Compact water softeners

[Kai1981]

Does anyone have a compact water softener that can fit into a 60cm kitchen sink cabinet? Do you know the make?

Also, I've assumed I should get a separate Brita tap for filtered water, but is it necessary and will it still fit?

I can't unfortunately have a larger sink unit.

[Fuckitsstillraining]

We have a lime wizard fitted on our system, we've the bigger one which works on our entire system but there is a smaller one for showers etc that might suit you.

[Kai1981]

Thank you, will take a look!

[PigletJohn]

some kitchens have a "dead space" in the corner, about 800mm high x 60x60

I have one and can easily access it by rolling out the dishwasher (freestandig, obv.)

You might be able to use a space like that. perhaps have a lift-off worktop over it so you can add salt.

The softener is heavy so should stand on the floor, not the base of the cupboard.

In my case it is in the corner with the plumbing duct, so the incoming watermain, and the drains for the sink and dwr, are conveniently close.

A true watersofter is regenerated by passing salt over the granules (the salt does not enter your tapwater). The bigger it is, the bigger the vessel with the granules, and the bigger the salt bin can be, so the less often it runs out and needs refilling. Mine is medium size and holds 30kg salt

[Kai1981]

Thank you. The kitchen is tiny (some of it is taken up by a blocked up chimney) but I'm trying really hard to get the softener in because London water is awful. The designer has done a good job of making the most of the space available but I think the 600mm sink cabinet is the only option, but I wasn't sure whether softeners come that small.

I'll fill the softener every day if I have to, better than cleaning taps and having crispy hair.

[HBGKC]

@PigletJohn what brand do you have? I'll soon be designing a kitchen from scratch (extension), and would really like to install one of these.

[PigletJohn]

obsolete

I PX'd an old Permutit for a reconditioned one.

The Permutit co went bust and the name was bought up by some other company, which is not so prestigious.

I'd suggest ringing round your local water softener co

ask "do you repair softeners"
and "do you deliver salt"

If not, try another

if yes, see what brand they sell and guarantee. The technology is very simple and some local firms assemble their own line.

local co's will often not service DIY Shed brands, or machines they did not themselves supply.

[HouseyHouse21]

I've been seeing these 'water conditioners' around (check out halcyanwater.com) that apparently don't need salt / maintenance or take up space as they can just be fitted to your mains water pipe. But I wouldn't dream of recommending one if it didn't have the @PigletJohn seal of approval. What do you think - is it just snake oil?

[PigletJohn]

mostly they claim to pass a magnetic field through the water wichthey say renders the calcium carbonate molecules non-sticky.

they work in the same way that a copper bracelet cures rheumatism, or a drop of purified water cures infections.

See www.howdoeshomeopathywork.com/

[LittleOverWhelmed]

We have a Kinetico (www.kinetico.co.uk/) and have had them for 18 years (in different houses). They are good, compact, but expensive. However we are now in our third (in 3 successive houses).

[HBGKC]

Thanks Piglet.

[Blue5238]

We have a kinetico under the sink. As previous poster said expensive but last years. Ours was bought on ebay which made it much cheaper