New Harvey TwinTec Water Softener Vs Refurbished Water Softeners
Searching For a Refurbished Harvey Water Softener – But Is It Worth It? 🤔
Many people search for “refurbished TwinTec S4” or “used Harvey water softener” thinking they’ll save money. But when it comes to a system that protects your plumbing, appliances, and health — is buying second-hand really worth the risk? In this New Harvey TwinTec Water Softener Vs Refurbished Water Softeners guide, we go through all of the pros and cons for purchasing a second hand system.
🔁 What Is a Refurbished Harvey Water Softener?
A Harvey Water Softener Cheaper Alternative?
A refurbished Harvey or TwinTec water softener is a previously owned unit that’s been cleaned, repaired, or reconditioned — usually by an individual, small business, or third-party engineer. These are often sold on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or gumtree.
Some may have minor cosmetic damage, old internal parts replaced, or simply be cleaned and sold on with little inspection at all. While the term “refurbished” sounds reassuring, it’s important to understand there’s no industry standard for what this means in practice.
🛒Why Are These Systems Resold?
Most refurbished softeners come from:
While it may seem like a bargain, the reality is that you rarely know the system’s true history, usage, or condition — and once it’s installed in your home, it’s your risk to bear.
⚖️ The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Water Softener
✅ Possible Pros:
- - Lower upfront cost
- - Quick purchase via marketplaces
- - Might suit temporary setups
❌ Common Problems & Risks:
- - A Much shorter or no warranty – Harvey/TwinTec don’t support second-hand units and often if supplied by a dealer, they will only honour 12 months (vs 10 years for a new system).
- - Unknown usage history – Could be years old or improperly maintained
- - Outdated parts – Older models may not meet current UK standards
- - Not WRAS approved – Could violate building regulations
- - Previous unkown issues – You don't know why the system was returned.
- - Shorter lifespan – Often near the end of their working life
💡 FACT:
⚠️ Even refurbished units sold by a “dealer” often lack installation, testing, or real support.
💰 Refurbished TwinTec S4 vs. Brand-New – What’s the Real Cost?
| 🛠️ Refurbished TwinTec S4 | ✨ Brand-New TwinTec S4 | |
|---|---|---|
| 💷 Price | £500–£700 (used) | Ask for quote (includes install & support) |
| 📜 Warranty | ❌ None or 12 months from a dealer (not the manufacturer) | ✅ 10-Years Parts & 2 Years Labour |
| ⚙️ Condition | ❓ Unknown | ✅ Brand new & quality tested by Harvey |
| 🔧 Plumbing Compatibility | ❓ As long as you know the model is Harvey, it should suit modern systems | ✅ Designed for UK homes incl. combi boilers |
| 🧩 Parts & Efficiency | ⚠️ May contain outdated or worn components | ✅ Latest TwinTec S4 version with improved internals |
| 🧑🔧 Aftercare & Servicing | ❌ Not supported by TwinTec or Harvey | ✅ Ongoing support, servicing & warranty |
| 🛠️ Installation | ❌ DIY or pay extra | ✅ Professionally installed by authorised engineer |
| 🚿 Performance | ❓ Variable – may not soften water effectively due to faults | ✅ Consistently soft water 24/7 |
| 🧾 WRAS Approval | ❌ Older models may not meet current standards | ✅ WRAS Approved for UK plumbing |
Why You Should Buy New and from an Authorised Dealer
When it comes to protecting your home from hard water damage, buying a brand-new TwinTec S4 from an authorised dealer offers unbeatable long-term value, performance, and peace of mind. 🏡✨
🔒 1. Full TwinTec S4 Warranty
New TwinTec S4 softeners come with a 10-year manufacturer-backed warranty — something you’ll never get with a refurbished TwinTec S4 or a used Harvey water softener. If anything goes wrong, you're covered.
Refurbished units? You’re on your own. 😟
And it is worth considering exactly WHY a dealer has refurbished units to sell - what defects and problems did these systems have originally?
🆕 2. Latest Model – No Surprises
With a new unit, you get the latest generation of the S4, complete with:
- - Upgraded seals & internals 🔧
- - WRAS-compliant fittings ✅
- - A new bypass kit for easy installation and service access 🚿
- - Older or second-hand units often contain worn parts or outdated tech that reduce efficiency and lifespan.
🧩 3. Guaranteed Fit for Modern UK Homes
- - The S4 is purpose-built for:
- - Combi boilers
- - Pressurised/unvented systems
- - Gravity-fed systems
With a second-hand softener, you risk plumbing incompatibility, flow issues, or the need for extra parts. Buying new means everything fits right — the first time.
🤝 4. Aftercare & Support
- - Buying from us — an authorised TwinTec dealer — means:
- - Ongoing servicing & support 👨🔧
- - Access to salt delivery 🚚
- - On-hand advice and maintenance help 📞
If you buy a second-hand water softener, you're unlikely to receive any post-sale support.
