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Culligan Water Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 4.5/5

Average Cost: $200 - $2,500

Culligan is a well-regarded name in the water treatment industry, offering a range of products and services designed to improve water quality in homes and businesses. Their products include water softeners, filtration systems, and reverse osmosis systems, with costs ranging from $200 for basic filters to $2,500 for comprehensive installations. Some of the most advanced systems can cost much more, up to $8,000. Overall, Culligan stands out for its extensive industry experience and reliable customer service.

The Modernize Mission

Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

Comprehensive Guide to Culligan Water

In this Culligan review, we explore the company’s reputation as a household name in water filtration since 1936, with a presence in 90 countries and a strong foundation in Illinois. Known for offering comprehensive solutions such as water softening, filtration, and reverse osmosis systems for residential and commercial use, Culligan demonstrates a commitment to quality. This review will examine the pros and cons of choosing Culligan and compare them to other competitors in the market, drawing on research from company reviews, customer testimonials, cost data, and service offerings to show how Culligan stacks up in the water treatment industry.

Culligan Water Logo

Culligan Review: Pros and Cons

A trusted name in the industry, Culligan offers tons of perks to its clients. However, like all choices, going with Culligan also has a few drawbacks, according to customers. Take a look at the pros and cons of choosing Culligan as you decide which company to select for your water treatment needs. 

  • Pros

    • Established Reputation
    • Wide Range of Products
    • Offers Free Consultations
  • Cons

    • High Maintenance Costs
    • Customer Service Complaints
    • Cost Information is Not Available Online

Pros

  • Established Reputation: Culligan has built a strong reputation over the years for reliability and quality. Working with a trusted company with a track record for customer satisfaction takes the guesswork out of finding a trusted company. They’re also widely available in every state as well as other countries.
  • Wide Range of Products: Culligan offers a diverse selection of water treatment solutions, from water softeners and filters for city and well water to more advanced reverse osmosis systems. The company also provides a range of commercial offerings, including water delivery services.
  • Offers Free Consultations: Not sure what your home needs to improve its water? A Culligan representative will come to your home for a free consultation to look at your systems and suggest solutions for better-tasting water. Once you choose a system, it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Cons

  • High Maintenance Costs: Some customers point out that while Culligan products are considered affordable and reliable, they still require maintenance and those maintenance costs are often more expensive than that of competitors. In addition to specialized and costly maintenance, many of these more complex systems require professional installation. 
  • Customer Service Complaints: Culligan has received some negative feedback from customers, at various locations throughout the country, who complained about problems with scheduling of water deliveries, communication and billing. 
  • Cost Information Is Not Available Online: The company does not provide pricing information for its systems online, requiring new customers to contact a Culligan representative for detailed information about its products. 

What Products Does Culligan Water Offer?

Culligan offers a range of products to address water quality through various means. Keep in mind that the purchase of any of their products includes installation, maintenance, and repairs by trained Culligan representatives. 

  • Delivery Services: If you opt for one of the company’s water dispensers either at home or in your office, you’ll enjoy convenient delivery of their bottled water directly to your home. The company also makes it easy to use their water softening systems with salt delivery, which you can schedule online. 
  • Smart Features: Curious about your water consumption? Looking to schedule a water delivery? Culligan offers smart features with many of its systems, which allows you to easily monitor the performance of its products using a convenient app. Culligan Connect allows certain products in their lineup to connect to WiFi for this added convenience. You can track your daily usage and also schedule deliveries for water and salt. 
  • Water Softeners: Water softeners are designed to remove hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium from your water, improving its quality and protecting your home’s plumbing in the process. You’ll notice softer hair and skin, and you won’t have to use as much soap in the shower, while washing dishes or doing laundry.
  • Water Filters: Culligan offers water filters, which remove contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, and chemicals with sediment and carbon filters as well as acidic water neutralizers, enhancing taste and safety. Culligan offers whole-home filtration systems to ensure that all water entering your house has been treated at the source. 
  • Reverse Osmosis Systems: Reverse osmosis systems are the most advanced type of solution, and therefore the most expensive systems the company sells. Advanced systems that use multiple stages of filtration to remove 70 different impurities, providing purified water for drinking and cooking.
  • Salt-Free Water Softening: Some areas of the country have restrictions on the amount of brine your system can use and release into the environment. If that’s the case for you, Culligan also has salt-free water softener alternatives. These systems are touted as being energy efficient, cost saving and sustainable. 
  • Well Water Solutions: Culligan also offers well water filtration and softening solutions for those who get their water from the ground. This is especially helpful if your well water has a sulfur smell and taste to it. 

contractor installing a home water filtration and purification system

How Much Does Culligan Water Cost?

