Why do we recommend and install water softeners?
The mains water supply in the Basingstoke area is hard and this causes a number of problems. Christopher Plumbing Services recommend installing a water softener and can advise on the best type for your property. Softened water gives visible benefits around the home and can help reduce household running costs.
Hard water and limescale problems
We can see the effects of hard water as it causes limescale build-up in the hot water pipes, taps and shower heads, it leaves unsightly scum and scale in the kitchen and bathroom and it can cause skin problems.
It can also have a significant impact on the efficiency of the boiler and central heating system, resulting in wasted energy and higher fuel bills:
- an A-rated boiler can be reduced to a C-rating, and
- just 3.2mm of scale can increase fuel bills by as much as 25%!
Scaled-up heat exchanger
... and what it should look like!
Visible benefits of installing 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
A water softener can save you money
A water softener can pay for itself within five years and last up to 20 years.
Installation is usually straightforward as it requires no power and it can often sit conveniently under the kitchen sink (depending on existing plumbing and accessibility). Thereafter, running costs and maintenance are minimal, only needing a periodic top-up of block salt.
Once a softener has been installed, the boiler and hot water heating system operate more efficiently and existing scale in the system is gradually removed, thus extending the life expectancy of the boiler and central heating system.
The working life of home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers is also extended, thus saving money on repairs or replacements. The amount of day-to-day household products such as scale removers, washing detergents, shampoos and soaps is reduced.
Interested in a water softener? Call 08000 112628How 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.
The hardness minerals are trapped in a resin bed.This is cleaned by salt solution which is flushed away.
Softened water is distributed to the house.
