Clack Water Softener Review

Clack has been a trusted name in the water treatment industry since 1946. With a rich history and commitment to innovation, Clack offers a range of water softeners designed to meet the diverse needs of homeowners.

In this review, we’ll delve deep into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of Clack water softeners, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the brand.

Also Check Out: Our Favorite Water Softeners This Year

Clack Water Softener Comparison Chart

	Clack Simplex WS1	Clack Simplex WS2	Clack Duplex Series
Price	$630 - $1260	$10,750 - $14,190	$1,030 - $43,760
Rating	3/5	3/5	3/5
Process	Ion Exchange	Ion Exchange	Ion Exchange
Grain Capacity	N/A	N/A	N/A
Flow Rate	3.5 - 35 GPM	62 - 114 GPM	1.7- 28 GPM (WS1TT), 22-34 GPM (WS1.25), 44-62 GPM (WS1.5), 62-114 GPM (WS2), 176-246 GMP (WS3)
Sizes	8 x 35 to 14 x 65 in	24 x 69 to 36 x 72 in	8 x 17 to 18 x 65 in (WS1TT), 14 x 65 to 21 x 60 (WS1.25), 21 x 60 to 24 x 69 in (WS1.5), 24 x 69 to 36 x 72 in (WS2), 42 x 78 to 55 x 104 in (WS3)
Regeneration Method	Metered	Metered	Metered
Warranty	5 years	5 years	5 years

Reviews of Clack Water Softeners

When it comes to water softeners, Clack stands out as a brand that combines innovation with reliability.

Over the years, Clack has developed a range of water softeners tailored to address the varying needs of homeowners.

From the efficiency of their ion exchange process to the user-friendly control systems, Clack has consistently prioritized customer satisfaction. 

In this section, we’ll dive into the specifics of the Clack Simplex and Duplex series, shedding light on their features, advantages, and potential areas of improvement.

Clack Simplex Series Review

The Clack Simplex Softener Series is a collection of water softeners that are best known for their conventional design and efficient performance.

Key Features:

• Conventional Ion Exchange Process: Efficiently removes hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• Metered Regeneration: Ensures optimal salt and water usage, making the system more water-efficient.
• Diverse Range of Sizes: Models available from 8 x 35 inches to 14 x 65 inches, catering to different household sizes and water usage needs.
• Food-Grade Resin Bed: Ensures safe and effective water softening.
• NSF Certified Components: Tanks and valves are certified to NSF Standard 44, ensuring quality and safety.

Description:

The Clack Simplex Softener Series includes various models, such as the Clack Simplex WS1 Metered Water Softener and the Clack Simplex WS2 Metered Water Softener. These softeners come with a single resin tank and a brine (salt) tank. 

The WS1 softener is available in sizes ranging from 8 x 35 inches to 14 x 65 inches, making it suitable for different household sizes and water usage needs. On the other hand, the WS2 softener is larger and primarily intended for commercial use.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing, making it accessible to a wide range of users
• Efficient metered regeneration, ensuring optimal salt and water usage
• Diverse model range catering to various household sizes and water needs
• Long lifespan with an average of 15 years, ensuring value for money
• NSF-certified tanks and valves, ensuring quality and safety

Cons:

• Limited availability online, making it challenging to purchase
• Lack of advanced tech features compared to newer models in the market
• Potential confusion due to the vast range of models available

Clack Duplex Series Review

The Clack Duplex Softener Series is a dual-tank system designed for continuous soft water delivery. With one tank always in service and the other on standby, it ensures uninterrupted soft water, even during the regeneration process.

Key Features:

• Continuous Soft Water Delivery: Dual-tank design ensures there’s always soft water available.
• High Flow Rates: Suitable for both residential and commercial applications.
• Efficient Regeneration: Uses counter-current regeneration for optimal salt and water usage.
• User-Friendly Controls: Features the reliable and easy-to-program Clack WS1 control valve.
• Adaptable Regeneration Cycles: The system adjusts regeneration cycles based on actual water usage, ensuring efficiency and conserving resources.

Description:

The Clack Duplex Softener Series stands out for its ability to provide consistent soft water quality around the clock. Its dual-tank system ensures that while one tank is actively softening water, the other is regenerating or on standby. This design eliminates the downtime typically associated with single-tank systems. 

