Morton System Saver M30 30,000-Grain Water Softener Review
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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Morton’s System Saver M30 is a 30,000-grain water softener. It eliminates hard water by removing calcium and other hardness minerals by means of ion exchange.
The results that you can expect are more efficient use of soaps and detergents due to better lathering, brighter laundry and clean and spot-free dishes.
On top of that, your home’s plumbing system and appliances will be protected from scaling.
Morton M30 |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Flow Rate: | 7 gpm |
| Capacity: | 30,000 Grains |
| # of People: | Up to 3 |
| Metered Regen: | |
| NSF: | 44 |
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Our Rating
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Morton System Saver M30 Water Softener – Key Features
How many hardness grains per gallon can be treated? Up to 95 gpg, so very, very hard water.
Morton water softeners are made in the USA, by the way, and work for both city and well water.
In fact, the M30 can even remove up to 7 parts per million of clear-water iron (according to WQA test data), which many homeowners on a private well struggle with. And no, this does not affect ferric, iron bacteria or organic iron compounds.
The provided flow rate is 7 gpm, which is sufficient for households with up to 3 residents.
Minimum required pressure for this unit to operate: 20 psi. Maximum pressure: 125 psi.
In case you wonder what type of salt to use, Morton recommends its own System Saver II Pellets (of course). But any high-grade softening salt in form of pellets should be fine.
M30 Pros
The M30 combines demand initiated regeneration with what Morton calls “Look Ahead Technology“. Thus the system uses up to 50% less salt than other units and minimizes the amount of water wasted during regen, while you never run out of softened water.
How is that possible? First of all, your water usage is measured. This allows the system to only regenerate when really necessary.
In addition, the softener studies your usage patterns so that it can predict your future demand and can recharge accordingly.
Other features are:
- The 8-hour power interruption protection, so the meter does not reset in a power outage.
- Morton softeners are tested and certified against NSF Standard 44 for hardness reduction and efficiency and Standard 372 for lead compliance.
- The 10-year limited tank warranty & 1 year warranty on other parts.
The Morton M30 – learn more on amazon.com
Installation + Startup Instructions
The space-saving and compact design makes installing the Morton M30 a lot easier – which does not mean that it can be done by everyone.
Some customers that decided to give it a try wished that they had just hired a plumber instead to do the setup for them. Others had no problems whatsoever and praised the “easy to understand instructions“.
In our opinion, if you are handy around the house and have the required tools, there is no reason not to make this your next DIY project.
For more information, check out our setup instructions below:
If a softener is not equipped with a bypass valve, we recommend you provide for one for ease of maintenance. Also, make sure to comply with local plumbing codes.
- First you have to find the right location. It’s important that you avoid direct sunlight and places with freezing temperatures. Somewhere upstream of your water heater with a drain + power supply nearby would be perfect.
- Shut off the main water supply.
- Shut off the water heater.
- Drain the remaining water by opening all faucets in your home.
- Remove the system’s top cover together with the salt lid. Make sure the brinewell is secured and vertical.
- Lift the brine valve out of the brinewell. Double check that the float stem is parallel to the stand tube. Place the brine valve back into the bottom of the brinewell and reinstall the brinewell cover.
- Install the overflow grommet and elbow on the brine tank into the 13/16” diameter hole in the back wall.
- Move the system into its desired location. Make sure that it’s level.
- Coat the O-rings on the bypass valve with silicone grease.
- Push the bypass valve into the softener valve as far as possible. Secure with large holding clips (included).
- Connect the main water pipe to the inlet and outlet ports of the bypass valve. Be sure that the hard water supply goes into the system’s valve inlet side (marked).
- To install the valve drain hose, connect the 3/8″ drain line (included) to the valve drain fitting. Secure with hose clamp.
- Run the drain hose to the floor drain and secure it. Remember to leave an air gap.
- Install the salt storage tank overflow hose by connecting the provided 3/8″ drain line to the tank’s overflow elbow. Secure with clamp.
- Run the hose to the floor drain.
- Open at least 2 soft cold water faucets nearby the softener.
- Put the system into “bypass” mode.
- Turn the main water supply back on. Wait until there is a steady flow from the opened faucets with no air bubbles.
- Put softener into “service” mode. See manufacturer instructions for this step!
- After 3 minutes, open a hot water faucet to purge all remaining air. Close the faucet.
- Close all cold water faucets.
- Check everything for leaks.
- Add about 3 gallons of water to the brine tank and fill it with salt.
- Plug in the power supply.
- Put the top cover and salt lid back on.
- Before you restart your water heater, make sure to program the controller and sanitize the whole softening unit.
3. Video
The following video explains how to install a Morton softener in great detail. It’s not perfect but it helps:
The Package (Parts)
- All-in-one resin/brine tank (gray), 19″ x 22.5″ x 44″, holds up to 200 lb of salt, resin = 0.82 cubic feet
- Bypass valve
- Drain hose
- Installation adaptors
- Clips
- Hose clamps
- Adaptor elbow
- Grommet
- Step down conversion nuts
- Washers
- Copper connectors
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
There’s not much for you to do in terms of configuration. You have to set the present time, your water hardness level measured in gpg and the time when you want your softener to start regenerating – that’s it.
Then you can choose to activate additional features such as a salt efficiency mode. Pushing the immediate regeneration button will recharge the softener right then and there.
As for system maintenance, remember to refill the brine tank before it’s empty. For cleaning and sanitization you better refer to the manual.
Manual
You can access a manual for Morton softener models M20, M27, M30, M34 and MC30 right here: Manual
M30 Cons
What we don’t like?
For one, some customers had issues with leaks.
We also found mixed opinions on the Morton customer service, from awful to A+.
Another drawback are the overpriced replacement parts such as the control board.
And lastly, the installation instructions could do with an upgrade.
Morton M30 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
The Morton System Saver M30 softens water as it should. It can even handle moderate iron content and is relatively easy to install. But overall quality and customer service seem to be an issue. Thus our verdict: 3.5 stars!
The Morton M30 is best for small families with up to 95 gpg water hardness.
More Reviews:
This completes our Morton System Saver M30 review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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