Water softener

[Zozo1982]

We are thinking about installing a water softener. Can anyone offer any guidance about which kind of system to go for and how I go about choosing a company. I don't really know where to start. Thank you.

Best to go for a non electric one.
Our first softener used to leak, not safe when in cupboard under the sink and plugged into the electric. Also had to use granular salt which came in really heavy bags.
After 2 years we gave up on that and got a Patmore softener which has been working perfectly for the past 7 years. Not the cheapest option but well worth it as no servicing or repairs needed.
Also it uses block salt which is much more convenient than the heavy bags of granular salt.

Kinetco softeners look similar if you don't live in the area covered by Patmore Softeners

Thank you. I just have kinetico a call. They charge 1,595 for the product we need. A bit more than I hoped but it may still be worth it. Patmore don't cover our area unfortunately. Thank you again for your help, I appreciate it.

We paid about £1200 including installation, seven years ago. Its been worth it for us as we live in a very hard water area and and both me and DS used to get very itchy skin/eczema.
The softener has cured it completely. So much so that I try to avoid showering when I visit people without a softener.

That's good to hear. I have Rosacea and I've just spent a week away in soft water and it almost completely cleared. Came home and problematic again so I think it's with a try.

We've got the twintec water softener. Similar to kinetico (uses the same block salt). Had it over three years now and I can genuinely say it's the best money we've spent. No limescale to clean and better for hair and skin.

Tapworks AD11 is a basic but capable electric one.
My plumber seems to like Harvey's softeners which are a bit more expensive.
Or take a gamble a but a manufacturer refurb'd atlantis at210 for £240 from ebay!
Massive thread on moneysavingexpert which goes into all sorts of discussion.

I've got the Harvey's one on a 12 week FREE trial at the moment.

Having researched a few I think this one is the best value for money.

It's not electric & it takes the blocks of salt which are FAR easier than loose salt. It's not very loud when it's cleaning itself.

It's here on trial, but I can't see it going anywhere! 😊

Have the twintec one installed about four years ago in a flat then bought it with us when we moved. Was inexpensive to reinstall so that was handy! Love it.

Great thread thanks op.

Twintec is fab. I didn't want to spend that sort of money but was persuaded to by DH. Would do it again in a heartbeat just for the cleaning ease.
Make sure you have a hard water tap for drinking and watering plants though.