people find the products in the water industry confusing enough as it is so I try to stick to lables that explain things as effectively as possible – even though, like you, I sometimes feel uncomfortable with the lack of accuracy.
Stay hydrated,
Luke
25ppm hardness is a joke and not remotely hard water. You would have a hard time finding natural waters with less hardness.
“Restructuring” the water has not been proven in any way and is effectively woo woo. For hardness removal there are more options than ion exchange, but most of them aren’t offered for home treatment (NF, RO done well, electrodialysis (ED)).
I’d stay away from any of the “salt free softeners” if they can’t explain how they work or produce any testable results.
Hello,
We are a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids under 10) in Houston, TX. Recently our water software (Culligan) died which was installed by previous owners and now we are looking for a new one.
The guy we are in contact with recommended Clack with the following specifications:
Ws1 clack unit
48k grains
10% cross link resin
I also researched and found Flex 5600 with the following specifications:
The Fleck 5600 w/ Flowmeter Valve
48k Grain Unit (1.5 Cubic ft. of Resin)
10.8 Gallons per minute/ flow rate
3/4 in and out unit (What does that mean and should I be concerned about it)
The Flex 5600 has analog dial instead of digital display. In my current unit the digital circuit is bad and my neighbors faced the same issue with digital circuit.
So, my question is which is better for my needs Flex 5600 or Clack.
Similar situation. Which one did you install in the end? Thanks.
Hi,
I am planning to install water softener and filter with reverse osmosis and want a suggestion which is a good product among Clack, Aquasana and spring well?
Hi Amni
None of the examples you mentioned come with reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis is typically a separate under sink device like this or this.
Aquasana includes powerful filters that treat water better than reverse osmosis (in my opinion). The list of what it effectively treats is very long and comprehensive (bacteria, chlorine, VOC’s, pharmaceuticals etc). However, it only treats hard water up to 25 ppm WITHOUT needing salt.
If you have extremely hard water and need a salt-based softener that also filters your water too then consider using something like this.
Stay hydrated,
Luke
Okay I live in phx Arizona I have always had a side by side on the outside of my house Uncovered. I am looking to replace with new. The company I called out to replace is recommending a clack ws1 canister unit. I don’t really like change. It’s only my son and I in the home. What’s the difference and should I tell him I want to stick with the side by side? I can always buy something to shade it
Hi Michelle
When you say “side by side”, I asssume you mean a dual whole houe softener and filter?
You should look into something like this, it’s an all-in-one single solution that treats, softens, filters your water.
To my knowledge Clack *only* softens.
Stay hydrated,
Luke
this is great info! Thanks!
Hardness x 150 = grains exchange per day
20gr hard x 150 = 3000 per day
3000x7days 21000
You can do this on a 1cuft unit with 9lb salt setting
Your answer is 36lbs a month
I have a clack system. The under sink is not allowing easy flow of the water to the dispenser in my refrigerator. I bought it from a company in Sarasota Fl. I wanted a service call to replace the membrane and pre and post filters in the 3 canisters.There phone # 886-929-4377 ext. 2 doesn’t work. My paperwork says kc5948 and m350. Can you find a local repair person or tell me what I need to buy and where to get it if I can do it. Joyce Kapp
Hi Joyce
Perhaps you could try speaking directly to Clack corporation so they can possibly help you troubleshoot – 608-846-3010.
Best wishes,
Luke
I am struggling with a weird situation. After my Clack softener runs all the water in the house turns yellow and tastes horrid. I have had my softener guy, plumber, drain guy all out and no one can figure out why?
Hi Pam
Unfortunately, there are so many possible causes for this that I can’t figure it out without taking a look at it myself. However, if you’re sure the source of the issue is Clack then your best bet is to speak directly to Clack so they can possibly help you troubleshoot – 608-846-3010.
OR
If you’re in a position to replace the softener, then the fastest and most reliable (but also most expensive) solution would be to replace the entire system with one from Aquasana that both softens AND filters your water to avoid this happening again in the future.
Best wishes,
Luke
Hi Luke,
I am thinking about getting a Clack water softner+filter installed by a local Clack dealer. The price I am getting for the product + install is $2,000. The system he is selling me is a water softener + a carbon filter. I am trying to do some research on Clack via the internet but I am having a hard time because it is not so widely available. I looked at Fleck on amazon but really i would like a softener + filter so i decided against Fleck.
