NuvoH2O DPHB Home Salt-Free Water Softener System Review

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The NuvoH2O Home System (model DPHB) is a water conditioner suited for small to mid-sized households with 2-3 people and normal water use.

We say conditioner because the system will not remove any hardness minerals from your water as you might be used to from a regular salt-based water softener.

NuvoH2O Home

NuvoH2O Home

Price: $$
Flow Rate: 12-15 gpm
Capacity: 35,000 Gallons
# of People: 2-3
Tech: Chelation

Our Rating

NuvoH2O DPHB Home Salt-Free Water Softener – Key Features

NuvoH2O water conditioners makes use of a chelating agent to bind calcium and magnesium ions and prevent the formation of scale deposits in the pipes of your plumbing system, your water heater as well as other fixtures and appliances.

What’s more, a study has shown that already existing scale can be removed.

The months-long study was conducted with municipal water with approx. 15 grains per gallon hardness – so very hard water – and more importantly a pH-value between 7.8 and 8.0. (This is key!)

The results:

  • 98% prevention of scale formation
  • Appliances could be protected from corrosion
  • Removal of existing scale in appliances and in most cases achieving a more efficient state of operation

Now again, the NuvoH2O is not a water softener as you know it. It will only condition your water so hard deposits won’t stick. The desired effect might be the same, but the process is entirely different.

By the way, the chelation agent used is citric acid (FDA-approved), which binds to hardness minerals so they remain soluble.

More Details:

  • The NuvoH2O Home System is NSF Standard 169 certified for general purpose scale control.
  • The provided flow rate is 12 to 15 gpm.
  • The unit is not suited for private wells and water pH lower than 7.2.
  • You get a 90-day money-back guarantee for a full refund minus shipping and handling fees.
  • You get a limited lifetime warranty. Nuvo will repair, modify or exchange a malfunctioning system for free.

DPHB Home Pros

One of the benefits of this water conditioner is that it’s small compared to salt-based units. There is no brine tank, no huge resin tank and no massive head control valve.

Above that, salt-free systems are eco-friendly. They don’t release any sodium into our supply systems and don’t waste dozens of water gallons for backwashing and regeneration.

Another issue that many people have with regular softened water is the slimy feel. Not so with water provided by Nuvo. No salt is being added and no essential minerals are being removed – perfect for drinking and cooking.

NuvoH2O Home

The NuvoH2O Home – learn more on amazon.com

Installation + Startup Instructions

Installing the NuvoH2O Home System yourself should not be a problem. It comes with a built-in bypass valve so you don’t have to worry about that. Plus the system is small enough to fit in narrow places.

Just make sure to not over-tighten the fittings to prevent leakages and you are good to go.

Looking for some step-by-step instructions? Sure, here is what you need to do:

1. Finding the Right Place

First of all, you have to find a suitable location to install the unit. You should avoid direct sunlight and freezing temperatures or your warranty will be void.

2. Installation

  1. Shut off your water from the main valve.
  2. Connect the back plate for wall mounting – keep in mind that the system must be mounted horizontally. Don’t use the bottom right screw for the moment.
  3. Connect the mounting C-bracket.
  4. Detach the collar to take off the cartridge housing’s head – you may need to use a wrench.
  5. Insert the nipples into the side holes of the C-bracket to connect the housing head to the wall.
  6. Hook up the water supply inlet to the “IN” port of the housing. Hook up the water supply line outlet to the “OUT” port, and use thread seal tape if necessary.
  7. Verify the O-ring is correctly placed inside the housing.
  8. Put a new cartridge into the housing.
  9. Hook up the housing body to the housing head using the collar and tighten the connection.
  10. Turn on your water supply.
  11. Set the housing head to the Softener position.
  12. Verify there are no leaks.
  13. Flush the cartridge, keeping it at minimal flow for at least one hour.

3. Video

We found this YouTube video that outlines the installation in more detail. We know it’s not perfect, but it gives you a basic idea of the process:

The Package (Parts)

  • NuvoH2O DPHB Home System
  • NuvoH2O Home cartridge
  • 1x Mounting back plate
  • Housing wrench
  • 1x Mounting bracket
  • Set of screws
  • User manual

Piping and connectors that are required for installation are not included in the package.

Programming, Settings & Maintenance

Fortunately, the Home System is super low maintenance. All you have to do is change the cartridge containing the chelating agent about every 35,000 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first.

More frequent replacements might be necessary depending on your level of water hardness, pressure and temperature.

Cartridges can be purchased online and in a number of retail stores.

How to replace them is also explained in the video above (minute 7:55).

DPHB Home Cons

One thing is for certain, NuvoH2O systems are far from perfect.

For example, too many customers see absolutely no beneficial effects, probably because their water does not meet the required conditions. That’s why there are so many “waste of money“-ratings to be found online. We would suggest Nuvo to change their marketing strategy!

It can also happen that your system starts leaking. Especially the plastic head is predestined for this.

On top of that, be aware that if your home uses copper piping, your water might take on a bluish tint in the beginning. This has to do with residues of air and copper oxide in your plumbing and usually does not pose a health risk.

NuvoH2O DPHB Home Review: Our Verdict + Best for

People have mixed opinions about NuvoH2O conditioners. Some couldn’t be more satisfied with their before and after results, while others are unhappy with their purchase and would not recommend the systems to anyone.

The bottom line is that using a Nuvo system your water won’t be the same as provided by a Fleck or Culligan softener for example. Still, with a high-enough pH-level, chances are that you will see reduced scaling and mineral deposits vanishing over time.

In other words, check your water’s pH and go from there. Considering the relatively high price, our verdict is 3.5 stars!

The NuvoH2O DPHB is best for medium-sized homes with a water pH of 7.2+.

This completes our NuvoH2O Home System review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Alexandra Uta

Alex is a content writer with an affinity for research and a methodical attention to detail. Since 2020, she has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. Alex has been using water filters and similar products for years which has gained her lots of hands-on experience.
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Alex

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