Defective softening system was installed in the new building

Hello everyone.

We had a water softening system installed in our new build. However, it constantly overflows and consumes almost 25 kg of salt weekly. We reported the defect to our main contractor.

The first attempt to fix it was carried out by their plumbing department (while a leaking pipe was being repaired). It did not help. Then the manufacturer was commissioned. A technician came, readjusted everything, and said it should now be working. The next morning, the water was standing again. Subsequently, an appointment was scheduled for the following week - earlier was not possible. The appointment is tomorrow. Since then, we have had to drain the water 4 times and refill 25 kg of salt once.

We are really very annoyed. So, now my question: maybe someone has had a similar case before. Who actually has to cover the additional costs incurred? We have already had to buy at least 16 bags at €18 each. In addition, water is constantly running, which directly flows back into the sewer.

Of course, it doesn't make us poor, but it's a matter of principle, especially since no apology comes from our main contractor. Complaints are generally ignored there.

Thanks for your assessment!!

Hello,

first of all, how did you build / buy? The mishap goes back to that.

For us, it was turnkey through a developer and the water softening system was an extra cost through the plumber. So everything related to the system was always handled by the plumber. We never had any problems with it. It is a Grünbeck.

Consumption about 1 bag per month (it's a 7-person household). Costs 6.99 € in the hardware store (guaranteed for Grünbeck & BTW systems).

Why does your salt cost 18 €????

Phew, 18 euros is quite steep.

Have the plumber come until the system works. Or how was it again according to the [Baugesetzbuch], after 2 times of repairs or something you can demand that the system be replaced with a new one.

You will probably be stuck with the costs.

Oh, the water softener is from Syr and they recommend a salt that unfortunately is so expensive. With the cheaper hardware store salt, the system supposedly breaks down faster. Well, who knows if we'll keep it that way.

We had the water softener included in the prefab house through the builder. Well, let's see what happens tomorrow. True, after 2 times we can insist on a new system, hmm.

The builder will definitely get a nice email, even if he doesn't care.

Oh, the water softener is from Syr and they recommend a salt that is unfortunately so expensive.

As far as I know, SYR often recommends Broxo tablets. The 25kg sack should cost a maximum of 9 €. But in general, any salt that complies with EN 973 will do. Nothing will break early that way.

We had the water softener included by the developer in the prefabricated house.

Do you even need that thing, meaning, do you have particularly hard water where you live?

The developer will definitely get a nice email, even if he doesn't care

I have a feeling that apart from a proper defect notification with a deadline, your developer will be little interested. Neither nice emails nor complaints.

Syr doesn't know shit. It backfires when you install no name without maintenance options. With us, there's only btw or Grünbeck, where the sanitary staff are trained and you don't have to call the expensive factory service or buy overpriced tablets.

I would talk to a lawyer and stop buying the expensive tablets.

But 1 bag in one week is definitely too much.