The Benefits Of Water Softeners

Featured here are just some of the benefits of softened water


Softened water provides real cost savings in service, maintenance and replacement of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and showers and also extends their life

Softened water improves the efficiency of hot water and heating systems - just 1.6mm (1/16")of scale build-up in heating systems will cause a 12% loss in heating efficiency

Softened water can save some 50% of washing powder and toilet soap consumption and similarly cut the use of shampoos, conditioners and cleaning products

Softened water can help certain dry skin conditions such as eczema

Softened water saves time - independant studies have confirmed that considerable cleaning time is saved with softened water

Softened water can in time remove existing scale deposits in hot water and heating systems as well as scale around taps and stains in baths and basins

Softened water has a clean silky feeling. It makes bathtime a luxury without the need for bath oils or bubble bath liquids

Softened water makes hair soft and easy to manage

Softened water rinses completely away without leaving scum even after shaving

Softened water makes laundry brighter and glasses and dishes sparkle and shine

Softened water makes washing the car easier and will reduce streaking and spotting. Water softeners are installed in nearly all commercial laundries, kitchens and car washes in hard water areas

Hard water (300 mg/l as calcium carbonate equivalent) used in the average family (4 people) home each year contains 70kg (154 lbs) weight of scale. Unchecked it will cause damage and expense. It is estimated that an ion-exchange water softener could save over £200 per year for an average four-person household


HOW IS HARD WATER SOFTENED IN THE HOME?


Q How is hard water softened?

A To fully soften water the minerals (calcium and magnesium) which cause hardness must be removed. These minerals are removed by ion-exchange. Fitting a domestic ion-exchange water softener is the only process specifically designed to completely remove all hardness from your mains water supply. The softened water will also gradually remove existing scale from pipework, bathroom fittings and heating elements.


Q How do water softeners work?

A Hard water is passed through a cylinder containing millions of tiny beads of ion-exchange resin which attract and remove the hardness minerals from the water. The resin is automatically cleaned or "regenerated" by rinsing a small ammount of brine (common salt - sodium chloride - dissolved in water) through the cylinder. The sodium from the salt is left in the resin as it is exchanged for the hardness minerals trapped by the resin. The used brine, containing accumulated hardness, does not enter the household water system - it is automatically flushed away into a drain. Refreshed by the regeneration, the resin is again ready to remove hardness minerals, ie to soften the water. This process is known as "ion-exchange".

Q Do I have to clean or regenerate the resin myself? A No. All modern water softeners are programmed to regenerate automatically. All you have to do is occasionally add salt.
Q What kind of salt should be used? A Only salt recommended for water softener regeneration should be used. Your supplier will be able to provide full details of the correct type and best grade to use with your particular installation.
Q Where can I buy salt? A From your local water softener supplier - ask your installation engineer or look in Yellow Pages under Water Softeners or Water Treatment. Normally salt is available in various packs from 10 to 25 kg (22-55lb) bags or as blocks. It should be stored in a clean and dry environment.

SOFTENED WATER AROUND THE HOME

Q How much does a water softener cost?

A The cost will vary according to the type and size. Unlike other home improvements the savings provided by a water softener will produce a payback within 2 - 4 years.

Q How can I justify the investment?

A Most people who have used a water softener would simply say that to wash and bathe in clear, scum-free water is sufficient justification. However, a water softener fulfills many functions and gives substantial savings. The long-term benefits are the protection of bathroom equipment and all water-using appliances and a reduction of water heating bills. On a day to day basis, substantial savings can be made on soap products, cleaning materials and especially cleaning times.

Q What about servicing and maintenance?

A A water softener is constantly in operation but because there are few moving components, its life is much longer than most other domestic appliances. Your supplier can probably offer servicing if required. The frequency of servicing or maintenance will depend on the type, age and usage of the softener.

Q Can a water softener be moved and relocated?

A Definitely yes. It is as easy as removing a washing machine or dishwasher and can be moved from home to home. In many cases, a water softener has been known to help sell a property as a result of its protection of the hot water system and bathroom sanitaryware.

Q Why not just soften the hot water?

A This is not economically viable. Although the hot water system would remain scale-free, all the benefits of fully softened water would be lost when any cold, hard water was added.

Q Can a water softener be used with lead pipes?

A Some of the lead pipework may have to be replaced first. Although lead pipework in hard water areas may not cause a problem it is advisable to replace it. However, soft water (natural rainwater or artificially softened water) in lead pipework systems may cause the pick-up of lead. If your lead pipework has not already been replaced, any pipes that carry softened water must be changed. Grants may be available for such renovation of pipework for households with low income. Further information may be obtained from your local authority.

Q Will softened water affect my central heating system?

A Softened water will prevent scaling: if the nature of your local water supply requires it, or if you have an indirect heating system, a corrosion inhibitor should be used.

Q Do plants like hard or softened water?

A It is worth checking with your local garden centre. The level of sodium in softened water may be harmful to some plants. Most indoor plants usually prefer rainwater to tap water. It is an unnecessary waste of softened water to use it to supply a garden hose.

