Wastes & Plumbing > Water Softeners

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