Water Softeners - Frequently Asked Questions

Why will my Carbon footprint be reduced if I fit a water softener?

Research commissioned by the UK Water Treatment Association concluded that in a typical hard water area a brand new Condensing boiler (efficiency rated SEDBUK A)would be reduced to a lower operating efficiency (SEDBUK C) after the first few heating cycles. Installing a water softener is the only 100% solution that eliminates limescale, therefore, assisting in keeping the Condensing boiler at its highest working performance.

How long does it take for lime scale to build up on pipes?

If you see how much builds up on your kettle element you can see that it builds very quickly. Your pipes are the same, but you don't de-scale them like your kettle do you? Softened water will de-scale your pipes and heating system over time.

Are the pictures of really scaled up tanks just extreme examples to drive sales?

Not at all, in fact the harder your water the quicker it builds and causes damage and inefficiency.

Can I have any softener installed? I like my friend’s one.

You are free to ask for whichever model you like - although it will probably not work as well for you as a friend. All softeners need to be sized to your property, the hardness of the water, the amount of people living there, and the available space. Only a professional consultant can determine these factors to make the right choice, first time.

Is softened water better for everyone?

It is generally accepted that softened water is beneficial to most people, however a 'hard' mains supply is left for those who mustn't drink softened water because of its slightly raised sodium content - that is babies under the age of one and those on a low sodium diet.

How does a softener work?

A softener works by taking out the elements that make your water hard - calcium and magnesium. Most processes require the addition of salt to attract the Calcium ions. There are many methods of treating your water - filtration, distillation and reverse osmosis to name but a few. All are suited to different needs.

Do electric softeners get damaged by salty water?

No - this is an urban myth. The units use a transformer and the electronics are nowhere near the water supply. After all, a water softener by necessity must use water - who would manufacture a softener that can't be near water?

How do I get the salt needed?

We supply high quality salt deliveries at very competitive prices. Most companies fitting softeners either supply themselves or have a preferred company who they recommend. You can always call for more details.

I really don’t want to lose a kitchen cupboard!

You don’t have to! We can put a water softener in any location in your house. We know that you need your kitchen storage, so we will put the unit in a more appropriate place.

Can I drink softened water?

People have the misconception that a water softener adds salt to the water making it undrinkable. This is not the case, artificially softened water contains sodium. It is not mandatory to fit a separate drinking (hard water) tap where the local hardness is below 400 parts per million. Most of the United Kingdom will have water hardness below this figure as supplied by the local water supplier. We can measure water hardness at the time of our no obligation site survey. Consider also "The average amount of sodium in softened water, for instance, is only a fith of that in skimmed milk, and processed foods can contain 20 times more sodium than softened water."