40278 Water Softener Today

The 40278 hits the "sweet spot" for the average homeowner. It is more reliable than budget units and half the price of a commercial Fleck. However, if you have extreme hard water (over 30 grains), upgrade to a dual-tank or high-capacity Fleck. Is the 40278 Water Softener "Salt Free"? (No, and here is why you don't want that) Some marketing gimmicks try to sell "salt-free softeners" (Template Assisted Crystallization). The 40278 is not one of those.

Conditioners do not lower the PPM of calcium. For appliances, water heaters, and soap lather, you need a real softener. The 40278 uses salt because salt works . You will use about 3 bags per month for a family of four—around $15 to $20 in consumables. Troubleshooting: "My 40278 water feels hard again!" You have three likely culprits: 40278 water softener

Go look at the back of the 40278. The bypass handle should be pointing towards the unit (Service position). If it points away (Bypass), you are using raw hard water. The 40278 hits the "sweet spot" for the average homeowner

A real water softener (like the 40278) the hardness minerals. A "salt-free conditioner" only changes the shape of the crystals so they don't stick as easily. Is the 40278 Water Softener "Salt Free"

Disclaimer: Manufacturer SKUs change. Always verify that model "40278" matches the Whirlpool, GE, or EcoWater unit you are viewing. When in doubt, contact the seller's technical support with your water parameters.