1. Do you know if clack makes a softener + water filtration or am I being duped. Here is what it claims to do:
Multi-Depth Carbon Filtration
Reduces chlorine / chloramine
Reduces inorganic contaminants
Removes hardness
Inhibits bacteria growth
Absorbs tastes, odors, & other organic matter
Reduces metal contaminants
2. The price seems reasonable to me. What is your opinion.
Hi Ajo
Although I’ve never heard of a Clack softener + filter combo, I know this is generally possible and more softener brands are starting to offer this.
Yes, I believe $2,000-ish is not too bad given that’s about the going rate for a Aquasana whole house salt free softener and filter. They come with professional grade kits for self-installation and their filters are more powerful than the standard carbon block so they will treat everything on your Clack list as well as chlorine, mercury, lead, pharmaceuticals and much more.
It’s also a similar price for a standard softener + filter combination that uses salt so is better for extremely hard water and a larger household but the filters might not be as powerful as Aquasana.
Best wishes,
Luke
Can I use Potassium Chloride Water Softening Pellets in the brine tank instead of sodium chloride. I have a high Blood Pressure I try to cut down the salt intake.
Hi Jozef
Sure, it is certainly possible to use potassium chloride instead of salt. I’m not sure if it is as effective as salt because I’ve never tried it myself personally but it’s certainly better than nothing if you need to reduce your salt intake for health reasons.
If you don’t already have a salt based softener, I’d recommend you try a salt-free softener. As the name suggests, they don’t use any salt and some of the latest models are producing results that work effectively as soft water (without the slippery water feel or need for regular maintenance and salt.
Best wishes,
Luke
We need to replace the cheap water softener we bought at a big box store. It lasted only 3.5 years and warranty expired at 3 years! We received a quote for $1400 for a Clack unit (1 Cubic Foot /CL 12010). This seems really expensive since it looks like the unit itself is only about $500-600. Do you agree??
Hi Megan
$1400 is not expensive for a water softener depending on what it is able to do. Perhaps it also has a filter (or multiple filters)? Has a higher capacity? Or is simply a very high tech model?
You could pick up a cheap stand alone softener from Amazon or Target for about $600 but I am no longer recommending these because their warranty is too short and single softeners don’t filter your water so it’s not a complete solution. Trying to add on a filter later on will only cost you more money overall.
However, a good quality softener and whole house filter is a single device that will treat your hard water for about $1500 bucks.
Stay hydrated,
Luke
Hi there. Have had a Clack system in place a few years now in my home. Have very hard water and sulfur smell. Water hardness goes up and down- installer keeps telling me its “just fine” but hardness is as high as 14 and as low as 6 despite setting up more frequent cycles. Have you heard of this issue?
Hi Anne,
This is not something that I have ever heard of before with Clack Softeners and it’s not something that I can diagnose without actually physically seeing how the machine works, it’s environment etc.
Your best bet is to consult with a professional plumber OR contact Clack support and ask them to help you troubleshoot 608-846-3010.
Stay hydrated,
Luke
Where can I purchase a Clack or Flex water softener? Parkland, FL 33067
Home Depot or Lowe’s?
Hi Sharon
The truth is that both Home Depot and Lowe’s sell water softeners like Clack/Fleck BUT you never really know if the particular store you’re going to will have it in stock.
So you probably have to call the store beforehand and ask them to reserve one for you to avoid a wasted journey.
I personally think it’s much better to buy a device online and get it delivered with a professional grade installation kit like the Aquasana whole house filter and salt free system.
Hope this helps.
Luke
Using either the Clack or the Fleck system, for a family of two, what should one expect the salt use to be, ballpark?
Hi David
Thanks for the question. It’s really hard to say because it really depends on your make, model, how much and how often you regenerate.
But you shouldn’t really worry about it because softener salt is usually very affordable and should only cost a couple of bucks. E.g. $29 gets you 50 pounds. That’s more than double the airline suitcase weight capacity so I doubt your whole family could get through that in a year.
Best wishes,
Luke