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What is hard water?Hard water is water that contains dissolved chalk, lime and other materials. Rainwater is naturally soft, but as it percolates through chalk and limestone it dissolves and collects these minerals. Rainwater which falls on hard rock remains naturally soft. The hardness of the supply of mains water to your home is dependent on where you live and the source (river or ground w...
What are the effects of hard water?Scale, scum and tidemarks around the baths and basins. The minerals contained in the hard water settle out as an unsightly deposit of hardness scale whenever the water is heated, or when cold standing water evaporates. Examples of this are: Clogging of pipe work and premature failure of water heaters Water hardness also makes it difficult to get a good lather, so much more...
Which areas of the UK have hard water?Generally speaking, hard water is present in 60% of the country (especially in the eastern, central and southern areas of England) and to varying degrees in the rest of the UK. The water for some Northern cities is supplied from naturally soft water reservoirs in Wales and the Lake District. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, various levels of hardness occur. Scotland - Sup...
How is water hardness removed?Water hardness is removed by ion-exchange. Fitting a domestic ion-exchange water softener is the only process specifically designed to remove all hardness completely from your mains water supply. The softened water will also gradually remove existing scale from pipework, bathroom fittings and heating elements.
How much does a water softener cost?The cost will vary according to the type and size. Unlike other home improvements, the savings provided by a water softener will produce a payback within 2-4 years.
How can I justify the investment?Most people who have used a water softener would simply say that to wash and bathe in clear, scum-free water is sufficient justification. However, a water softener fulfils many functions and gives substantial savings. The long-term benefits are the reduction in water heating bills and the protection of bathroom equipment and all water-using appliances. On a day-to-day basi...
What about servicing and maintenance?A water softener is working 24 hours a day. Because there are few working components, its life is much longer than most other domestic appliances. The frequency of servicing or maintenance will depend on the type, age and usage of the softener.
Can a water softener be removed and relocated?Definitely yes. It is as easy as removing a washing machine or a dishwasher and can be moved from home to home. In many cases, a water softener has also been known to help sell a property as a result of its protection of the hot water system and bathroom sanitary ware.
Why not just soften the hot water?This is not economically viable. Although the hot water system would remain scale free, all the benefits of fully softened water would be lost when any cold, hard water was added.
Can a water softener be used with lead pipes?Some of the lead pipework may have to be replaced first. Although lead pipework in hard water areas may not cause a problem it is advisable to replace it. However, soft water (natural rainwater or artificially softened water) in lead pipework systems may cause the pick up of lead. If your lead pipework has not already been replaced, any pipes that carry softened water must...
Will softened water affect my central heating?Softened water will prevent scaling. However, if the nature of your local water supply requires it, and if you have an indirect central heating system, a corrosion inhibitor should be used.
Do plants like hard or softened water?It is worth checking with your local garden centre. The level of sodium in softened water may be harmful to some plants. Most indoor plants usually prefer rainwater to tap water. It is an unnecessary waste of softened water to use it to supply a garden hose.
Can softened water be used in car batteries and steam irons?No. Only distilled or deionised waters should be used in car batteries, and they are also best for steam irons.
Is softened water suitable for home brewing?It varies. Naturally soft or softened water is suitable for wine, brown ale, stout and lager brewed from concentrate kits. Home brewers who "mash" may require a special water treatment. |
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A consumer guide to water softeners