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.
A: Yes! That "slimy" feeling is your natural skin oils not being stripped off by magnesium. You are actually cleaner. Rinse 5 seconds longer; the slimy feeling will rinse away. 40278 water softener
| Feature | | Budget Cabinet | Fleck 5600SXT | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Grain Capacity | 40,000 (True) | 32,000 (Often inflated) | 48,000+ | | Valve Type | Push-button digital | Mechanical dial | Fully programmable | | Salt Efficiency | High (Metered) | Low (Timer based) | Very high (Metered) | | DIY Repairability | Medium (Parts available) | Low (Proprietary) | High (Standard parts) | | Best For | Suburban family of 4 | Rental property | Homeowner who wants 25 years | 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"
A: Yes. If you are on a low-sodium diet, potassium chloride works in the 40278. However, it is 3x more expensive and can cause "mushing" in the brine tank. Clean the tank yearly if you use potassium.
Lift the brine tank lid. If you see water but no salt, the resin has zero sodium to exchange. Add salt. Wait 2 hours. Press "Regenerate Now."
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.