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Sometimes there are still some situations where height is a problem, this can be fixed by cutting a 9" hole in the unit and dropping the softener into it, leaving only 19" showing.
The following information kindly provided British Water UK Plc
INTRODUCTION: The mains water supplied by your water company is required to meet stringent quality regulations to ensure that it is safe for human use. In areas of the country with a hard water supply, consumers may wish to consider the advantages of softening their water.
The Guide has been produced to help answer your questions about water softening.
Water softeners have been available in this country for nearly 100 years. Although widely used by industry throughout this period, domestic water softeners were for many years considered a luxury. They are now very affordable and their use will provide real savings and benefits.
The feeling of washing and bathing in soft, silky, scum-free water is indeed luxurious, and softened water protects the bathroom and sanitary-ware from ugly stains and scale associated with hard water. Domestic water softeners play an important role in today's modern home, along with other traditional 'white goods'.
The range and choice of domestic water softening equipment and suppliers are expanding rapidly, with roots going back over 50 years, British Water represents nearly 200 manufacturers and key suppliers to the water industry. Member companies are listed elsewhere on their website.
WHAT IS HARD OR SOFT WATER?
Q. WHAT IS HARD-WATER?
A. Hard water is water that contains dissolved chalk, lime and other minerals. Rainwater is naturally soft, but as it percolates through chalk and limestone it dissolves and collects these minerals. Rainwater which falls on hard rock remains naturally soft. The hardness of the supply of mains water to your home is dependant on where you live and the source (river or ground water) of your mains water supply.
Q. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF HARD-WATER?
A Scale, scum and tidemarks around baths and basins. The minerals contained in the hard water settle out as an unsightly deposit of hardness scale whenever the water is heated, or when cold standing water evaporates.
Examples of this are:
> > Unsightly white marks, stains and scale on sinks, baths, toilet bowls and around the base of taps
> > Blocked shower heads
> > Clogging of pipework and premature failure of water heaters
Water hardness also makes it difficult to get a good lather, so more soap is required for washing. Even after washing, clothes can be left grey and dingy, and dishes and glasses dull and smeared.
Q HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF MY WATER IS HARD?
A Generally speaking, hard water is supplied to 60% of homes in the UK: especially in central, eastern and southern areas of England. Some English cities are supplied with naturally soft water from Wales and the Lake District. Water quality information, including hardness levels, for individual supplies is available from the local water supplier's customer information services. The map and notes below give indications of water hardness in the different regions of England & Wales, water in Scotland & Northern Ireland is generally soft with only a few certain areas have hard water.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOFTENED WATER?
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 - independent 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 70 kilogrammes or 154 Pounds 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?
To fully soften water the minerals (calcium and magnesium)which cause hardness must be removed. These minerals are removed by ion-exchange. Domestic ion-exchange water softeners use this process and are the only products which are 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.
HOW DO WATER SOFTENERS WORK?
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 amount 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 the 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”.
DO I HAVE TO CLEAN OR REGENERATE THE RESIN MYSELF?
No. All modern water softeners are programmed to regenerate automatically. All you have to do is occasionally add salt.
WHAT KIND OF SALT SHOULD BE USED?
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.
Where can I buy salt?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 25kg (22 to 55lbs) bags or as blocks. It should be stored in a clean and dry environment.
How much does a water softener cost? The cost will vary according to the type and size. Unlike other home improvements the savings provided by a water softener can 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, scumfree water is sufficient justification. However, use of softened water can give significant savings which include many long-term benefits such as the protection of bathroom equipment, all water-using appliances and a reduction of water heating bills. Substantial savings can also be made on soap products, cleaning materials and especially cleaning times.
What about servicing and maintenance?
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.
Can a water softener be moved and relocated?
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.
Why not just soften the hot water?
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.
Can a water softener be used with lead pipes? When an ion-exchange water softener is installed it is recommended that, as a precaution, all lead pipework carrying softened water should be replaced. Softening the water will not in itself affect the uptake of lead from existing pipework but disturbance of lead pipework in fitting the softener may do so. Grants may be available for replacement of pipework for households with low income: further information may be obtained from your local authority. (See also Fact Sheet 8)
Will softened water affect my central heating system?
Softened water will prevent scaling: however, if the nature of your local water supply requires it, or if you have an indirect central heating system, a corrosion inhibitor should be used.
Do plants like hard or softened water?
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.
Can softened water be used in an aquarium?
Softened water may be acceptable. If in doubt, check with your local aquatic supplier.
Can softened water be used in car batteries and steam irons?
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.
Is softened water suitable for home brewing?
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.
Will my water bill be affected by fitting a water softener?
A small amount of water will be used to regenerate the softener, but your water bill will not be affected unless you have a water meter fitted. However, this increased water use may be offset by using less softened water for cleaning.