Water Softener FAQs
Why do you need softened water?
With an estimated 60% of the UK living in a hard water area, that’s 13 million households fighting the ravages of limescale. A Monarch water softener is a long-term solution that will remove limescale from your home. The benefits are numerous. You’ll give the ultimate protection to your pipes, appliances and kitchen and bathroom investments. There are many lifestyle benefits too, such as easier cleaning, smoother hair and softer skin and laundry. You will also make significant savings, including cheaper energy bills whilst spending less on shampoos, soaps and detergents.
Is it worth the investment?
Most people who have a water softener would simply say that to wash and bathe in scum free water is enough. However, a water softener fulfils many functions and gives significant savings.
The long-term benefits are numerous, including the increased life of appliances, protection of taps, bathroom suites and boilers. With daily savings on household bills helped by reducing soap and detergent consumption by up to 50%. Households can save up to £600 a year on hardwater costs and up to 24% savings on energy bills.
Will my Monarch softener remove existing scale?
Yes, it does.
Using soft water will start to remove scale from the moment the softener is installed. The amount of scale already in your home can affect how quickly softened water will get rid of it.
Typically:
- In just a few weeks, scale will be gone from your kettle
- In 6 months, scale will be gone from your heat exchanger
- In 18-24 months, scale will be gone from the rest of your pipework
Can I drink softened water?
Yes. There is a small amount of sodium in softened water due to the 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 area, where the water hardness is over 400ppm you should have a separate mains water tap in the house. The only times we advise against drinking softened water is if you are on a prescribed low sodium diet or when making up baby formula.
How is the domestic softener capacity calculated?
Family size is based on allowing 142 litres per person per day and water hardness of 300ppm (Source: Energy Savings Trust).
Can I install a water softener with any type of boiler?
Any home can have a water softener fitted, no matter what type of heating system they have.
Leading boiler systems manufacturer Worcester Bosch supports this position, you can click on the links for more information on Oil boilers here and for Gas boilers here.
Which water softener is best for you?
Our handy online tool will help you to decide. It takes just seconds.
