I can't tell you how many times a day we get this question. It seems that there are lots of people that like Fleck and Autotrol water softener valves because... well that's what they have always used. It's almost like a religion to them. Then along came Clack and they designed a very good valve and now everyone is embroiled in a debate as to whether Fleck, Clack or Autotrol is the best. We have people who call in and say "I need a Fleck valve because I was told it's the best." They also say the same thing about Clack and Autotrol. For the record, all of these water softener control valves are good and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

The Clack and the Fleck valves use similar technology involving a single piston, which is the only moving part in the water stream, as well as spacers and seals. The Autotrol valve uses valve disc technology. The discs are opened and closed by a camshaft. All of these valves have their pros and cons, but in my mind the biggest con of the Fleck valves is the cost of replacement parts. Many dealers love Fleck valves because they make a lot of money off of servicing them, so guess who pays the price - the customer. Autotrol valves are cheaper to repair and maybe somewhat easier, but many people do not like the 6 or 7 moving discs inside the valve. The Johnny-Come-Lately is Clack who has designed a very reliable valve that is easy and inexpensive to repair. However, they have restricted sales to traditional water dealers only, and will not allow internet sales. This drives up the price considerably for the consumer.

Fleck is now coming out with new control valves (like the 5800) with which they are also restricting sales on the internet. It smacks of "price-fixing" to many people. I can understand this to a degree, because the fact of the matter is that there are many companies on the internet that are simply guys working out of their basement or garage and are happy to make $20 on a water softener because they have no intention of ever answering their phone after 5 o'clock and weekends and you may be lucky to get them from 8 to 5. They offer no tech support and have nothing to help their customers.

Let me make one thing clear: WE ARE NOT AN INTERNET COMPANY! US Water Systems is a water treatment Company with a dozen Certified Water Specialists who are there to help you with Sales, Service and Installation, 7 days a weeks from 8 AM until, 11 PM EDT! There is a big difference between us and most other internet companies who sell water treatment. However, I digress. What is the best water softener valve? Well, Clack is my second favorite control valve, Fleck is my third favorite and Autotrol is my least favorite (I'm not saying it's bad, because it isn't). That's my recommendation. What - you want to know who's Number One?

Well, that's simple - our US Water Fusion NLT (Next Level Technology) took Flecks best ideas and improved them. We then took Clack's electronics and improved them. With one internal moving part, upflow brining, proportional brining, capacitor backup and superior seal technology, it is the only water softener control on the market with a ten (10) year warranty on the valve and electronics. When you build them better, you can guarantee them better. Move over Clack and Fleck - there's a new consumer darling in water softener controls and US Water is setting the pace. Better by design, superior warranty and priced to sell. Check out the Fusion NLT and you will understand why it is truly the "Best-of-the Best".