Whole House Water Softner

[Howsie]

I don't usual fit these but the architect insists on one. Do any of you chaps have a recommendation for a six bathroom house?

 

[chris watkins]

Hi
is it a new build or retro fit?

 

[Howsie]

New build.

 

[chris watkins]

Kinetico are good, very small & compact & non electrical (works on water pressure alone) so good for retro but salt blocks cost.
Otherwise if power close by any of the other well known makes are OK
Don't forget that these things will take around 1 bar of dynamic water pressure out of your system so if existing water pressure is low watch out. ​

 

[Howsie]

Thanks Chris!

 

[Bernie2]

Another point to watch. Some years ago there was an investigation into whole house soft water and it was advised that some hard water taps be also installed for drinking. Apparently the softened water was said to cause heart problems for new born babies, so it was advised to have a standard hard water tap to make a babies bottle with. Have not heard much said since, so Google it perhaps?

 

[jtsplumbing]

Kenetico one of the best, had one when i lived in bracknell, saved loads on house hold products, immersion heaters , washing mch, dishwasher kettle , anything it house all i would fit as an extra is a filterd tap next to sink. cost to run about £80.00 per year for salt but this depends on size of house, do-not fill heating system with water from softner some boilers dont like it but ask boiler manuf first.

 

[chris watkins]

Another point to watch. Some years ago there was an investigation into whole house soft water and it was advised that some hard water taps be also installed for drinking. Apparently the softened water was said to cause heart problems for new born babies, so it was advised to have a standard hard water tap to make a babies bottle with. Have not heard much said since, so Google it perhaps?

Hi Bernie
It is a must for a hard water supply to be taken off before the softener to feed the kitchen (drinking) & outside (garden watering) tap's, I also use to run the basin cold taps from here as well for night time drinking water & washing your teeth.
It is the salt that can come through after / during the regeneration of the softener resin, for old farts like me with high blood pressure it could be a killer & plants as well as babies don't like it either.
Couple of things we all forgot to mention you will need a drain point, floor or very L.Level net to the softener position & there is a requirement for a single check valve up stream from it, between the hard water take off & softener. (Also A by-pass with isolation valves).

 

[Bernie2]

We do have hard water areas in Merseyside but in Liverpool we are mostly soft water, so unless you live in the few areas that have hard water, water softening is not a problem. I always laugh when the local DIY stores tell you to buy a water softener to descale your iron or dishwasher water.

Chris is right I felt sure I had heard it somewhere, he jogged my memory.