How can a water softener help in your home?
The mains water supply in Basingstoke and the southeast of England is hard but installing a water softener can help in several ways. Softened water gives visible benefits around the home, it improves the efficiency of the boiler and central heating system and helps the flow of hot water - and can save you money!
Hard water and limescale problems
The hard water supply causes limescale build-up in the hot water system and pipes, unsightly scum and scale deposits in the kitchen and bathroom, skin problems, wasted energy and higher household running costs and fuel bills.
This limescale build-up can really make a difference! Limescale can reduce the efficiency of an A-rated boiler to a C-rating and just 3.2mm of scale can increase fuel bills by as much as 25%!
Scaled-up heat exchanger from a boiler...
and what it should look like!
Benefits of fitting a water softener
The images below show some of the benefits of fitting a water softener:
- Clean and shiny taps, showerheads, baths, basins, showers and kettles;
- Clean pipes with increased hot water flow;
- Bathrooms and kitchens are easier to clean;
- Possible improvement of skin conditions such as eczema.
Shower head
Central heating pipes
Basins and sinks
Save money by fitting a water softener
A water softener can pay for itself within five years and last up to 20 years. It can even move house with you!
The cost of the unit itself depends on the type and size, installation costs are based on the existing plumbing and accessibility. Installation is usually straightforward as it requires no power and can sit conveniently under the kitchen sink or in the garage. Thereafter, running costs and maintenance are minimal, it just needs a periodic top-up of block salt.
A typical family of four spending £250 a year heating hot water could save around £20 to £30 per year by installing a water softener because the boiler and hot water heating system can operate more efficiently. Existing scale in the system is gradually removed and doesn't form again so the life expectancy of your boiler and central heating system is extended.
The working life of home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers is also extended, thus saving money on repairs or replacements. The need for day-to-day household products such as scale removers, washing detergents, shampoos and soaps is reduced.
How does a water softener work?
Rainwater is naturally soft but as it flows underground it collects calcium and magnesium minerals, gradually increasing in hardness. Unfortunately for us, the water supply companies don't soften this water before supplying it to our homes, despite the obvious damage it can cause!
This diagram shows how a water softener works
Mains hard water enters the water softener. Hardness minerals are trapped in a resin bed. This is periodically regenerated (cleaned) by flushing with brine (salt dissolved in water)
Softened water is distributed to the house, gradually removing existing scale deposits. Used brine flushes the hardness minerals down the drain.
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