Water Softener FAQs & Guidance

The ‘best’ water softener completely depends on your usage.

Our helpful buying guide will help you choose the right water softener for your needs.

Most water softeners work the same way, meaning there is no clear winner when it comes to efficiency. As mentioned, the most efficient water softener for you will be the one that meets your needs best.

Water softeners help other appliances work more efficiently, too. Without limescale build up, heating systems and appliances don’t have to work as hard to work effectively.

This means an average family of four could save around £500 per year with a water softener.

Hard water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium, which causes limescale, clogs pipes, and complicates soap and detergent dissolving in water.

Water softeners use a process called ‘ion exchange’, which replaces the minerals that makes water hard with other ions, typically sodium or potassium. This keeps the water soft and safe, making your household water systems more efficient and introducing a range of lifestyle benefits to your home.

Yes. Only use salt or potassium chloride that’s specifically designed for water softeners – so no table or dicing salt.

Water softener salt is available in blocks, crystals, or pellets. These shapes provide the most surface area, enabling more efficient regeneration.

Salt is added to the reservoir when the softener regenerates. The more often the softener regenerates, the more often you’ll need to add salt.

Salt levels are typically checked once a month. Some electric water softeners can notify you when salt needs to be added.

All this talk of salt can be off-putting, but it’s important to know that water softeners do not allow salt to enter the drinking water. The only purpose of the salt is to regenerate the resin beads that remove hardiness from the water.

Soft water still contains all the essential minerals, and it’s perfectly safe and healthy to drink. Many people prefer the taste of soft water, comparing it to that of bottled water.

The sodium used to soften water may have a negative effect on plants, as increased levels of sodium can make plants think they’ve taken up more water than they actually have. Some plants are far more sensitive to sodium than others.

Water butts are an eco-friendly solution to this problem, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of softened water whilst collecting rainwater to keep plants healthy.

Alternatively, bypass spigots can be installed which takes water from the water line before it is softened.

No, fluoride levels are not affected by water softeners.

Fluoride occurs naturally in water, is completely safe, and can help reduce tooth decay. Its use is fully approved by the World Health Organisation, the British Medical Association and the British Dental Association.

Most water softeners are designed with easy maintenance in mind, and don’t require any servicing. All users need to do is keep them topped up with salt when required.

That being said, some brands do recommend annual servicing, so it’s best to check with the manufacturer before buying.

When done by a professional, an installation usually takes anywhere between two and four hours. This depends on your water system, and the type of water softener being installed.

Water softeners can be installed in an apartment, flat, or maisonette on any floor. The only requirement is that the property in question has its own water supply.

A water softener will only noticeably affect the water pressure if it is undersized or installed incorrectly.

Yes, it’s possible to take your soft water with you when you move house. After all, once you’re used to soft water, it’s hard to live without it.

Unless you have a knowledge of plumbing and basic DIY, we recommend getting a professional to re-fit your water softener in your new home.