What's the best way to get rid of a very old Culligan water conditioner?

Question

This unit is a "Mark 2" water conditioner, and was in the house when I bought it a couple years ago. It consists of three tanks, each about 3.5 feet tall, one wider than the others.

Several indications are that it's at least twenty years old. Though it's hooked into the plumbing, I highly doubt that it's doing anything; I suspect there's a control on the unit that allows the water to bypass it. It's so old and apparently un-maintained that I wouldn't trust it anyway. I don't even know that I *want* a water conditioner, though I do want to get a new whole-house filter. I just want it gone.

Who can I get to remove this thing? Any old plumber? I contacted a Culligan man by email, but no response yet (it's the weekend). I'm curious about the removal fee and whether the thing would be of any value to the Culligan dealer. Thanks

Answer 1

The old unit will be of no value to culligan, though you may be able to get a trade in to seal the deal for a new one. The mark 2 usually has only 2 pieces, the media tank and the brine tank. I suspect that the 3rd piece is a filter. Since the conditioner is regenerative, it may well still work. The  brine tank would have to be cleaned and filled with rock salt or salt cubes. Salt pellets do not work well. You would then backwash and regenerate. You need to check to see that the timer still works, and the filter may need to be cleaned or replaced.

There should be no problem to get the old unit hauled away by the installers of the new unit. Just make sure it is part of the deal. They will be highly motivated to sell you a new unit. Never take the fist offer.

Depending on the hardness of your water, a whole house unit can be great for your bath, laundry, your skin, even washing your car (dries without water spots). It's also good for your skin, and can even clear up some skin conditions. They are not that great for drinking water because of the media used to regenerate. I would suggest a reverse osmosis system under the sink, or at least a Brita or Pur filter on the counter or faucet.

Other things to consider. If you have a pressure reguator on your water system that allows pressure to bypass when your water heater comes on, it will no longer bypass after the system is installed and running. This can cause the pressure relief valve on your water heater to release, cause your toilets to run, or damage the solenoid valves on ice makers, dishwashers and washing machines. A cheap pressure expansion tank will take care of these problems.

I was a contractor, and installed many of these and other systems, including Rainsoft and United Standard Hydroquad (the best but expensive.)

Bet this is probably more than you wanted to know.

Answer 2

CALL THEM ON THE PHONE  IF NOBODYS THERE LEAVA MESSAGE. U CAN ASK A PLUMBER ..MAYBE YA CAN TAKE TO A RECYLE PLACE.

Answer 3

If you are going to get a hole house filter tell them to install it where the softener is they will have to remove it to install the filter. If they want to charge you extra tell them you don't want it they will probably change their minds. There is a line from your meter or well going to the softener and one coming out of it to your house. That's what they need for the filter so they will probably do it.

Answer 4

I think the best thing to do is, contact the person you are going to get the whole-house filter from and ask for a recommendation.  They might remove it, when they come to put in the new system.

Try calling Home Depot or Lowe's and ask if they know of anyone.

Answer 5

Since the water conditioning unit is tied into the water for the house, you'll probably need a plumber to remove it and connect up a new piece of pipe in its place.  Unless you're handy enough to do it.  Otherwise, you'll have water gushing out all over the place.

If you get a new unit, simply turn off the water to your house, drain it from the pipes, disconnect the old unit, connect up the new unit, turn the water on slowly to check for leaks, and then open it up all the way if there are no leaks.

My suggestion, have a plumber remove the old unit and take it away.