Water Softeners Systems Compared: Culligan versus Florida Water Technologies
Brad Berdon • Mar 06, 2018

Florida Water Technologies water filtration systems are built with the latest technology, providing clean, fresh, and pure water that you want and deserve. Our experienced staff offer cleaning services to your existing or new water softener and annual product checks.

This comparison is between our Premium Option: Platinum Series water softener and the Culligan HE Water Softener. If you are living in the Jacksonville area, we have all heard the stories about Culligan. They are a national brand, they are proprietary, the highest prices for water softener systems, very high service rates and the list is endless.

Florida Water Technologies takes pride in offering our customers a quality product with common sense prices. That holds true in every conversation we have with all of our potential customers. With over 100 5 Star Google reviews, we always let our customers tell the story. Here is an excerpt from a review completed last week: “I recently had my water softener replaced by Florida Water Technologies and I have to say so far my experience with them has been great. Brad who came to evaluate what I currently had was very professional and honest and recommended what was best considering the situation we had with our water (super stinky smell). Unlike the other company I had originally called he did have a water testing kit. He scheduled me right away to have my old water softener replaced within a couple days, would have probably been sooner if it wasn’t for the weekend that fell in between. I thought the great experience had ended there but to my surprise the person who came on Monday (Josh) to replace it was amazing, very professional great attitude and very patient. He explained every little detail I had questions on, he was very thorough. So far our water has no smell at all runs super clean and Josh tested it again before he left after installing our water softener, they even shocked our pipes and made sure they were free of any bacteria. I recommend them 100%!!! And forgot to mention that Brad contacted me probably less than 10 minutes after I had submitted my request online for a quote and he came by and didn’t charge me for the service call.” That’s our goal. To make the right decision for your needs at a common sense rate.

What is the difference with the high priced Culligan water softener? Is it worth it. Do the higher priced water softeners at Culligan deliver more value than those offered by Florida Water Technologies? In a side by side comparison this entry will provide raw data that you may find surprising. The items to be compared are flow rates, warranties, and prices . Do you end up getting more for your money by purchasing a Culligan HE water softener? Let’s find out.

What are Flow Rates for a water softener?

The Florida Water Technologies representatives will evaluate the number of fixtures within the home to determine the proper flow rate. Flow rates are measured in gallons per minute (gpm). You may be experiencing low pressure when you are doing laundry, filling a bath, and running the dishwasher. This might be directly related to the water flow rate of the existing water softener. Water softener flow rates are outlined according to the spec sheets as “service” (or standard flow rate) and “peak” (or max flow rate).

Culligan HE Water Softener

  • Service Flow Rate:  = 9 Gallons Per Minute
  • Max Flow Rate:        = 10.8 Gallons Per Minute 

Platinum Series

  • Service Flow Rate: = 11.3 Gallons Per Minute 
  • Max Flow Rate:        = 14.5 Gallons Per Minute 

The Culligan HE delivers a lesser flow rate at service and peak flow times. The Platinum Series is a superior water softener system that delivers a higher service and peak flow that’s beneficial to larger homes with active fixtures. This extra volume might the difference for your home or business at a lower cost.

Be sure to ask about the Culligan warranties 

Warranties are compared by what they exclude or simply do not cover at all . Surprisingly the higher priced Culligan model He has the least amount of warranty coverage than any water softener available. The main wearable items inside a water softener are the internal valve parts and the resin or media. The internal parts receive friction and are comprised of seals and gaskets while the resin, or media, is the main component of a water softener. If a company doesn’t cover or excludes these items from the warranty then you will be responsible for their full replacement cost’s, parts and labor. The Pro-Mate 6.0 is lower in cost AND covers the internal parts.

Culligan Model He

  • The entire conditioner and media              1 Year
  • The Valve Body and PC Board                    10 Years
    • EXCLUDES INTERNAL PARTS
  • Softener Tank                                                Lifetime
    • EXCLUDES RESIN MEDIA

Platinum Series

  • The Entire Conditioner                               5 Years to Lifetime
  • The Valve and PC Board                             5 Years to Lifetime
    • INCLUDES INTERNAL PARTS
  • Softener Tank                                               10 Years to Lifetime

Florida Water Technologies provides an exclusive lifetime warranty on approved package purchases. Ask your sales representative for more details.

