Andy CWS wrote:Gary Slusser wrote:The Rainsoft, Avantapure and Ecowater are proprietary and only the local dealer can service it and get parts for them.
Mr. Slusser is mistaken here.
Rainsoft and Ecowater make their own equipment. Avantapure does not. They take a "generic" valve and put their stickers on it. A little research would have determined that.
http://www.goodwaterwarehouse.com/cat/PDF/AvantapureSoftenerManual.pdf
Andy Christensen, CWS-II
The Avantapure (name and control valve used) replaced the Autotrol Technetic and the Technetic 1000 and programs (and one of a kind control valve including timer), and the Autotrol 169/463i valve, the first Avantapure valve and now uses the 269 or Performa with a limited valve and timer production and distribution network. All were/are proprietary equipment and there are only 12 distributors in the lower 48 states. It used to be 8.
As a dealer you must be 'approved' and buy a minimum number of preassembled softeners (12 at a time) or parts. The control valve is limited production and distribution is limited. The distributor tube is double walled and was patented, it may not be any longer.
A regular Autotrol dealer can not order the control valve or parts for it or sell the whole softener or filter with out being in the program and under contract to the specific (territorial) approved distributor/supplier.
I at one time was involved as a dealer in the program. I was one of only five dealers approved by Autotrol to build the unit myself, including then patented distributor tube. I did not have to buy a limited number of valves, DT material or distributor baskets or parts then.
That means it can not be used without the special distributor tube, so you can't replace an industry standard Autotrol, Clack, Erie or Fleck valve with the Avantapure control valve And its distributor tube will not fit any other make or model of control valve.
The Avantapure is the only Autotrol/GE control valve with propotional brining.
I just called the people at the link you posted to see if anything has changed since I was in the program, and Todd says I'm right. 1-714-441-2893
Rainsoft uses a proprietary Fleck Proflo and 5600 with very proprietary timers. Only certain stock Fleck parts can be used on the valves.
Next time you disagree with me, 'you' may want to do more research first.