The system also boasts the Clack WS1 control valve, known for its durability and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to customize settings based on their water usage needs.

Pros:

• Continuous supply of soft water without interruptions
• Efficient salt and water usage during regeneration
• High flow rates cater to both homes and businesses
• Durable and reliable Clack WS1 control valve
• Adaptive design allows you to adjust regeneration cycles based on actual water usage

Cons:

• Might be excessive for smaller households or low-water usage scenarios
• Initial investment is higher compared to single-tank systems
• Dual-tank design might require more installation space compared to single-tank systems

Benefits of Using a Clack Water Softener in Your Home

When you invest in a Clack water softener, you’re not just getting a device to treat hard water; you’re acquiring a solution that brings a myriad of benefits to your home. From efficient regeneration to impressive flow rates, Clack water softeners are designed to provide users with optimal performance and value. 

In this section, we’ll dive deeper into the specific advantages of choosing a Clack water softener for your water treatment needs.

Regeneration Features

Clack water softeners stand out for their efficient and intelligent regeneration process. Unlike some systems regenerating based on a set timer, Clack softeners often use a metered regeneration system. 

This means the softener measures the actual water usage and only regenerates when necessary, ensuring optimal salt and water usage.

The benefits of such a system are twofold. Firstly, it conserves both salt and water, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. Secondly, it ensures that the softener always operates at its peak efficiency. 

Warranty

A 5-year warranty is offered on all of Clack’s softener and filter controls.

A salt-based water softener requires regular maintenance to continue functioning effectively when installed in hard water areas, so this is a bold position for Clack to take.

By offering a 5-year warranty, Clack is showing off their confidence in their product.  When you consider that control valves are very sensitive and often complicated pieces of equipment.

Clack has built their reputation over the last 20 years from the superior effectiveness and quality of their control valves.  By backing them with a 5-year warranty when they are installed within a salt-based water softener, Clack sends a clear message of their faith in the quality of these valves.

Water Flow Rate

Clack water softeners are designed to handle high flow rates, ensuring that users experience minimal drops in water pressure even during peak usage times. 

This is especially beneficial for larger households or commercial settings where consistent water flow is essential for daily operations.

Clack’s engineering focus on this aspect ensures that users don’t have to compromise their water usage habits. Moreover, a consistent flow rate also means that appliances that rely on water, like dishwashers and washing machines, operate more efficiently and effectively, leading to better performance and potentially longer appliance lifespans.

Annual Cost

The price you will pay for a water softener varies hugely according to your water usage, the area in which you live, the quality you are looking for, and the amount of hard water that will need to be treated by the unit.

In our opinion, it is better to invest in a higher quality softener that will last longer so that you gain the benefit of high performance immediately.  

Very often, the extra money spent when you make the purchase is saved over the time you install the product. This is thanks to low running costs, fewer repairs being needed, and the fact that your system is designed to stand the test of time.

Installation

Clack systems come with comprehensive manuals and clear instructions, making the setup process straightforward for those with basic plumbing knowledge.

However, the ease of installation doesn’t mean Clack compromises the quality or integrity of their systems. Each component is meticulously designed to fit seamlessly, ensuring no leaks or issues post-installation. 

For those who prefer professional installation, the straightforward design of Clack softeners often translates to reduced labor costs and quicker installation times. This ensures that homeowners can start enjoying the benefits of softened water sooner. 

Drawbacks of Using a Clack Water Softener in Your Home

Every product, no matter how well-designed, has its limitations, and Clack water softeners are no exception. While they offer numerous advantages, there are certain aspects that potential buyers should be aware of before purchasing.

• Initial Investment: Clack water softeners, known for their quality and durability, might come with a higher initial cost compared to some budget-friendly options in the market.
• Size and Space Requirements: Especially with models like the duplex series, Clack systems can be bulky, potentially posing challenges for homes with limited installation space.
• Maintenance Needs: While designed for long-term use, Clack systems aren’t entirely maintenance-free. Regular checks and occasional part replacements are essential for optimal performance.
• Limited Online Availability: Purchasing a Clack water softener might be a challenge online, often requiring buyers to approach local dealers or distributors.
• Learning Curve: New users, especially those unfamiliar with water softeners, might need some time to fully understand and utilize all the features and settings of Clack systems.