Q Can softened water be used in an aquarium?

A Softened water may be acceptable. If in doubt, check with your local aquatic supplier.

Q Can softened water be used in car batteries and steam irons?

A No. Only distilled or deionised waters should be used in car batteries. Many modern steam irons can use hard and/or softened water. The guidance given in the manufacturer's instructions should be followed.

Q Is softened water suitable for home brewing?

A It varies. Naturally soft or softened water is suitable for wine, brown ale, stout and lager brewed from concentrate kits. Home brewers who "mash" may require special water treatment.

Q Are water charges affected by fitting a water softener?

A Your water charges or water charges account will not be affected unless you have a water meter fitted. Additional water will be used to regenerate the softener, although the amount of softened water used for cleaning will be less.


INSTALLATION OF WATER SOFTENERS


It is important that water softeners are correctly installed, used and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions.

Q Is a water softener easy to install?

A Usually. Modern water softeners are small enough to fit easily into any kitchen or utiltiy room and ideally near to the incoming mains water supply with access to a drain and electricity. Members of British Water are required to install water softeners in accordance with the recognised Code of Practice. Alternatively, use a plumber who is affilliated to a recognised Trade Association, eg.The Institute of Plumbing.

Q Do I need electricity?

A It depends on the type of water softener. Most softeners are fitted with a small electric system for automatic control. This ensures that the softener regenerates at the correct intervals and at the correct time. The automatic control consumes about the same amount of electricity as a kitchen clock. Some water softeners operate hydraulically using the water flow to control regeneration.

Q Does a water softener need a specific water pressure?

A No. Water softeners work within a wide range of pressures, but a minimum pressure of 1.4 bar (20 psi) is required - refer to the manufacturer's instructions. If your water pressure is excessively high or low, this can be corrected at installation.

Q Can water softeners be used with the direct high flow rate systems now being fitted in the UK?

A Yes, but seek advice from your local softener supplier to ensure a suitable high flow rate model is supplied and correctly installed.

Q Will installation of a water softener conform to the Water Fittings Regulations?

A Provided your supplier installs your softener in accordance with the current British Water Code of Practice for Salt Regenerated Ion-Exchange Water Softeners for Direct Connection to the Mains Water Supply, the installation will conform to the Water Fittings Regulations.

Q Can I install it myself?

A Yes. Provided you are competent and it is done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. However, it is important to ensure that the softener is working at maximum efficiency after installation, and complies with the Water Fittings Regulations. If in doubt, contact your supplier.

Q Can a water softener drain into a septic tank?

A Yes. Regeneration waste from a water softener will have no adverse effect on a septic tank, provided both are the right size for the number of people in the house. Softened water can help reduce the amount of detergent discharged into a septic tank.


SOFTENED WATER AND HEALTH
Also see British Water Information on our links page.

Water softening removes the hardness minerals, calcium and magnesium, by exchanging these minerals for sodium in common salt.


Q Should a water softener be installed to leave a drinking tap which supplies unsoftened water?

A Yes. It is particularly important that all water mixed with powdered milk for babies' feed is drawn from an unsoftened mains tap. This is because powdered milk already contains the right amount of sodium, and very young babies have a limited tolerence for sodium. Anyone on a sodium-restricted diet should follow their doctor's instructions.

The British Water Code of Practice which covers all new water softener installations, requires that where reasonably practicable, a pipe leading to a mains tap for unsoftened or mains drinking water should be connected directly to the water supply pipe prior to the water softener inlet.


Q Will those who prefer to drink softened water be deprived of minerals necessary for good health?

A No. The beneficial minerals necessary for good health come mostly from food in a balanced diet. Neither hard drinking water nor softened water can provide a significant proportion of the daily needs for minerals - for example a glass of hard water contains only about one tenth of the calcium that is in an equal volume of milk.


Q How much sodium is there in softened water?

A The average daily intake of sodium from all sources for an adult is 3500 mg (equivalent to 9 g of salt), but experts advising the Department of Health recommend a reduction to about 2300 mg (equivalent to 6 g of salt). Many natural and manufactured foods and drinks contain sodium and contribute to this total intake. Typical examples are: two glasses of milk contain 350 mg of sodium, and two slices of bread contain 375 mg. For comparison, an adult in a hard water area drinking 2.25 litres (4 pints) of artificially softened water per day would add only 310 mg of sodium (or less than 9%) to their average daily intake.


For precise information on the amount of sodium in softened water, refer to table


Q Will softened water help dry skin conditions such as eczema?

A Many eczema sufferers notice benefits from the use of softened water. Due to the complexity of eczema, it is impossible to quantify why softened water helps. Successful reports suggest the following:



Water softeners eliminate scummy soap curd and result in a clean lather which is kind to skin, reducing dryness and itching.


With softened water, the amount of soap used when washing clothes can be greatly reduced. Also pure soap products can be used with softened water in preference to detergents.