FAQ’S
Questions
- Find the answers to the most common questions we get asked:
You can drink softened water although in very hard water areas, it is advisable not to use for making up baby feeds or for those people following a low-sodium diet. It contains slightly more sodium than hard water so if you prefer to drink hard water then you can use the small hard water faucet that we offer to install when we fit your softener. Alternatively we can make the cold water from your kitchen tap come from a non-softened supply using a drinking water filter.
The picture shows one possible location.
A block salt water softener is one of the most compact on the market and is designed to fit under most sinks - often taking up only half of the cupboard space. The dimensions are outlined below. We suggest that a site survey is carried out to check the best location for your softener.
The dimensions of the cabinet are:
Height (A) - 490mm / 19.25 inches
Depth (B) - 464mm / 18.25 inches
Width min (C) - 216mm / 8.25 inches
Width max (D) - 267mm / 10.5 inches
This depends on existing pipework, location etc. But in general terms about half a day is the average.
Your softener will be fitted by our fully qualified Aquavitae plumbers who specialise in water softener installations and who we have used for many years.
Once you have a water softener installed your first cost is for electricity if you have any electrically operated softener and the only other costs are salt and maintenance. Electricity is not a consideration with a non-electric water softener, and these units generally require little or no ongoing maintenance. Typically the salt will cost less than 50p per person per week in a hard water area and even less in a moderately hard water area.
We cover a 15 mile radius from Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire. This includes Berkshire (Berks), Buckinghamshire (Bucks), Oxfordshire (Oxon) and the surrounding towns of Maidenhead, Slough and Reading. If in doubt please ring us and we will tell you if you are in our catchment.
Yes. We install our softeners with quick fitting connections, similar to those used with washing machines therefore it is as easy as disconnecting your washing machine and replumbing it when it is in its new location.
No. One of the many benefits of a block salt softener is that no electricity is required. It uses water pressure to power the valves and to re-generate.
Softened water provides real cost savings in service, maintenance and replacement of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, taps and showers and also extends their life.
Softened water also:
- Improves the efficiency of hot water and heating systems;
- Saves some 50% of washing powder and toilet soap consumption and similarly cut the use of shampoos, conditioners and cleaning products;
- Can help certain dry skin conditions such as eczema;
- 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;
- Has a clean silky feeling, making bathtime a luxury without the need for bath oils or bubble bath liquids;
- Makes hair soft and easy to manage;
- Rinses completely away without leaving scum even after shaving;
- Makes laundry brighter and glasses and dishes sparkle and shine;
- 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.
For more information go to the British Water site here.
We can deliver the softener with a full DIY fitting kit if you are a confident DIY plumber. Please call us for prices.
- Water Aid
- Water UK
- Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)
- Office of Water Services (OFWAT)
- Drinking Water Inspectorate
- British Water