written by AvenaFatua on 18/01/2024
I bought this softener to replace a Harvey Homewater that had given good service for twelve and a half years, but then failed. I was keen to go with another non electric softener and went with the Scalemaster as it appeared good value. The Scalemaster works intermittently, soft water for four or five days and then, as the BWT drop test result states, water that is 'slightly to moderately hard, softener desirable' for a similar period of time. I thought that it must be a faulty machine so contacted the company and they sent out their engineer. The extent of his assessment was that it was working correctly, basically saying that we're stuck with it and there's nothing he can do. I greatly regret buying the Scalemaster. I hope this review prevents others from making the same mistake.
written by on 07/06/2023
We are based in South Uk where we have hard water so we bought Scalemaster Softline 150 about 4 years ago for about £550 and it was installed on mains as per manual instructions. It was working fine until 3 months ago, when we noticed gradual drop in water pressure on taps and then yellowish/brown sand like (resin) started to appear in water from taps. We switched to bypass mode and presto - water pressure got to usual normal levels again. As it was still under 5 warranty we contacted Scalemaster and their immediate reply without sending anyone to check the unit, was that failure was due to Resin Contamination by high levels of Chlorine and is outside of their warranty. Ok Resin Contamination is stated in their manual as outside warranty, however it is not explained what causes it and how to mitigate it (switch to bypass mode). Scalemaster representative explain it to you when that happens at which point is too late, and they offer to replace resin in your water softener for additional £190! The information about Resin Contamination is on their portal, however you need to well look for it! Anyway the story goes: Chlorine levels are ad-hoc increased by Water companies after they done some maintenance on water pipes. When they do it is outside of householder knowledge, so there is no chance to mitigate this happening. Simple google search how long the resin should last answer is 10 years , however in my case it was 4. So I contacted few 3rd party/independent water softener service companies who explained that Scalemaster is very likely using lower quality of resin than the resin found in more expensive products i.e. likes of Harveys or Kinetico ,whose products would withstand exposure to Chlorine and guarantee 10 years. Hence i am not willing to pay £190 that gives me only 4 years. Moneywise it doesn't make sense and i would be better off getting I am not suggesting a specific brand here, however the statement "Buy cheap, buy twice" well sums up the Scalemaster Softline 150 product. I would not recommend to buy it and rather look to spend more on reliable water softener products out there.
Written on: 09/11/2023
Resin contamination is an issue that can happen with any softener and it would be down to the installaer to explain this although information is readily available on the website and it does state in the installation manual that resin damage (which can only come from the mains supply) is not covered. I'm guessing that this review was written by a competitor as saying that the softener was 'cheap' at £550 implies that you should consider buying one in excess of £1k which takes you into dealer territory. If you have concerns please contact us directly and we'll be happy to show you the diffrence, you could also go on Youtube and see chloring contamination over a number of different brands.
written by Kewalub4 on 20/08/2020
I bought And got installed 150 Scale master water softener in June 2018, worked very well just over a year, then trouble started, as it works on water pressure, it started sticking. Suddenly there is no water through softener throughing all water throughing overflow. As it is 5 years guaranteed called for service. Now they keep coming and blaming low water pressure in the area or in the house. I got affinity water to check water pressure. They said all ok no problem with the water pressure. Now water softener service people 4 time come, unable to sought out the problem. Now the start saying it’s a Low pressure Problem in the house. Then how come it worked over a year with no problem. Water pressure was the same all the time. Now they giving up saying last time we come, if it’s still happening, we can’t do anything. I think non electric water softener is no use. I will not recommend to anybody none electric water softener.
Written on: 30/09/2020
Hi Kewal, I'm sorry you feel the need to leave this review, considering that you supplied the email from Infinity Water saying they where having low pressure problems which would of course have affected any pressure operated water softener. Also we attended to your water softener until the issue was resolved at no cost to yourself.
We also explained that the pressure can also occur internally.
While with you we fully explained the requirements this type of softener requires to operate correctly which your installer had not done.
Written on: 30/09/2020
Thank you for the reply of my review, and fixing my water softener after the review you made me to write here. If your engineer attended properly on the 1st or 2nd go, it wouldn’t have gone that far. It is easy to check mains pressure, even if I had a email from affinity waters. On the end it was the problems with the water softener not the mains pressure. You engineer has to replaced the whole new head. And there no problems, it all working Ok. Thank you for fixing. I take my review back. All is well ends well.
