Water described as "hard" means it is high in dissolved minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium and is typical of the Cotswold and North Wiltshire area. Hard water is not a health risk, but it’s a real problem because of its tendency to cause mineral buildup in water pipes and heating systems, and its poor soap and/or detergent performance when compared with soft water.
When you consider that ¼ inch of limescale in your water heating element will cause you to use 40% more energy to heat up water, limescale can have a significant impact in your wallet as well as environmental consequences. Other appliances also suffer such as washing machines, fridges, freezers and dishwashers.
There are different solutions to different problems but there’s only one perfect answer to all your hard water issues. That would be installing a water softener in your home. Water softeners remove things like calcium, magnesium and iron from your water as it comes in from the source. It’s an investment that could save you headaches as well as money.
Enter your postcode below to see if you live in a Hard Water area. You will be directed to a page with all the information that you need about your water quality.
Soft water helps prevent the build up of limescale, so preserving the longevity and productivity of your appliances. When these function correctly the results not only extend to your wallet but your hair and skin will benefit too.
Did you know? The average household in the UK accumulates approximately 70kg of limescale annually.
Whilst limescale is often visible, it can also build up within pipes and boilers, causing unseen issues. Thankfully, with proper treatment, soft water can prevent the formation of limescale and mineral deposits on plumbing fixtures, pipes, and showerheads. This not only preserves water flow and pressure efficiency but also reduces the necessity for frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Has your washing machine, dishwasher or boiler not lasted as long as expected? This could be due to limescale build up.
Replacing these larger appliances are neither convenient, cost-effective or environmentally friendly. Soft water plays a significant role in extending the lifespan and enhancing the efficiency of these such household appliances because their heating elements remain uncompromised, allowing them to function optimally. Furthermore, using less detergent per laundry load not only has financial and environmental benefits but also ensures cleaner clothes that maintain their colour, texture and durability over time.
Soft water has proven to be gentler on the skin and hair.
Whilst this may not be a priority to some, when two thirds of the population experience sensitive skin it can have quite a substantial physical and emotional impact. The minerals responsible for producing hard water also contribute towards dry and irritated skin. The resulting soft water from the treatment also creates a foamier lather when using soap and shampoo, so it’s more economical too!
The collection of limescale on appliances diminishes their efficiency, resulting in elevated energy consumption and higher utility bills.
Softened water serves as a preventive measure against mineral deposit buildup, enabling appliances to function at their best and ultimately cutting down on household expenses. This is significantly felt in commercial settings where operations rely on uninterrupted access to electricity and water. Not only is this supply essential for the day to day running of a business, reducing overheads is just as important.. as it would be for a household too.
The repercussions of limescale extend beyond financial to environmental implications as well.
For instance, just a ¼ inch layer of limescale in your water heating element can raise energy usage by 40%. In regions with hard water, minerals from the water attach themselves to the interior surfaces of appliances, preventing efficient heat transfer. This inefficiency requires extra energy input and makes the appliances vulnerable to breakdowns. Soft water proves helpful for any water-dependent appliance, as it prevents the accumulation of mineral deposits, ensuring optimal efficiency and functionality.
The water softener removes magnesium and calcium from the water supply via an ion exchange process. Hard water enters your home from the mains pipe and travels to the water softener. Resin beads in the tank attract and hold onto hard water minerals, removing them from the water. Once the resin beads have reached capacity and trapped all of the hard minerals that they can, the water softener will automatically switch to a cleaning cycle, using a brine solution to flush the resin clean. Softened water exits the unit and flows into the plumbing system serving your home.
We stock Kinetico block salt and Broste tablet salt (free delivery within 10 miles of Tetbury, minimum order or 12 packs and 5 bags respectfully)
2024 prices are:-
Kinetico Block Salt (2 x 4kg blocks per pack) @ £6.95 incl. VAT
Brøste Table Salt (25kg per bag) @ £14.00 incl. VAT
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Call
01666 503632
Email
info@indplumbingandheating.co.uk
Office
Alderton 4, Priory Park
Priory Industrial Estate
London Road
Tetbury
Gloucestershire GL8 8HZ
IND Plumbing and Heating is an established family-run company trusted for over 40 years to deliver reliability and quality workmanship. Based in Tetbury, we provide a variety of plumbing and heating services covering The Cotswolds and North Wiltshire.
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