WaterBoss 700 22,000-Grain Water Softener Review

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The WaterBoss 700 is a 22,000-grain whole house water softener and iron filter that provides a service flow rate of 8 gallons per minute.

8 gpm is usually enough for families of up to 4 in a medium-sized home.

WaterBoss 700

WaterBoss 700

Price: $$
Flow Rate: 8 gpm
Capacity: 22,100 Grains
# of People: Up to 4
Metered Regen:
NSF: 44

Our Rating

WaterBoss 700 Water Softener – Key Features

Former Model Number: 220

70 grains per gallon is the maximum hardness level that the system can handle, so very hard water.

As for iron reduction, as much as 10 ppm of ferrous (clear-water) iron should be feasible, according to WaterBoss.

Please note that potassium permanganate will need to be added to any iron filter periodically.

The 700 also features a built-in maintenance-free dirt and sediment filter (20 microns), which can extend the softener’s longevity significantly.

Required pressure: No less than 20 psi or greater than 120 psi.

We also want to point out that this system is made in the USA, which is something you might value.

And lastly, you get a 3-year limited warranty on all mechanical and electronic parts. Media tank and outer cabinet are covered for 10 years.

By the way, to achieve maximum softening performance, the manufacturer provides the following tips (among others):

  • All WaterBoss softeners require a pH of 7+ to function properly.
  • The salt level in the brine tank should always be at least 1/3 full. If you use potassium chloride, increase your hardness setting by 12%.
  • A clean pellet, solar, or cube-type salt is recommended. WaterBoss advices against using rock salt.

WaterBoss 700 Pros

The model 700 works with demand initiated regeneration, which means that it will never waste salt or water while recharging.

This will reduce your water and salt bill, obviously, and also help the environment.

For example, to regenerate 5,500 grains, the softener will use approx. 11.1 gallons of water and 1 pound of salt in a 15-minute cycle. For a full recharge (22,100 grains), 28.6 water gallons and 12 pounds of salt will be used. The cycle will take exactly 41 minutes.

Other than that, the product is certified according to NSF Standard 44 for barium and radium 226/228 reduction.

Another benefit is the quiet operation, which won’t wake you up at night.

WaterBoss 700

The WaterBoss 700 – learn more on amazon.com

Installation + Startup Instructions

There are two factors that make installing the WaterBoss 700 considerably easier and that’s

  • (A) the factory-installed bypass valve
  • and (B) the fact that the system is compact and fits in almost every tight corner.

Do you have to be an experienced DIY plumber to be able to do the setup yourself? We don’t think so. Yes, it’ll help if you have some prior plumbing experience. But generally speaking, if you are handy around the house, you should be fine and able to complete the install within a couple of hours.

Here is what you need to do:

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.

Where to Install

First of all, remember that this softener requires an appropriate drain and a power outlet nearby. Also, you should install it before your water heater and after the pressure tank (for wells).

What’s more, it’s important that the appliance or drain line must not freeze.

Setup

  1. Turn off the electricity and water supply to the water heater.
  2. Remove any packaging or installation materials from the brine cabinet.
  3. Turn off your water supply.
  4. Open any hot and cold water taps to drain all remaining water and depressurize your plumbing system.
  5. In order to connect the water lines, lift and remove the cabinet cover.
  6. Install the Qest connection fittings (included). Attention: Qest fittings do not require the use of Teflon tape or plumber’s putty.
  7. Check the arrows on the ports to ensure correct flow direction.
  8. Attach the water lines to the appliance. Be careful to not over-tighten the connections on the plastic threads.
  9. Attach the overflow elbow in down position and connect 1/2″ tubing (not included) between the overflow fitting and a suitable drain.
  10. Connect the drain line (1/2″) to the drain end cap.
  11. Route the drain line to an appropriate waste receptor. Maintain an air gap.
  12. Next, place the appliance in the Bypass position and turn on the main water supply.
  13. Open the nearest cold water faucet. Let the system flush.
  14. Place the softener in Service.
  15. Close all faucets.
  16. Check all lines and connections for leaks.
  17. Plug the softener into a power outlet.
  18. Program the system using the LCD display (more below).
  19. Add 2 gallons of water into the brine tank.
  20. Initiate a manual regeneration cycle. Allow the appliance to draw water out of the brine cabinet until the air check/draw tube sets (takes about 8–10 minutes).
  21. Press the Regenerate button and let the tank fill up.
  22. Fill the brine tank with salt.
  23. Turn on the electricity and water supply to the water heater.
  24. Open a cold water tap and allow the appliance to flush for 20 minutes (approx. 76 gallons).
  25. Replace the cabinet cover.

Video

The following video outlines the installation process for all WaterBoss softeners in more detail.

And here is another video specifically for the WaterBoss 700:

The Package (Parts)

  • Resin/brine tank (grey), 14 3/4″ x 18 3/4″ x 25 3/4″ (W x D x H), salt storage capacity 120 lbs.
  • Bypass valve
  • 22,100-grain super fine mesh resin (0.7 cu. ft.)
  • Self cleaning filter media
  • Water quality test strip
  • Installation kit

Programming, Settings & Maintenance

Programming the WaterBoss 700 is quick and simple, thanks to the easy to use LCD display. You’ll have to set your water hardness level among other things.

In the advanced customer settings, you can choose between two different regeneration modes, set the hours until the next regen cycle, determine how many gallons of water should be used, etc.

In addition, all you have to do in terms of maintenance is to inspect and clean the brine tank + air check/draw tube once a year (or whenever you notice sediment in the tank).

If you want, you can use a resin cleaner on a monthly basis, says WaterBoss.

The system itself can be disinfected with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite – as in household bleach.

Manual

Looking for a manual for the WaterBoss 700, 900 or 950? You can find one here: Manual

WaterBoss 700 Cons

The truth is, too many customers have complained about WaterBoss softening systems for our liking.

There were not only issues with overly salty water, failing resin tanks and flooded basements, or complete system breakdowns, the company also seems to refuse to honor the cost of repairs occurring during warranty in some cases.

This is why almost half of the customers would not recommend the WaterBoss 700 to anyone – something we agree on to be honest.

WaterBoss 700 Review: Our Verdict + Best for

With the WaterBoss 700 22,000-grain water softener, customer ratings seem to be either excellent or completely awful. This is because some customers are very happy with how the system performs and have had zero issues, while others – the majority – say that it’s a poor-quality product from a highly uncaring company. In other words: A complete waste of money.

Yes, the unit is very small and easy to install, but we recommend you opt for another model from a different brand such as Whirlpool to save you from a lot of trouble with the product itself and also the WaterBoss customer service.

Aside from that, the WaterBoss 700 is best for hard water levels of up to 70 gpg.

This completes our WaterBoss 700 review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
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Gene

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Leave a Comment:

Brian Mervau says April 22, 2020

My 700 was installed by a plumber and makes a loud noise during regent. My guess is 70dbs. It really is loud!

Reply
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