GE 474/476 logix system - Charger

[filterforum]

Looking for a reasonable water softener system - living in tampa, fl. I came across someone who was selling GE water softener system - 474/476 Logix system . I couldn't find it online. Looks like the guy is selling this as a dealer of Charger Water Treatment products. offer price was 1000 installed.

Price seems very reasonable as compared to rainsoft or kinectico who charge insane amount.

Any experience with this system?

[Gary Slusser]

I've never heard of an Autotrol 474 control valve but I don't keep up on Autotrol as I used to. IMO Autotrol control valves are not as good a choice as the Clack WS-1CS, or Fleck, control valves.

[Andy CWS]

Looking for a reasonable water softener system - living in tampa, fl. I came across someone who was selling GE water softener system - 474/476 Logix system . I couldn't find it online. Looks like the guy is selling this as a dealer of Charger Water Treatment products. offer price was 1000 installed.

Price seems very reasonable as compared to rainsoft or kinectico who charge insane amount.

Any experience with this system?

Try this link

http://hilehaus.com/Charger%20Docs/PRO%20H2O%20474%20476%20LOGIX%20SERIES.PDF

[filterforum]

So how does this system compare to the likes of one available in local hardware stores? am i getting more value as they are charging twice the money.

The brochure attached in the thread and the one provided by local installer doesn't provide any details about what the system will remove from my water.

Once again thanks to everyone providing feedback to help me make an informed decision.

[Andy CWS]

So how does this system compare to the likes of one available in local hardware stores? am i getting more value as they are charging twice the money.

The brochure attached in the thread and the one provided by local installer doesn't provide any details about what the system will remove from my water.

Once again thanks to everyone providing feedback to help me make an informed decision.

I don't know what is offered at local stores. A softener removes hardness minerals, primarliy calcium carbonate and ferrous iron. Some manganese can also be removed. When you buy from alocal professioanl, you get follow up service, a person that knows what they are talking about, spare parts, etc. When you buy from a store, you save some up front but they are usually the bottom rung of equipment.

I didn't notice any test results from you. What do you have in your water?

Andy

[Gary Slusser]

So how does this system compare to the likes of one available in local hardware stores? am i getting more value as they are charging twice the money.

The brochure attached in the thread and the one provided by local installer doesn't provide any details about what the system will remove from my water.

Once again thanks to everyone providing feedback to help me make an informed decision.

What is at the link is what Charger calls it, I do not believe Autotrol has a 474 valve. I know they sell a proprietary version of the Clack WS-1, so maybe that is a proprietary Autotrol Logix timer on a non published version of a 255 or 263 control valve body like the 269 valve and 463i timer.

If so parts would have to be purchased from one of their dealers.

I see they use smaller than normally used and odd sized tanks.

The nonproprietary version can be bought on line for several hundreds less than $1000, and you can install it yourself in a couple hours or hire a plumber or handyman to do it and still save maybe $200 to $300.

Then you can buy parts from any online or local dealer selling Autotrol control valves.

A much better choice would be the Clack WS-1 on a correctly sized softener with an industry standard sized tank.

[NH Master]

I have no clue what your water conditions are and you really need to know before you can make an informed decision but, assuming it's hardness and a bit of iron you can pick up a Fleck 5600 online from around 500 to 800 dollars depending on size requirements. The Fleck 5600 is an industry standard. A solid and reliable valve and timer assembly that will give you many years or reliable service. For a couple hundred more you can get a metered demand head which is nice because they will perform the required functions dependent on water usage. Of course this is assuming that you wish to tackle the installation of the unit yourself. If not you should find a local, reputable plumber or filter contractor and ask questions.

[Gary Slusser]

Anyone can buy a metered Clack WS-1CS between those prices too. And it is a much better control valve in all ways than the 5600 in any of its versions.

Anyone with the desire to install their own softener can do so in about 2-2.5 hrs and they probably don't have to solder anything, so they don't need to hire an expensive plumber.

[NH Master]

Well, maybe some can do it in a couple hrs, but not everyone has the tools, skill or knowledge to cut into copper piping, install a properly vented trap for the drain, run the electrical circuit and install the equipment to code. Yes the clack is a nice unit. I sell a lot of them, I personally prefer them to the Fleck but, I can buy the Fleck for less than the Clack WS-1 and I can sell it for a couple hundred less also. Been using flecks for more years now than I can remember and have always had very very good service with the unit. Cost for some folks is an issue and even 50 bucks can make a difference in some folks budgets. Either way, fleck or Clack, the homeowner is going to get a reliable piece of proven equipment.

[Gary Slusser]

Yeah that's why I said anyone with the desire can do it, which can include buying a few common tools most homeowners should have around their home anyway.

Come on man, I know you're against online line sales and DIYers but you're supposed to be a MASTER plumber of like 50 years, and a high schrool plumbing teacher... You really can't think it takes a lot of SKILL to use a tubing cutter... LOL

It's no different than using a can opener except the cutter goes around on the tubing instead of the tubing rotating.... As you know, it usually takes like 30-45 seconds - 3-4 times around and it's done.

[Driller1]

Yeah that's why I said anyone with the desire can do it, which can include buying a few common tools most homeowners should have around their home anyway.

Come on man, I know you're against online line sales and DIYers but you're supposed to be a MASTER plumber of like 50 years, and a high schrool plumbing teacher... You really can't think it takes a lot of SKILL to use a tubing cutter... LOL

It's no different than using a can opener except the cutter goes around on the tubing instead of the tubing rotating.... As you know, it usually takes like 30-45 seconds - 3-4 times around and it's done.

Wow, I have a desire to sing....what do you think?? Can I???

Sure, I can try, it would be just a little counterproductive.

[NH Master]

Yep, most homeowners have a torch in their tool box along with solder, flux a couple different pipe cutters, pipe wrenches ect.

For me, it is indeed second nature. for someone that has zero experience it could well be a daunting task. Either way though there are codes that must be followed and the installer should have some working knowledge of water supply and distribution piping as well as DWV piping and codes that apply. I know that you think all codes are some sort of government conspiracy to bamboozle folks out of money but as long as there are codes and inspectors that enforce codes your opinion is of little concern to anyone other than yourself. Not having a license is not an excuse to break the law.

That aside, what do your posts have to do with the OP question? I believe I gave him some useful advice. What did you contribute? BTW, could care less what you sell. I understand fully that that is how you make a living and that's fine. The only time I have ever got on your case about it is on the many forums that specifically forbid selling on their site and the strong arm tactics that you constantly use to try and force others with dissenting opinions off the site. You need to get back on the Prozak or start wearing the tin foil helmet.

[Gary Slusser]

That all sounds so... a... official. And 'I'm better than you' professional, and as always, anti-DIYer.

[Driller1]

That all sounds so... a... official. And 'I'm better than you' professional, and as always, anti-DIYer.

Your just trying to make a buck. Sad.

[NH Master]

That all sounds so... a... official. And 'I'm better than you' professional, and as always, anti-DIYer.

Exactly what part of anything I posted is anti DIY? or "I'm better than you"?

If this is the best you can do, maybe it's time to think about sewing your name tag in the back of your sweaters and checking into the local home for the aged.