P1Fanatic

We live in a hard water area - doesn't take long for the kettle to scale up, same for the shower cubicle etc. The wife has eczema and on our travels we find softer water much nicer even for day to day stuff like shaving.

Quick google and every man and their dog wants to sell you one. So has anyone got one and would recommend a brand / company to use for supply and fitting?

Likewise any real world opinions pros & cons etc such as how much you spend on salt a year?

Cheers
Simon

JGlanzaV

iTrader: (3)

Wish you had said earlier, I skipped a nice one last week that we replaced...

If they are installed correctly then they arent so bad. The main issue is finding someone who has half an idea how to do it they arent really your average domestic bit of kit. You want one with an auto flush and what not.

Cost of salt will depend on your water usage.

David Lock

I wonder if your water board have any advice and even a list of recommended suppliers? Worth a phone call perhaps? And perhaps a call to suppliers of swimming pools as they often use softeners.

I remember holidaying in Cornwall and washing hair was a real joy as water was so soft - run-off from granite and not pumped from underground chalk.

dl

wrxmargy

Try plumbcenter of any kind of plumbers merchants, there pretty easy to fit, there the same as anything tho the get what u pay for, they all do the same thing tho

andy97

iTrader: (1)

They are generally expensive , especially if you have a high flow model. They will breakdown due to salt contamination😠 after a few years. Salt costs £5-6 per 20kg bag.

Obviously they work well when working, but be prepared to either replace or have expensive repairs every, let say 3-4 years.

BlkKnight

We use Tapworks down the road from me (High Wycombe) but the won't sell you directly. . . .

You shouldn't drink softened water (not sure why, but you shouldn't).

Use an EverPure inline filter

Mog

Have a look at Crown Block salt softeners which is what we install.

Softened water is fine to drink unless you are on a low sodium diet or mixing baby formula.

P1Fanatic

Thanks for the input chaps. Reliability wise most seem to have 7-10yr warranty so can't be that bad. Found a few friends with them who have been without issue. Need to get a couple of companies out for a chat & quote as lots of "from £xxx" prices online.