WHAT IS SOFTENING?

Softening is the removal of hardness from the incoming water supply, usually down to very low levels. The term Water Hardness represents the combination of CALCIUM and MAGNESIUM found in water. Their quantities can be expressed in may ways, with each country having it's own preferred option. In the U.K. we use Degrees Clarks, although in recent years the term milligrams per litre has become more widely used.

WHY DO WE NEED TO SOFTEN WATER?

Some of the benefits of softened water are listed below

Softened water provides real savings in the cost of maintenance and/or replacement of showers, heaters etc. Softened water can save 50% in the use of washing powders, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and cleaning products. Many people suffering from ECZEMA and indeed other skin complaints have found considerable relief from washing in Softened water. Hair washed in Softened water has a clean smooth feeling and is easier to manage. