Thank you!

I am reading about kinetico system which seems to have a fairly good reputation. But I am reading that people do NOT soften the water at the kitchen sink? That is one of the main problem points! Is this true?

Reliable brands: Kinetico, Fleck, Clack. Of those, Kinetico is likely to be the most costly, but the company also tends to have well-trained service personnel, unlike most residential softener providers. If you call around, you may find a local, independent dealer that can provide great service. Get several to come out and provide a quote. If you would like a double-check on their recommendations, provide some information here and I'll take a look. To properly size a softener, you need water analysis: hardness, pH, TDS at bare minimum. Better: also analyze sulfates, iron, manganese, nitrates, alkalinity. With city water, the water treatment plant's quarterly water report can be a good place to start.

Some people don't soften water to the kitchen sink because they object to the taste of soft water. However, that leaves hardness buildup at the sink, as you noted. If you find the taste objectionable, you can handle this in one or two ways: 1) Run a hard water line to a separate drinking water faucet, 2) Install an RO for drinking water.

Some things to watch for when considering softener quotes:

The following requirements are for an industry standard softener. If
you are looking for a non-electronic softener, Kinetico offers the
more reliable options at a premium price (and you would need to deal
with a local Kinetico rep). Any decent softener vendor should be
able to provide the following:

1. High quality American or German made resin. This will provide a
   tight size distribution for optimal flow within the resin, longer
   resin life, and more reliable, predicable water softening.

2. Since you have CITY WATER: 10% crosslinked resin. The oxidizers
   that city water treatment plants use, such as chlorine or chloramine,
   are harmful to softener resins. Higher crosslinking will resist
   chemical attack longer.

3. Top basket. This serves two purposes. It sets up a proper water
   distribution during normal operation and prevents resin loss during
   backwash.

4. Gravel underbed. The gravel underbed is there to set up proper flow
   patterns, improve backwash, keep the bottom basket in place, prevent
   basket failure, and prevent channeling. Many softener sales
   companies like to leave this out or sell softeners with a vortex
   system instead. Vortex systems weigh less than gravel so they cost
   less to ship. In addition, they are a more expensive item that adds
   profit for the softener salesperson, but provides no additional
   benefit to the homeowner . It simply adds another piece of equipment
   that can break.

5. Fleck or Clack valves. These set the industry standard. Be aware
   that you will not be able to purchase Clack valves online. This is
   not a problem if you purchase locally.

6. The valve should regen based on water usage, not time.

7. Install the softener with a three-valve bypass. This will make it
   much easier if you ever need to remove the softener for repairs or
   wish to take it with you when you move. Use full-port, quarter-turn
   valves.

8. Noryl bypass. Most softeners are available with either Noryl or
   stainless bypass valves. Both are good valves, but the noryl tends
   to be more reliable when not used for long periods of time. This is
   a redundancy if you install with a proper three-valve bypass. I
   prefer a bit of redundancy but it is your call.

9. Brine tank: Although either round or square will work, round brine
   tanks are more structurally sound and will not deform like a square
   tank will. Additionally, if you need a softener 1.5 cuft or larger,
   a square tank will most likely be too small.

10. If you live in a cold climate, ensure equipment is stored in a
    climate-controlled environment. Frozen softener resin is damaged
    softener resin.

11. Purchase a Hach 5-B test kit. You will want to periodically check
    to ensure your softener is working correctly and this kit is your
    best option.

Alice in wonderland, thank you so much!!! That is very valuable information. Is the valve hard to place? Can the water softener co. Do this?

The valve/controller is the heart of the softener. Fleck, Clack, Kinetico are valve/controller brands. I'm sorry I wasn't as clear as I should have been. If you are talking about the bypass valves, each softener company can provide an intrinsic bypass valve. If you choose to use a three-valve bypass, your installer can do that for you. It should look like this:

We are looking into a water conditioners instead of a softener.