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This product review features the NuvoH2O DPMB Manor salt-free water softener.
The NuvoH2O DPMB Manor is specifically suited to a house with four people spanning over 2000 square feet. Here’s the catch: the pH level of your household water must be at least above 7.2 for it to work.
The salt-free water softener features proprietary CitraCharge technology. It does not remove hardness-causing minerals as traditional water softeners do however. Instead, it adds a chelating agent to the water: citric acid. This prevents and reverses hard water damage (limescale) to your plumbing, fixtures, and appliances.
Want to know how far the claims are true? Let’s find out with a comprehensive review.
Contents
NuvoH2O Review – Mains Specs
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- For tap water
- Required water pH: >7.2
- Water softener type: Salt-free (Chelation using citric acid)
- Capacity: 50,000 gallons
- Water flow: 15-18 gallons per minute
Highlights
At the beginning of our NuvoH2O Manor review, a few highlights:
Chelation Technique: How Does it Work?
The NuvoH2O uses a proprietary citrus formulation to bind hard water minerals in water preventing them from forming scale buildup in your plumbing.
So, if you are looking to eliminate calcium and magnesium from your water, you will be disappointed. To clarify, here are the findings from a report that tested the water before and after treatment by the Nuvo salt-free system.
Before: 18 gpg hardness
After: 15 gpg hardness
Is this bad? No, as we already mentioned, the unit does not remove hardness minerals. Instead, it alters how they behave and prevents them from creating damage. So you get the best of both worlds: Less hard water damage and no minerals removed from your diet. Additionally, the water is safe for your plants too.
However, the system is NOT suitable for:
- Private well water.
- Water below 7.2 pH level, i.e., acidic water.[1]
No Salt, No Wastewater
Salt-free water softeners don’t use salt and they don’t require resin regeneration. In fact, there is no reason. Saves money and is good for the environment.
Peace of Mind
There are two aspects here:
- The NuvoH2O Manor is warranted throughout its entire lifetime.
- The manufacturer offers a 90 days return window. If you are not happy with how the system works, you can send it back for a refund.
Pros
- We love salt-free water softeners for their eco-friendliness. Neither do they use massive amounts of salt nor do they require electrical power.
- Moreover, they prevent the excess wastage of water that is the vice of traditional water softeners.
- As a result, no sodium or potassium-filled water goes down the drain; minimal pollution.
- The unit features a single tank and the small size means it takes up minimal space and has fewer fittings to maintain.
- It does not remove or add any minerals to your water. This is important since humans need a certain amount of minerals in their water that traditional water softeners eliminate.
- The NuvoH2O Manor can treat 15 to 18 gallons of water per minute which is plenty.
- Each citric acid cartridge is good for treating 50,000 gallons of water. In other words, it lasts for six months.
- The system is NSF-certified for general scale control.
- In case you find the system is not a great fit for your household, you can demand a full refund within 90 days. Note you shall not be reimbursed for shipping, handling, or installation costs.
- Lifetime warranty on repairs and malfunctioning.
Cons
- The biggest problem with Nuvo systems is that they simply do not work for all people. This may be because of insufficient knowledge and marketing regarding the unit’s capability or other unknown factors.
- If your water is already acidic to begin with, the citrus-based technology will do no good. As a result, you won’t see any difference in the water quality.
- Unfortunately, the support staff isn’t trained enough to answer technical queries, which leads to further confusion.
- Many people with copper piping in their houses have complained of a bluish tinge in the water. While it is entirely harmless, the looks are undoubtedly intimidating.
- The price tag seems far off.
Installation
Installing the NuvoH2O DPMB Manor salt-free water softener is a simple one-person job. However, the manufacturer advises you to hire a Nuvo-certified plumber for installing the unit.
Select a Place
Selecting a suitable space for your Nuvo unit shouldn’t be a problem. Consider the following points before installing, though.
- It should be installed where the water enters your house, ideally before the water heater.
- The unit should not be under direct sunlight or be exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Never over-tighten the fittings since they can cause permanent damage to the unit.
Setup
Here is a step-by-step guide to take you through the process if you chose to install it yourself.
- Turn off the main water supply.
- Attach the wall mounting panels horizontally to wall studs. Use the screw to tighten it securely and make sure at least one of them is screwed into a stud.
- Do not attach the bottom screws at this time.
- Now, use a screwdriver to unscrew the black part on the housing.
- Attach the included L bracket to the housing unit using four screws. Replace the black top and secure it with the screw in the middle.
- Now attach the nipples (not provided) on either side of the housing. Using plumbers tape on the head is an excellent way to secure the fittings.
- Now fix the housing to the wall making sure at least one screw is attached to the stud for a firm grip.
- Connect the water supply line. Pay attention to the inlet and outlet ports. This is a common mistake that most DIYers make.
- Insert the cartridge in the housing. Make sure the bypass valves are facing up.
- Ensure the O-ring is seated correctly.
- Attach the housing body to the head and secure it using a housing wrench.
- Bring the unit to softener mode, simultaneously turning on the water supply.
- Allow the unit to flush for at least an hour.
Maintenance
There’s not much to do other than changing the cartridge every six months or after 50,000 gallons.
Keep a bucket handy to collect the water when you open the housing. Then, remove the old one and insert a new cartridge, bypassing the side facing up.
Each replacement cartridge costs approximately $100. If you require two replacements per year, the cost is quite reasonable.
What’s Included
- NuvoH2O DOMB Manor system including the housing and one cartridge
- Mounting plate and bracket
- Screws and housing wrench
- Instruction manual
NuvoH2O Home System Water Softener Review – Conclusion & Best For
The NuvoH2O Manor indeed has its own share of limitations. However, we can’t blame the unit for it. It performs exactly as advertised.
If you understand the difference between a salt-free water conditioner and a salt-based water softener, you will love the idea behind the technology. Moreover, it’s perfect for those who are looking for eco-friendly substitutes.
But we also have very high initial costs, and the system works under limited water conditions only. In our opinion, there are better choices in the market.
If you have questions about our NuvoH2O Home System water softener review please leave a comment below!
Further Reading
- NuvoH2O Review: DPHB Home Salt-Free Water Softener System
- Learn About Our Salt-Free Water Softener Reviews
Resources
Outside of his writing work, Rory enjoys photographing the Irish landscape and making music!