Love Your Water Systems Care
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does a water softener remove limescale?
Hard water passes through the water softener tank which contains resin beads. Calcium and magnesium ions stick to the resin beads turning the water ‘soft’.
2. What is the salt for?
Once the resin beads are loaded with calcium and magnesium ions, it must be cleaned (or regenerated) so that it can continue to soften water. The salt in the softener tank makes a brine solution which is used to recharge the resin. As part of this cleaning cycle the calcium, magnesium and salt is washed down the drain.
3. How much does a water softener cost to run?
It will depend upon how much water is used and your water hardness. Typically, a Kinetico water softener will cost around 50p per person per week to maintain. You can order your tablet or block salt here.
4. How much salt should I be using in my block salt water softener?
Rule of thumb is approximately one block (4Kg) of salt per person per month. This will vary according to each household's average water usage. Higher water users, will use more salt.
5. What happens if I run out of salt?
If you forget to put salt in or have run out of salt, the softener will not be able to soften and it means hard water will enter your plumbing. Simply refill with 2 blocks of salt or fill up with tablet salt and it will automatically create the brine required to start softening again. If you test your water, it may take a few days for all the hard water currently in the system to run through the softener before it starts to come out completely soft. You can purchase salt here.
5. Is softened water safe to drink?
Yes you can. There is a small amount of sodium in softened water due to the water softening process, to put this into perspective there is more sodium in a glass of milk than in a glass of softened water. If you live in a very hard water where the water hardness is over 400ppm you should have a separate water mains tap in the house however, if this is not feasible, you may wish to have a reverse osmosis drinking water system installed. It is recommended not to use softened water when making up formula for small babies or if you are on a prescribed low sodium diet. We also stock drinking water systems which can be purchased and added to your installation.
6. Can the softener be taken with me if I move?
Yes! You will need to correctly decommission the softener, and then have it re-installed into your new home. Just contact us or call on 0800 7812093 and we can book you in or explain how to do this.
7. Where is a water softener usually installed in the home?
The water softener is normally installed near to the mains stop cock (where the mains water comes into your home) to ensure as much of the home as possible is supplied by soft water. Access to a drain and overflow will be required.
Usually it is in a kitchen cupboard, but can be in the utility, under the stairs, in bathrooms, garages and even lofts. It depends on the make and model dimensions too. To ensure the ideal location, we would always recommend a free technical survey by one of our experienced engineers.
8. Will it remove existing limescale?
Soft water will start to remove existing limescale over time. We estimate it will usually take as long to remove, as it took to build up. On average 2-3 years depending upon the level of scaling. If you are moving to a new home or planning to install a new kitchen, bathroom, or heating system this is an ideal opportunity to purchase your water softener to keep everything looking and running like new.
9. Will it invalidate my boiler warranty?
It shouldn't however it is advisable that you check this with your boiler manufacturer.
10. Will I require a separate mains water tap?
Fitting a separate mains tap is currently a recommendation from WRAS and the UKWTA – as there is a requirement for your water supplier to be able to test the incoming mains supply for your property. This has no bearing on the ability to drink soft water.
11. How long will it take to install?
A Kinetico water softener should usually take around 3 – 4 hours to install by a Love Your Water engineer, (we are the authorised Kinetico dealer for Bucks & Berks) or an approved plumber.
12. Can the garden be watered with soft water?
It is advisable to bypass the softener when watering the garden as it will increase your salt usage and is not necessary for your plants.
13. How much less detergent, soap and shampoo products should be used?
When using soap or conditioners with soft water, start by cutting the amount of soap that is normally used in half. You may even find that you can use as little as a quarter of the amount used before.
14. Does the dishwasher still need to be filled with salt?
No. As the dishwasher will now be supplied with soft water, salt no longer needs to be added. Please also check the dishwasher’s manual for any reference to a hardness setting and set the dishwasher for the lowest possible level.
15. What service & maintenance does it require?
Adding salt to your machine is the only maintenance you’ll have to do. You’ll see the salt level gradually go down – when it’s at a very low level, it’s time to refill.
16. Is a water softener noisy?
Kinetico water softeners operate at low noise levels.
17. Flow Rates
Kinetico water softeners operate at effective flow rates for UK homes. Flow rates are dependant upon many factors including your home pipe size, boiler incoming pressure. A Kinetico water softener will not reduce flow rates. See video here.
18. Where is it made?
Kinetico water softeners are made in the USA. The United States is the home of water softening and water treatment. All the largest and reputable manufacturers are based there. Kinetico water softeners sold in the UK are designed specifically for the UK market and UK plumbing requirements.
19. Does it require maintenance?
Very little. All you have to do is add salt to your machine. You’ll see the salt level gradually go down – when it’s at a very low level, it’s time to refill. If your water softener is non-electrical block salt, you do not usually need to have it serviced until after 10 years, after which we would recommend a water softener health check every couple 1-2 years, to ensure your softener is working as it should. If it is electrical, we normally recommend an annual health service checkup.