Water Softner! Yes or no?

[Goodgriefisitginfizzoclock]

About to have main bathroom and en suite fully refurbished. We live in a very hard water area, although spending more than I would like on refurb is it worth having water softener fitted to avoid lime scale build up. Good idea or expensive ‘gadget’ any experiences?

I really really like ours! Have had it 6 months or so and wish we’d done it years ago. I and DD have eczema and it’s really helped. It’s also dissolved the limescale we had on the taps, so assume it’s doing the same inside other appliances. And we now use way less washing liquid, shampoo etc. It’s quite pricy but definitely worth considering. Low maintenance once it’s installed too.

Wondered if the using less washing liquid was a gimmick but maybe not then. It’s really the preservation of the new tiles and shower screen as the motivation. I clean houses and even though I know I clean them thoroughly some showers and tiles that have only been installed for a year are really building up; thinking about it I clean 8 bathrooms a week!

Placemarking A’s also considering!

I like mine. But occasionally I get insomnia. One night, about 3am, I heard what sounded like a very quiet jet take off.

Apparently it's programmed to recycle. I had no idea.

Yes.

Also interested in opinions!

In a hard water area you save your pipes getting furred up and you are able to save on detergent and machines like dishwashers and washing machines last longer. Kettle is in good condition! No limescale. No hard water streaks on tiles or glass showers. It’s worth it.

Yep yep yep. Love mine. Less soap. Less shampoo, conditioner, better skin, better hair, washing machine had lasted longer than 2 years! No limescale, easier cleaning. No scum in my cup of tea!!

Whats not to love

Does anyone know whether you can have a water softener if you have a septic tank?

Does anybody know how much a good one costs? one that softens all taps but that you can still get drinking water from. (if that exists)

Absolutely yes!

We had one put in 12 years ago. We have a Harvey one. It takes block salt.

Not had any issues with it. I can tell if salt has run out as my skin feels tight and itchy,

Think it definitely helps with washing clothes. Not had any issues with our washing machine - it lasted 12 years and had to be replaced recently but not down to limescale. Just worn out after 12 years - 3 kids!

You have to keep a drinking water tap separate from the water softener. You should not really drink softened water. The fitter will sort this out - you don't need a special kind of softener.

All seems positive! Just need to get costs now.
Thanks for replies.