While Clack water softeners offer numerous benefits, potential buyers need to weigh these drawbacks against the advantages. Proper research and understanding of individual needs can help make an informed decision.

Clack vs the Competition 

When it comes to water softeners, Clack has made a name for itself with its WS1 series. However, the market is vast, and there are other contenders that might offer features or performance metrics that could be more aligned with specific needs. 

Two such notable competitors are the SpringWell SS1 salt-based system and the Fleck 5600SXT. Both have garnered attention for their efficiency, user-friendliness, and innovative features. 

Let’s take a look at a quick comparison to see how they stack up against Clack and if they might be a better fit for your household.

Clack WS1 vs SpringWell SS1 Water Softener

The SpringWell SS1 is a salt-based water softener known for its efficiency and advanced features. It boasts a user-friendly digital interface with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing homeowners to adjust settings remotely. 

The system is designed to be environmentally friendly, using less salt and producing fewer gallons of wastewater compared to similar models. 

On the other hand, Clack water softeners are recognized for their durability and reliable valve systems. 

While both brands offer effective water-softening solutions, the SpringWell SS1 stands out for its modern technological features and eco-friendly design, whereas Clack is often chosen for its longstanding reputation and robust build.

Clack WS1 vs Fleck 5600SXT

The Fleck 5600SXT is a renowned water softener in the industry, celebrated for its advanced computerized flow meter, programmable regeneration cycles, and user-friendly digital interface. Its design emphasizes efficiency, minimizing salt and water usage during the regeneration process. 

Fleck’s durable components and comprehensive warranties make it a trusted choice for many households. 

In contrast, Clack water softeners, particularly the WS1 series, are recognized for their high flow rates and intuitive valve systems. 

Both systems are top-tier choices, but Fleck 5600SXT is often favored for its advanced features and programmability, whereas Clack is appreciated for its straightforward operation and reliability.

While Clack’s WS1 series has garnered acclaim for its robust features and reliability, both the SpringWell SS1 and Fleck 5600SXT present compelling alternatives. Each system has unique strengths, catering to different household needs and preferences. 

As you navigate the decision-making process, weighing the pros and cons of each option is essential. Whether you prioritize innovative features, ease of use, or efficiency, one of these systems might just edge out the others as the perfect match for your water-softening needs.

Clack Customer Reviews 

Based on reviews of Clack water softener products, their customers are very happy with their purchases most of the time.

The Clack customer support team makes it very easy for you to contact them for advice on a new system, and they are able over the phone or by email to answer any questions you may have.

Most users report that their Clack water softeners were installed and running within a few days, even those who opted to install a water softener themselves without the expense and inconvenience of calling in a professional contractor.

Given that online reviews can often be biased and Clack water softeners can be quite difficult to find online, it is fair to assume that the customers who have left such glowing reviews of their products were fans of the company before buying.  This would explain how they were able to maintain patience whilst hunting online for a Clack system.

Some of the most common praise for Clack softeners comes from the ease of their installation, where homeowners can fit and commission the systems themselves.

Clack has an extensive library of manuals and technical advice online, which makes it much easier to resolve problems at installation as the information required is readily available.

Final Thoughts

In this comprehensive review, we did a deep dive into the offerings of Clack, juxtaposing it with formidable competitors like SpringWell SS1 and Fleck 5600SXT. Each brand brings its strengths to the table, be it technological advancements, eco-friendliness, or sheer reliability. 

While Clack stands tall with its user-friendly interface and high flow rates, SpringWell SS1 impresses with its modern features, and Fleck 5600SXT shines with its programmability and efficiency. 

Ultimately, the choice boils down to individual household needs, preferences, and budget. Armed with the insights from this review, homeowners are better equipped to make an informed decision, ensuring they invest in a system that aligns perfectly with their water-softening needs.

FAQ

Who makes Clack softeners?

Clack softeners are manufactured by Clack Corporation, a company based in Wisconsin. Established in 1944, Clack Corporation specializes in producing water softener components and is renowned for their control valves and treatment tanks.

What salt to use with Clack water softener?

For optimal performance with Clack water softeners, high-quality salt pellets, either solar or evaporated, are recommended. It’s essential to steer clear of rock salt because of its higher impurity levels. Always consult the user manual for specific salt guidelines for your model.