Water softener questions, answered
Wondering whether a water softener is right for your home? Tired of limescale, dry skin, or replacing appliances that can't cope with hard water? This guide answers every question we get asked, in plain English, from how softeners work to whether you can drink the water.
Most of Kent sits on chalk and limestone, which gives us some of the hardest water in the country. Here's everything you need to know before you decide.
What's the deal with hard water?
If you've noticed crusty limescale on your taps, cloudy glasses out of the dishwasher, or dry skin after a shower, you're almost certainly in a hard water area. Most of the South East is, Kent especially, thanks to the chalk and limestone beneath us. When rainwater passes through it, it picks up calcium and magnesium.
Those minerals are harmless to drink, but they're hard work for your home. That's where a softener comes in.
What is a water softener?
A water softener removes the minerals that cause hardness. It works by ion exchange: swapping calcium and magnesium for a small amount of sodium.
- Hard water is high in calcium and magnesium
- Soft water has those minerals replaced with a tiny amount of sodium
It doesn't change how your water looks or tastes for most people, but it completely changes how it behaves around the house.
Do I need a water softener?
These are the usual tell-tale signs:
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Limescale on taps and kettles | Classic hard water |
| Dry, itchy skin | Hard water strips natural oils |
| Clothes feel rough after washing | Soap isn't rinsing clean |
| Boiler or heating problems | Limescale building up in pipes and systems |
If any of those sound familiar, a water softener will make a real difference.
Water hardness by county
| County | Average hardness (mg/l CaCO₃) | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Kent | 280 | Very hard |
| Sussex | 260 | Very hard |
| Greater London | 250 | Very hard |
| Surrey | 240 | Hard |
| Essex | 230 | Hard |
| Hampshire | 220 | Hard |
| Berkshire | 210 | Hard |
| Oxfordshire | 200 | Moderately hard |
| Buckinghamshire | 190 | Moderately hard |
Figures are county averages. Your own supply can vary, which is why we test it at the survey.
How does a water softener work?
- Water enters the softener tank
- It flows through resin beads charged with sodium
- Calcium and magnesium swap places with the sodium
- Softened water flows out to your home
- Eventually the softener regenerates, flushing the hardness minerals to drain
A typical cycle: softening runs continuously; regeneration takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes and is often set to happen overnight; salt recharges the system. Nothing is wasted day to day, it only regenerates when your usage calls for it.
Types of water softener
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-electric / twin tank | Soft water 24/7 | Ideal for busy homes, usually block salt |
| Electric | Custom settings, digital display | Often tablet salt |
| Metered | Regenerates based on actual use | More efficient than time-based |
| Time-based | Basic setups | Least efficient, regenerates on a timer |
We'll help you choose the right one for your household. See the full range we supply.
Where can it be installed?
Most softeners go under the kitchen sink, but other common spots include utility rooms, garages (with insulation), cupboards and basements. Very tight on space? An under sink softener may suit.
Outdoor installations are possible, but need a weatherproof cabinet and frost protection.
What about my boiler?
Modern softeners work with all boiler types: combi boilers, system boilers and unvented cylinders. Soft water actually helps them last longer by preventing scale build-up.
Will it affect drinking water?
That depends how you set it up. Some households keep a separate hard water tap for drinking; plenty of people drink softened water without a second thought.
What about the sodium?
It's minimal, less than you'd get from a slice of bread per litre. But if someone in the home is on a medically restricted low-sodium diet, or you're making up baby formula, a separate hard water tap or a drinking water filter is the sensible option. If you're unsure, check with your GP.
What does a water softener cost to buy and run?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Softener supplied and installed | From £1,595 |
| Salt | £5 to £15 a month |
| Full service (annual, recommended) | £139 inc VAT |
| Health check | £90 inc VAT |
| Expected lifespan | 10 to 20 years |
You'll top up the salt every few weeks depending on your usage and system.
Maintenance and servicing
Looking after a water softener is simple:
- Refill the salt when it's low, easy to check
- Clean the brine tank occasionally, we'll show you how
- Book an annual service to keep it running efficiently
- Watch for leaks or a drop in pressure
We handle servicing and repairs on every make and model, including systems we didn't install.
Water softener myths, busted
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| Softened water tastes salty | It doesn't. It's nothing like seawater |
| You can't drink it | You can, unless you're on a low-sodium diet |
| It damages boilers | The opposite, it protects them |
| Soft water feels slimy | That's just soap working properly for once |
Quick answers
Can I install a water softener myself?
Will it soften hot and cold water?
What kind of salt does it use?
Can I still use my outside tap?
Will it increase my water bill?
Why Aquasoft?
We're not just water softener installers. We're independent water treatment specialists, based in Canterbury and covering Kent, from the first bit of advice through to installation and long-term aftercare.
- Family-run, genuinely local
- Honest, fixed pricing
- No pushy salespeople
- Ongoing support whenever you need it
Still got a question?
Get in touch and we'll answer it honestly, recommend the right system for your home, and give you a fixed price with no obligation.