Regards
Kewalub4
Written on: 23/07/2021
Good afternoon. The SL150 does in fact work on water pressure and, assuming everything else is OK, which we would test when we attend, the Softener 'sticking' in regen is almost certainly going to be down to a pressure issue which we would have discussed with you when we attended. Just because the softener has worked for a year does not mean that the pressure doesn't change or circumstances within the property which may cause a pressure drop don't happen. You say we have been 4 times but this does to tally with our records and the times we have been we have not charged you for the call even though the softener is out of warranty. I'd be very happy to come again and fully explain what's happening again and see if we can resolve your issue. Please contact us through the website. Regards.
written by colin_diggory on 04/05/2018
Excellent product, does exactly what it says it will do. Have used Scalemaster Softline 150 and could never be without it ever again. Easy to use and maintain,USES VERY LESS SALT, Good service. We are very happy with our Scalemaster Softline 150
written by Jollysingh on 27/01/2018
I bought my first one and while I was away on holiday it started rising in water level and stopped working. When I called scalemaster and told them.that I had a three month old unit they told me the reason was probably installation error and no warranty claim was available. I bought my second unit, installed by a qualified plumber and this has broken down in 6 months. Dont buy this product.
Written on: 01/05/2018
Hi - Thank you for your comments. The issue you have had is indicative of the brine float assembly not being installed correctly which would indicate that the installer did not read the installation instructions fully before attempting to install.
While you say you had a qualified plumber install both softeners, was he a qualified installer of this product? Obviously, if this was the case it would not be a warranty issue. But we would only have been able to investigate fully if we had been allowed to look at the unit and the installation which we where not.
You can message me and I would be very happy to come and explain further.
Written on: 10/05/2020
I bought a Scalemaster SL10 just over a year ago. 2 weeks ago it started spilling over when charging. Called them. Obviously out of warranty but "not repairable". £270 for a year's use. Not a pleasant feeling. Their rep on the phone effectively told me "what do you expect? it is a cheap Chinese unit. you should have bought a more expensive one" Funny they don't say this when you are buying. I am done with anything with Scalemaster on it.
Written on: 23/07/2021
Good afternoon - Unfortunately I cannot comment on the retail price you paid as this is dictated by the merchant. The SL10 was discontinued about 3 years ago in favour of our existing range. Because of this it is more difficult to repair, but not impossible. If you could give me the name of the rep who contacted you I can look into it further, you said 'effectively told you...' which would mean that your recollection of what was said would appear to be incorrect. it is a cheap Chinese unit. you should have bought a more expensive one" is not something any of my team would say, so I will presume this may also not be fully accurate. Once again please let me know the person you spoke to and I will deal with the issue for you. You can contact me through the website. Regards
written by on 21/09/2017
Worked fine until I went away for 5 days to come home to the sound of rushing water. Nearly fell over when I read my water meter. Disconnected unit and contacted Scalemaster who advised it needed a service. They blamed the fault on debris that come in from outside and I was asked to check the filter. The filters mesh had worn away in places. Nowhere is it mentioned you have to check the filter regularly.It actual fact the filter isn't mentioned at all in the manual. They blamed it on chemicals in my water, then debris, all of which my water company deny as it was normal sediment found in pipes. My kettle has a stronger filter than this softener. Beware if you have one of these and you don't want a nasty bill landing on your door mat. Call them to see what they advise you to do if you are worried.
Written on: 23/07/2021
With regard to the above comments. Debris can damage any make and model of water softener. This is not unique to our water softeners. Debris contamination can be either physical or chemical either can damage a water softener. Your water company will always deny responsibility which leaves un in this situation. I any instances like this we charge for the part only, not for the labour involved. In most cases the filter will last a number of years but the excess debris/contaminate would cause this damage. We would have fully explained this to you when we attended but if you would like further information please contact me through the website. Regards.
written by 228Robinson on 20/08/2017
Just installed the soft line 150 it fitted into the back of a 500 corner unit easy to install with only 3 connections only been in place for a month but can really notice the washing is much softer etc scale master tec dept very good if you nred any advice on installing would recommend it
written by glenmw on 24/06/2016
I have had our Softline 150 installed for nearly two years now, and so far, it has done what it is supposed to do. We have lovely soft water now, and the salt usage is very reasonable. Our unit is situated outside, and housed in an insulated wooden box which means we don't lose storage space in the kitchen. My only gripe is the way the plastic lid fits on the unit - this could be better. Sometimes a little fiddly to get the lugs to sit in the right place. The electric powered softeners are cheaper than this one generally, but I would not be happy providing a power supply to the unit outside. So the non-electric version is just the job for my circumstances.
written by roBaker431 on 15/06/2016
I have got rid of my scalemaster soft line 150. After about a year it stopped regenerating itself as often and our water started going hard. When I called in someone from the company to have a look, he used the excuse that we lived in a bungalow and therefor our water pressure was too low. This is complete rubbish as our water pressure from the mains is very good, and these machines are supposed to run from the mains water. I have now got a Twintech which does not need servicing every year, as the Scalemaster needs. Is very reliable and compact, and the top fits a treat where the salt goes in to it, unlike the Scalemaster which had a top that never fitted properly. The worst buy and a complete waste of money, So glad I got rid of the useless thing!!
Written on: 09/07/2016
I install these about 2 per month they don't require a yearly service and have a full 5 year warranty.