Why is Culligan so high in price? 

Price ranges vary in the Jacksonville FL water softener market. Comparing prices is easier once you know what a water softener costs. According to the Water Technology Magazine annual dealer survey water softeners range from $1600-$1900 including installation. Some companies follow this model and some do not. A company that seeks charge much higher than this range should be questioned. In light of the facts we’ve covered today you don’t always end up getting more by paying more…sometimes you just pay more.

Culligan Model He

  • Price Range: $3199-$3499  yikes! 

Platinum Series

  • Price Range: $1799-$1999 

Our water softeners not only outperform Culligan Water Softeners they cost less to

By Brad Berdon 13 Sep, 2023
If a water softener system stops using salt you will not get soft water. The most common reason a water softener stops using salt is due to the formation of a "Salt Bridge". A Salt Bridge is a clump of salt that has been fused together due to moisture that's spans entire diameter of the salt tank. This clumped salt resembles concrete and is very hard to break up. Consequently, the salt bridge prevents the salt on top from coming in contact with the water beneath it. That is why we call it a Salt Bridge. How is a Salt Bridge formed? A salt bridge is formed when the dry salt is exposed to moisture. Moisture causes the once granular salt crystal or pellet to merge into one giant clump of salt. By chance if it makes it from one side of the tank to the other side a bridge is formed. Once the bridge of salt is formed the salt level will no longer go down. At this point the salt bridge needs to be broken up. How to remove a salt bridge. I hope you ate your Wheaties because removing a salt bridge can be intense. Once the salt has fused together the consistency resembles concrete. So, breaking it up will take some effort. Method 1. The Rubber Mallet First. Use a rubber mallet and gently tap/hit the side of the salt tank all around it. Next, grab the rim of the salt tank and give it a good shake. Note, the salt tank is hundreds of pounds so shaking it may be difficult for some people. Method 2. The Broom Stick If Method 1 did not work it's time to move onto method 2. Brut force and a firm tool. By using a broom stick, a shovel, or an iron rod, you will attack the salt bridge until you succeed. Start by removing all the loose salt from the salt tank into a bucket or onto a drop cloth. Once you see the bridge start pounding trying to locate a weak area of the bridge. Keep working the weak area until you make it all the way through the bridge. It might be a few inches to a foot thick. Then keep working the salt bridge until the entire bridge breaks up and falls down inside the salt tank. Remember, the greater the obstacle the greater the glory when you overcome it. Method 3. The Water Method If you cannot physically break through the salt bridge then you may have to add water. To do this, use a hose to spray water into one dedicated spot while continuing to work the area with a broom stick. The salt bridge will quickly give way however your salt tank will have a lot of water left in it. Stop spraying water and thoroughly break up the remaining clumps of salt. From here, place the system into regeneration either immediate (right now) or delayed (tonight at 2am). Different models of water softeners will have different configured buttons and programming. You may have to consult your owners manual. Note, adding water is an effective way at breaking up a salt bridge but all the salt gets wet during the process. Wet salt will have the potential to bridge again. If you have to use the water method, break up the salt daily to avoid another salt bridge. How to Avoid a Salt Bridge Preventing a salt bridge in a water softener system in Jacksonville FL is easy. Either before you refill a low/empty salt tank, or if you are filing the tank for the first time simply place two pieces of scrap pipe in the shape of an X. As the salt level lowers it falls around the pipes and avoids bridging. This is our standard practice when installing our water softener systems in Jacksonville FL.
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Water softeners contain a mineral tank filled with water softener resin media. The resin media is the main part of a water softener system. When resin media breaks down it can exit the water softener tank clogging your homes plumbing system, yikes! Consequently, this will cause quite a surprise along with a costly plumber bill […] The post Why do Water Softeners sometimes release resin into your homes pluming system? appeared first on Florida Water Technologies.
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