What is Hard Water ?

Water described as "hard" means it is high in dissolved minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium. Hard water is not a health risk, but a nuisance because of its tendancy to cause mineral buildup in water pipe and heating systems, and its poor soap and/or detergent performance when compared with soft water.

As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in solution. Calcium and magnesium dissolved in water are the two most common minerals that make water "hard." The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.

As you can see from our map, we live in an aggressively hard water region, here in Wessex.

What are the symptoms of hard water ?

• Scale choking pipes and the hot water cylinder plus the spoiling of fixtures and fittings
• Just 3mm scale build up reduces efficiency by 20%
• Up to 2 full cups of detergent required in the washing machine
• Fur in your kettle, blocked showers and burnt out immersion heaters
• Extra soap required to achieve a lather, cloudy water
  
• Unpleasant scum formation and rings around baths and basins
• Extensive repairs and replacement of appliances and plumbing
• Discolouration of baths, basins and toilets
• White smears on glasses, sinks and surfaces
• Clogs up fibres of your clothes and the pores of your skin: can cause skin complaints and dull lifeless hair
• Excessive use of cleaners and conditioners
• Hours of extra cleaning around the house

What does a water softener do ?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from the household water supply.
When we install a softener, we leave a hard water drinking option and an outside tap as hard water.

What benefits does this bring ?

• Removes existing scale and keep everything scale free
• No scale means savings on water heating costs
• Save on repairs, replacement and maintenance too
• Lovely rich lather and crystal clear water with very little soap required
• Save on cleaning times, no more messy scum
• Reduces soap and detergent use by up to 75%- use just one tablespoon of soap powder in your washing machine
• Bathroom suites keep their colour and shine
• Gleaming and spotless glasses, utensils and surfaces even if drip dried
• A soft gentle and natural conditioner for fabrics, hair and skin
• Can aid dry skin conditions such as eczema