When you are planning to buy a new water softener , Shawfit Softeners can help you decide on the best model for you. There are many different factors to be taken into account such as size of household, type of water system, water hardness and pressure and location of water supply as well as the quality and price of the softener. We would recommend a home visit when you haven't had a water softener before so we can test your water and give advice (no sales pressure - we don't have a salesman, just an experienced installer). For a replacement softener we can usually quote over the phone.
We supply a range of reliable, efficient water softeners capable of softening the East Anglian hard water. Whether you want the benefit of a continuous supply of softened water or a softener that will even alert you that it needs salt, we can meet your requirements with a range including Aquadial and CalMag and can offer a very competitive installation price. An electrical point may be required depending on the model chosen.
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Some of the most commonly asked questions are answered below
Q. What is hardness?
A. It is the calcium and magnesium ions contained in water supplies in hard water areas. [back to top]
Q. What does this hardness do?
A. It builds up in hot water pipes, radiators, shower heads, washing machines, dishwashers, kettles. It clogs taps and causes white scale to accumulate on basins, baths, sanitaryware etc. It binds with soap and detergents producing scum. [back to top]
Q. What is the result of this?
A. Limescale build up in hot water systems makes them work harder and use more fuel to produce the same result. 3.2mm of scale build-up increases the fuel requirement by 25%. If you spend £100 on oil for your heating, that cost would rise to £125 as pipes become scaled up. It also costs more for your dishwasher, washing machine and any water heater to heat up. Your boiler has to work harder to circulate hot water through narrower pipes as they become coated with scale. Maintenance costs are incresed and appliances need replacing more often. Strong cleaning products are needed to remove limescale. As the hardness ions bind with the fatty acids in soaps and detergents,more is needed to give the same cleaning effect. [back to top]
Q. What does a water softener do?
A. It removes hardness and adds softness to water that flows through it. [back to top]
Q. How does a water softener work?
A. Inside the water softener is a tank with resin in. The amount of resin is determined by the hardness of your water and the volume of water that is estimated to pass through it. Before use the resin needs to be saturated with salt solution (brine) resulting in resin coated with sodium ions. When hard water flows through the resin, it attracts the calcium and magnesium ions (hardness) and releases the sodium ions (softness). Depending on the location of your water softener (usually adjacent to your rising main) all your water will then be softened. A drinking water tap should be left on hard water as soft water is not suitable for some comsumption eg. baby formula. [back to top]
Q. What does softness do?
A. It eradicates the problem of soap scum and tidemarks and improves the foaming and cleansing properties of soaps, detergents and shampoos. Less quantity is necessary and more natural types can be used. Soft water soothes dry skin conditions and is recommended for eczema and psoriasis. Washing is softer and cleaner and glasses and crockery shine. No need for dishwasher salt anymore. [back to top]
Q. I already have scale build-up. Is there any point in having a water softener?
A water softener will gradually remove existing limescale build up. For about a month after installation you may notice increased white deposits on washing etc as the softened water dissolves existing scale in your hot water tank and pipes.
Q. Does a water softener cost much to run?
If you use a good quality, low residue salt (such as Broste), you will probably need around 9 x 25kg tablets per year depending on water useage. Cheap salt tends to be higher residue resulting in a less efficient water softener. Block salt is more expensive but lighter and easier to use.
British Water have a range of interesting factsheets about hard water, water softeners, drinking water and water filters.
A water softener is only any good if it has salt in it! To help you remember we offer a salt delivery service with special prices for Shawfit customers. You can even set up a regular monthly service and pay by credit or debit card! [back to top]
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