Christopher Plumbing Services Ltd 08000112628
Welcome to Christopher Plumbing Services, Basingstoke plumber

Why do we recommend and install water softeners?

Image showing hard water area in the South of England

We recommend installing a water softener because the mains water supply in the Basingstoke area is hard and this causes many problems. Softened water gives visible benefits around the home and can help reduce household running costs.

Hard water and limescale problems

We can see the effects of hard water as it causes limescale build-up in the hot water pipes, taps and shower heads, it leaves unsightly scum and scale in the kitchen and bathroom and it can cause skin problems.

It can also have a significant impact on the efficiency of the boiler and central heating system, resulting in wasted energy and higher fuel bills:

Scaled-up heat exchanger from a boiler

Scaled-up heat exchanger

Scaled-up pipework

... and what it should look like!


Visible benefits of installing a water softener:

Scaled-up showerhead

Shower head

Scaled-up pipework

Central heating pipes

Scum and scale on the kitchen sink

Basins and sinks

Scale-free showerhead
Scale-free pipework
shiny sink no limescale

A water softener can save you money

A water softener can pay for itself within five years and last up to 20 years.

Installation is usually straightforward as it requires no power and it can often sit conveniently under the kitchen sink (depending on existing plumbing and accessibility). Thereafter, running costs and maintenance are minimal, only needing a periodic top-up of block salt.

Once a softener has been installed, the boiler and hot water heating system operate more efficiently and existing scale in the system is gradually removed, thus extending the life expectancy of the boiler and central heating system.

The working life of home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers is also extended, thus saving money on repairs or replacements. The amount of day-to-day household products such as scale removers, washing detergents, shampoos and soaps is reduced.


How does a water softener work?

Rainwater is naturally soft but as it flows underground it collects calcium and magnesium minerals, gradually increasing in hardness. Unfortunately for us, the water supply companies don't soften this water before supplying it to our homes, despite the obvious damage it can cause!

This diagram shows how a water softener works

Water softener diagramMains hard water enters the water softener.

The hardness minerals are trapped in a resin bed.This is cleaned by salt solution which is flushed away.

Softened water is distributed to the house.

Interested? Call us 08000 112628