Even if you pressure is to low you could have boosted it or the company supply a compensating valve to make it run.
Written on: 25/01/2017
I'm surprised you managed to get someone in - I've singularly failed to get any response.
Written on: 24/10/2017
I'm surprised at your comment as all service requests come through to me. As far as I am aware all calls are dealt with within 10 working days. If you would like to email me with your details I'll look into your situation.
written by Brileys393 on 21/11/2014
After seeing one of the previous reviews I felt I had to add my own review as I have had a Softline 150 fitted in my house for about 6 years now. Mine, i suspect is a 'first generation' unit (it's all grey unlike the picture) and had a 2 year parts and labour warranty. I believe that the newer ones do in fact have a 5 year parts and labour warranty, that said I've never had to use the warranty as it's never gone wrong! I have had it serviced in the last year at a cost of £95.00 + vat which also gave me a years parts and labour warranty. When I got the letter booking my service call they do point out quite clearly that warranty covers the softener not installation errors which I think is fair comment. On this point I would also say that I used to have a Waterside 450 electrical softener in my old house which needed an annual service (every year) to maintain the warranty at a cost of £100 + vat + parts! So, which do I think is the better long term softener in both performance and overall running costs? Think I'll stick to my Softline 150!
written by ianr2005 on 12/08/2014
I purchased a Softline 150 just over 2 years ago in June 2012. It has started to take a long time to regenerate and on contacting the company I have been told it needs servicing at a cost of £95 plus VAT. I have also been told that this model only has a 2 year warranty, not a 5 year as advertized on their website so the cost is not covered. These softeners are not cheap and clearly the quality (nor the warranty) reflects the price. I now regret my purchase
Written on: 04/11/2014
Mine says 5 yrs full parts and labour,i would re visit this or seek legal !
Written on: 04/06/2015
Hi - I've only just seen this review and would like to clarify the situation.
There are 2 versions of the Softline 150 - The early ones where completely grey and came with a 2 year parts and labour warranty - This model was superseded by the new one about 5 years ago. So any units that are completely grey are out of warranty. A service can be done for £95.00 which includes an extra 12 months warranty.
The newer version is grey and blue. This unit comes with a 5 years Parts and Labour warranty - so if there is a problem with the softener it will be put right and there will be no charge.
The £95.00 service charge only applies to service calls outside of warranty work (such as installer error) or for the out of warranty service call mentioned above.
If youre not sure please feel free to call the Technical Helpline. It's me that picks that number up so you'll speak directly to me and I'll do my best to help you.
Regards
Andy Martin
National Sales & Marketing Manager
written by on 15/02/2014
I agree with everything the other reviews said but I do not think the top of this softener is adequate. Every time I check the salt or put more in I have to take the top right off. Fine if it fits properly but as yet I have never been able to make the top fit as it should, there are always gaps in the side etc, and I am left fiddling about trying to get the thing to fit properly, but to no avail! Is it just me, although my Husband had no better luck than me. Other than this the softener is great.
written by on 05/10/2013
I spent a long time researching softeners to replace my existing model which started to fail after 19 years trusty service. I decided to opt for a non electrical softener that would also have dimensions capable of fitting in the space taken up by my old one. The Softline 150 ticked all the boxes. The unit was very easy to install. It took half a day for me to remove the old softener and install the new one. The Softline connections can be rotated so they are facing to the left, back or to the right of the unit, which is a very useful design feature if space is at a premium. The Installation & Operation manual was easy to follow, although the associated photographs could have been clearer in places. The Softline appears to be manufactured from high quality non corrosive materials. I cannot comment on the long term reliability of the Softline as its only been installed for one week. However, so far its operating efficiently and we are getting plenty of soft water. I am very pleased with the purchase thus far. The Softline is covered by 5 years parts and labour guarantee which is a welcome addition should any problems arise in the future.
written by on 23/12/2012
I looked long and hard before my purchase,and have not been disappointed. i spoke to a couple of different guys within the company as i needed help with sizing and install requirements and i really do mean when i say i wish all company's were this helpful.. Had this for two years now,its been great,must be the most economical unit to run on the market .
written by on 09/09/2012
This water softener has proved economical, very cheap to run (I use a 25kilo bag of salt in a 5 bed house every 3 months, my old Waterside MC450 used to use that amount in a month). Compact in size and no electrics it has proved to be ultra reliable.It even has a 5 year parts and labour warranty which I don't think anybody else does.
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Docmartinsattic's Comment
Written on: 22/08/2023
Hello, thank you for confirming that what we discussed is clearly mentioned in the installation manual and that this information is also available on our website although you found it difficult to find. This is strange as we sent you the information when you contacted us.
I would like to point out one inaccuracy in your comments, the Harvey dealer you spoke to is uninformed as the resin used in a Scalemaster unit is high quality and in fact the same as in a Harvey unit.