Reliable water softener installation in London

Can I drink softened water?

You can - this is a matter of personal choice. Where the water hardness is below 400ppm doesn’t pose a healthy risk. Normally, the softening process adds a minimal amount of extra sodium to the water supply, which in the cases that does not exceed 200 mg/l, is safe to drink. If you don't mind using softened water for all domestic purposes, you can opt for not having an unsoftened water tap fitted. But if you have a baby or occupants who are on a sodium-free diet or you just want to have access to a hard water supply, your plumber will recommend to leave the cold water mixer tap unsoftened, install a different tri-flow tap or a separate drinking water tap.

What water softener size do I need?

You may think about the physical size of the water softener, but its capacity is what matters. There are pitfalls when you do the water softener size calculations on your own. For instance, undersizing can lead to water passing over the resin too quickly and therefore not producing 100% soft water. Oversizing can lead to less than 100% soft water as this can result in the incoming water channeling through the resin. To arrange a home survey will take the hassle out of buying a soft water system. Your local water softener fitter will check everything from pipe size, harness of the water, incoming pressure to property size and location of the installation.

Do I have to maintain or regenerate the resin myself?

All modern soft water systems are almost maintenance-free. Most of them are designed to regenerate automatically. So all you have to do is to add salt occasionally.

Where to install a water softener?

As long as there’s access to drains for waste and overflow, pipework, electricity, and the space is large enough to accommodate the size of your new equipment, you can fit a water softening appliance practically anywhere in your home. Most often, water softeners fit comfortably under most kitchen sinks, but you can install them in a full-sized basement, loft space, closet, and even in a weatherproofed outside cabinet. Note: You shouldn’t install the system near a boiler, water heater or other heat-generating appliance where it can be damaged by the excessive heat.

Does my water softener reduce home's water pressure?

You see, whatever you fit in a water distribution system, it will certainly alter the water pressure. Domestic pressure loss won’t be extreme, though. Expect 0.3-0.5 bar pressure drop across the softener due to the resistance from the resin bed. As with any plumbing work, water softener installers will watch out for pipe routes as short as possible, minimum bends and use full bore valves to minimise pressure loss and stagnation.

Can soften water damage central heating?

There are no negative effects of soft water circulation in your heating system, provided that you add a corrosion inhibitor to your central heating on a regular basis. For your peace of mind, your local plumbing installer may recommend fitting a bypass valve so your central heating (radiators) can fill with unsoftened water. In any case, a boiler-water softener combo will reduce the cost of boiler servicing and replacement.

Can I install a water softener outside?

If your home’s space is limited, you can site a water softener outside. You need to consider installing an insulated cabinet to protect your appliance from the elements.

How long does a water softener last?

A modern water softener unit should last about 10 to 15 years. But you can find households with high-quality appliances over 20 years old.