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A

amefra

Hi

We’re wanting to put in a Water Softener once we’ve extended the kitchen.

We live in the Chilterns, so have very hard water. There are the obligatory four of us in a four bed detached, with one bath and two separate showers. Water flow will be ~22 litres per minute (new 32mm pipe going in) and pressure about 3 bar. It’ll be a pressurised system, with the usual tank and normal Worcester Boiler.

Realising that Kinetico and Ecowater seem a little over priced compared with others. What about a Tapworks AD11 or indeed Harveys Homewater 300? Which would be best for us; the electric or non electric? Ideally it would go underneath the kitchen sink, wouldn’t need touching (except salt) for vast periods, would be cheap, reliable etc.

Not much then!

Many thanks


 
They all work in the same way to soften the water so you pays your money & takes your choice. so long as you don't suffer from power cuts then the timer versions are fine. You are aware, I take it, that the installation of a basic exchange water softener is notifiable to your local water undertaker (supplier) under the Water Supply & Use Regulations 1999? not that this is normally a problem but an approved plumber will be able to do this for you.
 
Kenetico might seem expensive but they really good, especially the twin port one's which run on a mechanical water meter will serve from one to 14 people in a household.
 
You should look on this as a long term investment, so it is worth spending a little more to get the best.

I have had my Kinetico for some 20 years and it has been superb. Soft water 24 x 7.

Try to avoid the electric ones that offer timed regeneration (normally at 2 in the morning). You may hear the regeneration process and if you suffer from power failures you will have to remember to adjust the clock on the softener in addition to the other clocks in the house!

There are other manufacturers besides Kinetico that offer twin cylinders. Have a look at Harvey's.

Good luck with your soft water, you will never look back.
 
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Harvey Softeners are at the upper end of the market, and if you want soft water 24/7, you really should get a decent machine. It would be false economy not to!
We always recommend Harvey Softeners; their main competitor is Kinetico, but I would recommend Harveys.
Have a look at the Water Softener section on our website Dualflo Water Softeners.
 
Harvey v's kenetico? The great thing about twin ports is, they only regenerate when required and there is no down time. So no wasted salt consumption and no electric.
 

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