Monarch Midi HE

A brilliant simple machine. As far as reliability and durability goes then I'll update you. Great Product, delivered quickly, easy to install and has been working well for 2 months now. Excellent value for money.

Installation instructions are well-written and easy to obey. Overall, the standard was outstanding, and Monarch was extremely helpful.

A good water softener. However, the first one arrived with the case cracked inside. I would just like to say that Central Heat (the providers) were absolutely brilliant. I contacted them and they requested pictures, which I emailed. Before I had logged off they were on the phone arranging for the broken one to be picked up the following day, which it was, and a replacement arrived the day after that. Good price. Fitted easily as plumbing all in place.

The hose tap connections that fit onto the top of the unit are really hit and miss in making a good seal over time. Only tighten up by hand and if made too tight they will eventually leak. It seems the nylon thread they connect to has not got a wide enough face or is too near the outer circumference of the rubber washer to ensure a best seal. I have never had so much trouble with washing machine type connections over the past 30 years and this being my 3rd water softener which definitely needs improving for water tightness. Was going to get an engineer to bust under warranty but warned it may be chargeable due to poor installation. So poor design puts onus on customers! Not very happy and worried about damage to expensive kitchen cupboard if it leaks again while I’m out for the day of away overnight.

The difference this has made to our water is like chalk and cheese, soft water really does live up to the marketing hype! Everything is shinier and easier to clean, clothes are starting to feel softer, we’re using less then 50% of the detergent we were, my dry skin has started to clear up. It really is one of the best things I’ve invested in for the house (wish we’d done it earlier). Honestly I am usually quite hard to please / impress - This really has.....

It doesn’t appear to be using masses of salt (I really didn’t know what to expect), but I am not needing to top it up for several weeks at a time. The unit itself is modern looking, sleek and fits in quite a tight place without any problems and of course compared to what most research on water softeners leads to (twin tank units) the single tank electric in my view is much better as well is better value. While I know some may disagree, but this uses less salt and water than a twin tank on regen, and unless yours using circa 1800ltrs a day (which for most families is unlikely) you wont run out of soft water - In this case don’t believe the hype on twin tanks,.

If I was to make any suggestions on what would really improve the product... The bypass is huge and bulky, add that to high flow hoses which barely bend, it becomes quite a large install behind the unit. But for the average homeowner this won’t be much of a problem and of course.

Finally, I have found contacting Monarch to either seek advice, ask questions or even provide feedback has been both welcomed by them, but they are quick to respond and really try to help.