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This product review features the Pelican PSE1800 whole house water filtration system and salt-free water softener.
Many homeowners struggle with the costs of installing a water softener and a filtration system. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could get both functionalities in a single unit? That’s what the Pelican PSE1800 water filter and softener does.
On the one hand, it cleanses your water of harmful contaminants and dissolved solids to make it safe for use everywhere in your house. On the other hand, it also neutralizes the effects of hardness minerals for reduced scaling.
But is a combo system like this feasible? Do both the filter and the softener actually work to their best ability? You’ll find it out in this article.
Contents
Pelican PSE1800 Whole House Water Filter and Softener Review – Main Specs
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- Combines Pelican PC600 whole house water filter with Pelican NaturSoft 3 salt-free water softener
- Flow rate: 8 gallons per minute (1-3 bathrooms)
- Filtration capacity: 650,885 gallons
- Required working pressure: 25-80 psi
- Filter tank width: 9”
- Softener tank width: 9”
Highlights
At the beginning of our Pelican PSE1800 review, a few highlights:
Clean Water in Your Entire Home
The whole house water filter element provides for clean water in your entire home – protects your appliances and you.
No More Scaling
Up to 99.6 percent less scaling benefits every part of your plumbing system.[1]
Sodium-Free System
Salt-free water softeners don’t add salt which is good, because too much sodium in the diet can cause harm.[2]
Helps the Environment
Because the NaturSoft 3 doesn’t need to regenerate, it won’t waste water which helps the environment.
Complete Installation Kit
The package includes a complete installation kit simplifying the hook-up.
Pros
- Pelican’s whole-house water filter and softener combo is the ideal pick for small to moderate-sized families since it has a reasonable flow rate.
- The pre-filter is responsible for removing any large particles from water.
- Activated carbon and zinc-copper oxidation media contained in the main filter tank – the PC 600 – remove all kinds of chemicals and some heavy metals.
- Chlorine is removed up to 96%, improving the taste and smell of your water for 650,885 gallons.
- The KDF oxidation media also stops bacteria and other germs from nesting in the filter system.
- Along with providing clean water to your whole household, the water filter ensures the efficacy of the softening stage, having removed most of the contaminants already.
- Pelican’s NaturSoft 3 salt-free water softener works perfectly in sync with the filter. According to the company, the water softener can lower 99.6% of scale caused by hard water, ensuring the absence of deposits on your laundry, home appliances, fixtures etc.
- Since it’s a salt-free system, it’s ideal for residents having to avoid excess salt in their diets.
- Additionally, such a system is better for the environment since no water is lost during regeneration, unlike a salt-based system which wastes a substantial amount while recharging.
- The company offers a one-year warranty on all parts of this system. Plus, they give a five-year performance guarantee.
Cons
- The Pelican PSE1800 comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, but in the case of this company you are responsible for paying the return shipping fee.
- Also, the company’s customer service could be much better as many users were left with no response in case of a query.
- Pre-soaking the Pelican PSE1800’s carbon filter is frustratingly difficult, to say the least.
Installation
The Pelican PSE1800 is easy to install if you already know how to use some tools. However, if you’re not a DIY person, you might have to get help from a friend or hire a professional as the system’s installation is done in three parts.
Before installation, you need to pre-soak the activated carbon for 48 hours. Once you’ve done that, follow the steps below to complete the installation (derived from product manual):
- Start by turning off the water supply and opening the water outlets to drain all water from the lines.
- Mount the housing for the pre-filter.
- Then, wrap around the John Guest 1″ male NPT connector’s threaded end using Teflon tape.
- Insert the thread fitting in the pre-filter’s inlet side and use your hand to tighten it. Then, finally, tighten it up one to two additional turns with a wrench.
- Wrap around the John Guest 1″ NPT to Stem using the Teflon tape.
- Insert the thread fitting in the pre-filter’s outlet side and use your hand to tighten it. Then, finally, tighten it up one to two turns with a wrench.
- Connect the pre-filter with the main water line of your home.
- Use one of the flex piping to connect the pre-filter with the carbon tank. Hand-tighten it into place.
- Use the other flex piping to connect the carbon filter with the softener tank bypass. Hand-tighten it into place.
- Now, use the last flex pipe to connect the softener bypass valve with the outgoing water supply.
- Turn on the water supply.
- Check if there are any leaks. If not, you’re good to go.
Maintenance
You just need to change the sediment pre-filter every six to nine months. Also, replace the carbon filter media after you’ve used up the 650,885 gallons of water, or after the system has been up for 5 years – whichever is first. Apart from that, there is no additional maintenance.
What’s Included
You’ll find these parts in the package:
- 5-micron sediment pre-filter + housing
- Whole house carbon water filter (PC600)
- Salt-free whole house water conditioner (NS3)
- 3x flex piping
- 3x John Guest 1″ NPT to Stem
- John Guest 1″ male NPT connector
- Bypass valves
- Teflon tape
- Filter housing wrench
Pelican PSE1800 Review – Conclusion & Best For
To end this Pelican PSE1800 whole house water filter & salt-free water softener review, we have to say that this combo system is best for people who want the functionality of two water-cleaning mechanisms in one.
Besides filtering chemicals and other dirt from water, the setup also conditions the water, making it good for your water appliances and overall plumbing system. It’s a win-win.
If you have questions about our Pelican PSE1800 whole house water filter and softener review please leave a comment below!
Further Reading
- Comparison List: 5 Best Whole House Water Filtration and Softener System Combos
- Pelican PC1000 Review – Whole House Water Filtration System
Resources
- [1] https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/water_recycling/research/ion_exchange_water_softeners.pdf
- [2] https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-my-water-softener-raising-my-blood-pressure-1763997
Outside of his writing work, Rory enjoys photographing the Irish landscape and making music!