HOMITE WATER CONDITIONING INC

Update in July 2008: The water pressure tank (which was $450 of the original project cost) has developed a leak and is putting about a gallon of water a day on the floor in the basement. I called Homite to have them come and look at it. They sent out a serviceman who did some minor repairs (in and out in about half an hour). One week later and the leak is now recurring. When I call Homite to inform them of this fact, they inform me that there is a problem with the water pressure tank, and it needs to be replaced again at a cost of about $450 (my cost). There was a 5 year warranty on the product and since we're at 5 years and 11 months, the cost will be mine. I inform the salesperson that I think they need to stand behind their products and services better than this. I still have the original sales brochure which describes the water tank (Sta-Rite SR-35) as having "Extreme Durability - Unaffected by ozone or UV energy, Signature 2000 fibrewound tanks will not rust, corrode, dent or scratch; and they require no painting or exterior maintenance." From my perspective, they made a product recommendation and they need to stand behind it better than this. Salesperson informs me that this is the same as if I had bought a defective car -- the dealership is under no financial obligation to fix a lemon car under the "lemon laws". The salesman advised me to contact the manufacturer to see if they will remedy for me. I call the manufacturer, which is now owned by another company (due to a merger). The technical services person I spoke to is very helpful, and offers to ship parts to me at their cost (O-ring and flange). I call Homite back and spoke to the owner. At this point he informs me that they no longer have a relationship with the manufacturer, and that is why they cannot get parts. He also advises that the manufacturer has not been standing behind its warranty obligations to its dealers. As they have no business relationship with the manufacturer, they do not have the ability to get service parts on my behalf. I told him I have parts shipping to me and I'll call him back to do the installation when the parts arrive. Overall, I am not impressed with Homite or with the manufacturer. The manufacturer's poor product quality has put me in this position, and Homite has taken the position that this is not their problem (sucks to be you, Mr homeowner). While technically Homite is correct (the product is out of warranty), I think it is awful presumptive of them to assume I will continue doing business with them given the circumstances.