Choosing a Water Softener in the UK: Plain Guide to Hard Water

Choosing a Water Softener in the UK: Plain Guide to Hard Water

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Many UK households notice limescale on kettles, taps, and heating elements. A water softener is one way to deal with it. This guide draws on a Which? Trusted Traders article, and we have kept to what it states.

How a softener works

The article explains that softeners use ion exchange. Calcium and magnesium ions are swapped for sodium or potassium ions. A softener has a mineral tank holding resin beads, where the exchange happens, and a brine tank. It connects to the mains supply so water is softened before it reaches the taps.

Regeneration and salt

When the resin needs recharging, a concentrated brine solution is drawn from the brine tank and flushed through the resin. The brine tank must be topped up with salt. The article says:

• Units use salt tablets or block salt, depending on the model. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Tablets typically cost 20 to 30 pounds for a 25 kg bag, according to the article. Prices may have changed.
• One installer is quoted as saying refilling every two to four weeks is a general rule, but this depends on the model, water hardness, and household use.
• Cheap salt is described as often impure, which can cause sludge buildup.
• Some models have a salt level indicator.

Timed or metered

• Timed models regenerate on a fixed schedule based on estimated usage, hardness, and capacity. The article says they are cheaper upfront but can be less efficient.
• Metered models regenerate after a set volume of water has been used. The article says this reduces waste and gives a more consistent supply of softened water.

Know your hardness

Hardness is measured in parts per million (ppm). The article lists one company's categories: soft is 0 to 50 ppm, moderately hard is 100 to 200 ppm, and hard is 201 to 275 ppm. It adds that hard-water areas are generally in the south east of England and parts of Ireland. Your water company can tell you the hardness at your postcode. Not verified: your local figure, so ask your supplier.

Cost

The article says prices typically range from 300 to 1,500 pounds depending on size and type, and names popular brands including Aqua Cure, BWT, Harvey, Kinetico, and Kube. The mention of a brand is not a recommendation. Add installation and salt to the total.

Where to install

The unit should sit where water enters the home so all water is softened, according to the article. It also warns that installing it yourself can be complicated without plumbing experience, and recommends a professional. Sizing depends on water usage, household size, flow rates, and how often you want to add salt. Measure the space and check the manufacturer's dimensions, particularly for under-sink models.

Drinking softened water

The article says most people can drink softened water, but advises keeping an unsoftened supply at the kitchen tap for drinking and cooking. It states that:

• The Drinking Water Inspectorate sets a maximum of 200 mg per litre of sodium in drinking water.
• Naturally occurring sodium is up to about 20 mg per litre, so a softener could theoretically add up to 180 mg per litre.
• Softened water should not be used to make baby feeds, and people on low-sodium diets should not drink it, according to the AIWSE.

If you have a medical condition, ask a health professional. We cannot give medical advice.

Alternatives

Potassium-based salt is mentioned as an ion-exchange option in the article. Descaling devices that do not use salt are sold, but the article we used does not assess them, so we do not make claims about them. Not verified: effectiveness of non-salt devices.

Questions to ask a supplier

• What hardness was the unit sized for, and what capacity does it have?
• Timed or metered, and how much salt and water does it use per regeneration?
• What does installation include, such as a bypass and a drain?
• What are the warranty and servicing terms?
• Does the quote include an unsoftened drinking tap?

Common mistakes

• Buying without knowing local hardness.
• Choosing cheap salt that may cause sludge.
• Softening the drinking tap without considering sodium.
• Hiring an installer without checking their plumbing qualifications.

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General information only. Not medical, legal, or financial advice. Confirm sizing and installation with a qualified installer.