Water Softener — less limescale in taps, pipes and water heater
White marks on the taps, a shower head that keeps clogging and a water heater that starts hissing: that's limescale. A water softener removes the limescale from your water before it enters the pipes. We advise which system suits you, connect it neatly and keep it maintained.
Limescale problems?
Call or message us for advice and a price in advance.
Call 070 783 0224 Message via WhatsApp Request a call-back ★★★★★ Rated on Google · 24/7 for emergenciesWhere limescale comes from, and what it does
Tap water contains dissolved minerals, especially limescale. The more of these, the 'harder' the water. As soon as water is heated or dries, that limescale deposits: on the tap, on the glass shower screen, in the kettle and — what you don't see — on the heating element of the water heater and in the heat exchanger of the boiler.
A layer of limescale on a heating element acts as insulation. The appliance has to work harder to heat the water and breaks down sooner. In shower heads and aerators, limescale causes a weaker flow. A water softener prevents the limescale from building up. Are you mainly bothered by a water heater that hisses or crackles? Also read water heater & gas water heater.
- White deposits — on taps, washbasins and the shower screen.
- Shower head or aerator blocked — the jet becomes thinner or sprays in all directions.
- Water heater hissing or crackling — often limescale on the heating element.
- Lots of limescale in the kettle — a white layer again within a short time.
A water softener, from advice to maintenance
You have one point of contact, from the choice to the annual check-up.
Advice on the right system
We look at your property, your consumption and the space by the meter cupboard, and compare the options honestly.
Call 070 783 0224Installation & connection
Connected after the stopcock, with a bypass so you can always continue using water, and a drain for the rinse water.
Call 070 783 0224Tap for drinking water
If desired, we keep one tap outside the softener, for drinking and cooking.
Call 070 783 0224Maintenance & inspection
We check whether the softener is working properly, adjust it and explain how you can top up the salt yourself.
Call 070 783 0224Types of Water Softeners
There are roughly two types of system. Which one suits depends on what you want to achieve and how much space there is. We explain it honestly, without pushing anything on you.
- Salt softener (ion exchanger) — the water flows through a tank with resin beads that capture the limescale. The system rinses itself clean with salt water now and then. This actually removes the limescale from the water. You top up the salt yourself occasionally, and the system needs a socket and a drain.
- Salt-free systems — these do not remove the limescale from the water, but are supposed to prevent it from building up as much. The effect varies per system and per situation. If you want genuinely soft water, a softener with salt is the clearest choice.
A water softener works best when it comes directly after the stopcock and the water meter, so that all the water in the house is softened. If there is little space there, we will look together for another location.
Less limescale in 4 steps
A fixed price in advance, and we prefer to complete the job in one visit.
You call or message
Send a photo of the meter cupboard or the location where the mains stopcock is.
Advice & price
We recommend a system that suits you. You'll hear what it costs beforehand.
Installation
Connection after the stopcock, with bypass and drain, and adjustment to your water.
Explanation
We explain how it works, how you refill the salt and when it needs maintenance.
Tackle limescale, now
Until the water softener arrives, or as a supplement to it.
- Descale shower head and aerators — soak them for a few hours in cleaning vinegar or a descaler and rinse thoroughly.
- Dry taps and the shower screen — if the water doesn't dry on, less limescale is left behind.
- Do not set the water heater too low — the advice is at least 60 degrees to prevent legionella. Better to have the water heater descaled regularly.
- Do you already have a water softener? — keep the salt topped up. If the salt runs out, hard water will come through again.
When should you call us?
- Today — the softener is leaking, or little or no water is coming through.
- Soon — you see more and more limescale, or the water heater or boiler starts to hiss.
- By appointment — have a water softener installed, or have your existing softener checked.
Not sure? Call 070 783 0224 — we'll help you think it through, no obligation.
Trouble with limescale? We'll help you further.
Fixed price upfront · often same day · 24/7 for emergencies · ★★★★★ Rated on Google
Useful reading
Explained by our tradesmen.
Low water pressure: causes
Read more →Dripping tap: repair it yourself?
Read more →Mains stopcock and outside tap
Read more →Central Heating Boiler Maintenance
Read more →Also useful: Water pipes · Boiler & Geyser · Sanitary & Taps · Central Heating Boiler Maintenance
Frequently asked questions about water softeners and limescale
What does a water softener do?
A water softener removes limescale from tap water before it flows through your pipes. This means less limescale builds up on taps, in the shower head, the water heater, the boiler and appliances such as the washing machine.
Do I need a water softener?
That depends on how hard your water is and how much trouble you have with limescale. If you quickly see white deposits, shower heads often get blocked or the water heater makes noise, then a softener can be worthwhile. We advise honestly, even if it is not necessary.
Where is a water softener installed?
Usually directly after the stopcock and water meter, so that all water in the house is softened. A salt-based softener also needs a socket and a drain nearby.
Can I drink softened water?
Yes, but softened water contains slightly more sodium. Many people therefore choose one tap in the kitchen that does not run via the softener, for drinking and cooking. We can connect it that way straight away.
Do salt-free water softeners work?
Salt-free systems don't remove limescale from the water, but are supposed to prevent it from building up as much. The effect varies per system. If you want truly soft water, a salt-based softener is the clearest choice.
What maintenance does a water softener need?
With a salt-based softener you top up the salt yourself. In addition, it is advisable to have the system checked and adjusted from time to time, so that it continues to work properly and stays clean.
What does installing a water softener cost?
That depends on the system and how the pipes run near the meter cupboard. You'll hear what it costs in advance: we work with a fixed price upfront.