Should I use a water softener?
"This is a matter of personal choice. A softener will improve the efficiency and increase the life of appliances using hot water. It will make lathering easier and reduce tide marks on sanitary ware. Some people with skin conditions, such as eczema, have fewer problems if they use soft water for washing. But if you do install a water softener you should make sure that you have a supply of unsoftened water for drinking and cooking.
" - From the Drinking Water Inspectorate's
Information Leaflet on Water Hardness.
Do I have hard water?
The map to the right shows the distribution of hard water areas in England and Wales. You probably already suspect you have hard water but if you want confirmation, you can contact your local water company. Their phone numbers will be listed under "Water" in your local phone directory.
A water softener saves money.
Limescale in your heating system forms between your hot water and the pipes it runs though, acting as an insulator, keeping the heat in the water and reducing the amount of heat that enters your home. Because of this insulation, your hot water system will have to work harder to heat up your home, using more electricity or fuel, and taking longer to warm your home. Eventually appliances and pipework have to be replaced as scale builds up. Just 3.2mm (1/8") of scale will increase your fuel bills by 25%. Installing a water softener makes good sense as it will pay for itself sooner than you think and you can enjoy the benefits of softened water without worrying about limescale build up. A water softener will also remove your home's existing scale.
Water softeners have other benefits too.
It's not just about saving money. A water softener can give you better tea and coffee by eliminating scale in your kettle, extend the life of your washing machine and dishwasher, reduce tide marks in baths and basins, and reduce white spots, streaks and evaporation marks on your taps, showers, tiles and shower doors. A water softener can also help with some skin conditions, but do get your doctor's advice before installing a water softener for medical reasons.
HomeWater water softeners.
Why choose a HomeWater water softener? That's a good question, and there are many good answers:
- HomeWater water softeners are small, efficient, reliable and quiet.
- They are designed and built in Britain.
- Free commissioning: after installing your softener you can phone HomeWater and they will send a fully trained engineer to check everything and commission your new water softener, completely free of charge.
- DIY installation: If you can install a washing machine, you will be able to install a HomeWater water softener.
- WRAS and IPHE approved.
- HomeWater's after sales service to second to none, and has been one of the most important factors behind their success.
Which water softener is right for you?
Compare water softeners
Water Softener Comparison
| | HomeWater 100 | HomeWater 300 | HomeWater 500 |
| Suitable use | 1-5 person property.
1-2 bathrooms on a direct system. | 1-11 person property.
1-2 bathrooms on a direct system. | 1-20 person property.
1-4 bathrooms on a direct system. |
| Power Supply | 240v | None needed | None needed |
| Operation | Timer | Internal meter | Internal meter |
| Working pressure | 1-8 bar | 1-8 bar | 1-8 bar |
| Flow rate | 3 to 50 l/min | 3 to 50 l/min | 10 to 80 l/min |
| Inlet | 3/4" bsp male | 3/4" bsp male | 3/4" or 1" bsp male |
| Outlet | 3/4" bsp male | 3/4" bsp male | 3/4" or 1" bsp male |
| Overflow | 1/2" hose barb | 1/2" hose barb | 1/2" hose barb |
| Drain | 1/2" hose barb | 3/8" push fit | 1/2" hose barb |
| Max temperature | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C |
| Min temperature | Do not freeze | Do not freeze | Do not freeze |
| Dimensions | 485H x 440D x 250W mm | 485H x 440D x 250W mm | 485H x 440D x 250W mm |
| Additional salt tank | no | no | 390H x 440D x 250W mm |
| Salt per regeneration | 500g | 350g | 900g (adjustable) |
| Regen water volume | 30 litres | 26 litres | 35 litres |
| Salt storage capacity | 20kg of tablets | 15kg of tablets | 25kg of tablets |
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