Culligan water treatment systems typically range from $200 to $2,500, depending on system type and installation complexity. Basic water filters cost between $200 and $500, making them the most affordable option. Water softeners average around $1,000 to $3,000, with reverse osmosis systems being the most advanced and expensive, averaging $2,000 to $8,000. Most homeowners spend about $1,500 to $3,000 on a Culligan system for standard water softening or filtration.

Culligan also offers financing and rental options, though rental costs may exceed purchase prices over time. Rental agreements vary in monthly rates, making it crucial to weigh the long-term costs of renting versus owning based on your household’s water needs.

Culligan sometimes offers sales and discounts on its products, which you can find on its website. 

Culligan Review: Factors Affecting the Cost of Culligan Water Systems

Our Culligan review covers the many factors can influence the overall cost of a water treatment project:

  • System Type: More advanced systems like reverse osmosis typically cost more than basic filters.
  • Installation Complexity: Installation in difficult-to-access locations or installs that require extensive plumbing modifications can increase your costs.
  • Geographic Location: Costs may vary depending on where in the country you live, which will dictate the price of labor and availability of certain materials and products. 

Benefits of Investing in Culligan

Choosing to invest in a water treatment company has tons of benefits for both residential and commercial customers. With a company like Culligan, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water is safe to consume and use and free from harmful chemicals. 

When choosing Culligan specifically, you’re opting to work with a company that has a longstanding reputation in the industry for high-quality products and great customer service. On top of that, Culligan also gives back to the community through the Culligan Cares program, which aids in disaster relief and provides clean water to people in need. 

  • High-Quality Products: Culligan’s products are known for their durability and effectiveness. They offer a range of services and products to address your individual needs at your price point. 
  • Excellent Customer Service: While some customer complaints cite insufficient customer service, many long term customers also say this is one of the company’s strong suits. Culligan also backs its products with limited lifetime warranties, so you can rest assured you’re making a safe, long term investment. 
  • Comprehensive Solutions: With a range of products and services, Culligan can address various water quality issues from whole house filtration and conditioning to water dispensers and free water testing. 

Culligan vs. Its Competitors

When compared to competitors, Culligan stands out for its extensive service network and established brand reputation. However, competitors may offer more competitive pricing or different service structures. While Culligan is known for its reliability and breadth of products, exploring other options might be beneficial for cost-saving or specific feature requirements.

Culligan vs. Kinetico

Culligan and Kinetico are both reputable, long-established companies offering high-quality water systems, though they differ in price and warranty. Culligan provides systems priced between $200 and $2,500 with a limited lifetime warranty, making it more affordable for homeowners. Kinetico is known for its durable, premium water systems priced from $1,000 to $7,000 and backed by a 10-year warranty, offering long-term peace of mind. Both companies hold A+ BBB ratings, reflecting strong customer satisfaction and reliability.

Culligan vs. Aquasana

While both Culligan and Aquasana offer affordable water systems within a similar price range ($200 to $2,500 for Culligan and $300 to $2,500 for Aquasana), they differ in warranty and company reputation. Culligan’s limited lifetime warranty gives it an edge in long-term coverage over Aquasana’s 5- to 10-year warranty. However, Aquasana focuses on accessible pricing and has maintained a solid A BBB rating, although it is not BBB accredited, appealing to budget-conscious homeowners.

Culligan vs. RainSoft

Culligan and RainSoft water systems are both durable options, but Culligan is often the more budget-friendly choice, with prices starting around $200 and going up to $2,500. Rainsoft is known for advanced filtration and longer warranties, but prices can be higher. Culligan’s A+ BBB rating and decades of industry experience make it a trusted option for households seeking reliable, long-lasting water filtration systems without the premium pricing of competitors like RainSoft.

Culligan Review: Is Culligan Right for Me?

If you’re considering ways to improve the quality of your home’s water, our Culligan review shows that this company is a well-established option with nearly a century of experience in water filtration and conditioning. From enhancing taste and safety to extending the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances, Culligan offers a range of solutions that cater to different needs and budgets. Here are several reasons why Culligan might be the right choice for you.

  • Trusted Brand: With nearly 100 years in business, Culligan is a recognized name in water filtration and conditioning, known for a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
  • Nationwide Presence: As a larger company, Culligan is available across the country, making it easy to find local providers and qualified contractors for installation, service, and maintenance.
  • Comprehensive Water Solutions: Culligan offers a variety of solutions to enhance the taste, safety, and performance of your home or business’s water, helping to reduce water costs and extend the life of appliances and pipes.
  • Water Testing and Safety: For those who prioritize safety, Culligan provides water testing and consultation services with options at multiple price points, suitable for both municipal and well water.
  • Product Assurance: All products come with a limited lifetime warranty, providing long-term peace of mind for your water quality investment.
  • Affordable Water Improvement: Culligan is a solid choice for homeowners looking to enhance their water quality at a reasonable cost.