💰 5. Long-Term Savings
A cheap used Harvey water softener might seem like a deal, but the long-term cost of breakdowns, inefficiency, and replacements adds up fast.
A new TwinTec S4 is a long-term investment — saving you money on maintenance, energy, and appliance repair for years to come. 🧾✅
💬 Customer Testimonials & User Feedback
What Real Users Are Saying About the New TwinTec S4 Vs a Refurbished Softener
Cautionary notes on refurbished or second-hand water softeners:
⚠️ "Bought a used Harvey water softener off eBay to save money. It stopped working after six months, and no warranty or support meant I had to pay out-of-pocket for repairs. Definitely wish I had gone new." — Reddit user
⚠️ "Refurbished units might look like a bargain but beware of hidden costs. My refurbished system didn’t fit well with my plumbing and lacked key components, making installation a nightmare." — Reddit user
⚠️“I believe that you can get the unit refurbished for around £350 or so … but refurbishment involves replacing the resin and the fill valve … difficult to reassemble …” — from BuildHub discussion highlighting the technical risk of DIY refurb units
Positive feedback on the new TwinTec S4:
⭐️ "I installed a brand-new TwinTec S4 last year and couldn’t be happier. The unit is quiet, efficient, and fits perfectly with my combi boiler system. The 10-year warranty and local support gave me peace of mind." — Reddit user
⭐️“I have just last week had installed a new Harvey TwinTec S4 in our house … It replaces a previous generation model … you would 'chase your tail' with replacement components moving forward, hence replace it…” — from a PistonHeads user who installed a new TwinTec S4 and noted reliability concerns with older softeners
Why buy new from an authorised dealer?
✔️ "I recommend buying new and through a trusted dealer. The TwinTec S4’s compatibility and long warranty made the upfront cost worth it for me — no regrets." — Reddit user
❓FAQs About Second Hand Water Softeners
Q: Can I buy a refurbished TwinTec S4 online? 🔍
A: Yes, but with caution. You’ll find refurbished TwinTec S4 softeners for sale on eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace — but these are typically used, previously damaged systems, out-of-warranty units sold by individuals or unverified dealers.
You won't get any official support, and the risk of faults or poor performance is high.
Q: What’s the risk of buying a used Harvey water softener? ⚠️
A: There are many risks:
- ❌ No warranty or aftercare
- ❓ Unknown internal condition
- ⚠️ May not comply with modern WRAS standards
- 💧 Reduced efficiency due to limescale or worn parts
These are the key risks of refurbished softeners — and why they often cost more in the long run.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy refurbished? 💷
A: Upfront — yes. But when you factor in:
- - Repairs
- - Fittings
- - Compatibility issues
- - No warranty
- - Replacement costs…
…it’s easy to see how a new vs refurbished water softener comparison ends up in favour of the new one. Buying new means peace of mind and fewer unexpected costs. 💡
Q: Can I install a second-hand TwinTec myself? 🔧
A: Technically yes — but you’ll need:
- - Plumbing knowledge
- - Correct fittings
- - Proper bypass setup
And if something goes wrong? You’re not covered. With a new unit, installation is handled by a trained engineer, with guaranteed system compatibility.
Q: Do TwinTec or Harvey offer refurbished units? 🚫
A: No. Neither TwinTec nor Harvey officially sell or approve refurbished softeners. Any refurbished TwinTec S4 you find online is being resold privately and is not covered by warranty, support, or manufacturer servicing.
If you're wondering where to buy new TwinTec S4 softeners, only authorised local dealers (like us!) provide the real thing — with full backup.
Risks of Buying Pre-Owned Water Softeners:
🛑 Most second-hand TwinTec softeners are more than 5–10 years old and may be using outdated parts or designs that aren’t WRAS-approved today.
Summary: A Used Harvey Water Softener VS Brand New
If you’re weighing up a used Harvey water softener or a refurbished TwinTec S4 against a brand-new model, here’s the simple truth:
While second-hand units may seem like a bargain upfront, they often come with hidden costs, unknown faults, no warranty, and zero support. You risk compatibility issues, poor performance, and expensive repairs — especially when buying privately or online.
By contrast, a new TwinTec S4 from an authorised dealer offers:
- ✅ The latest technology
- ✅ Full 10-year manufacturer warranty
- ✅ Guaranteed fit for UK homes
- ✅ Professional installation
- ✅ Local aftercare and salt delivery
In the long run, a new water softener is the safer, smarter and more cost-effective investment — and gives you complete peace of mind.
💬 Still considering a refurbished TwinTec S4? Think a new system is £1124.99 Vs a refurbished at £600 - £700 - for the price difference you'll get a system that works, be protected by online shopping regulations, policies and have a system that has a 10 year warranty.
Think long-term. Think safe. Think new.
Not Sure Which Harvey Model is Best?
⚖️ Compare all the Different Harvey Water Softener Models Here
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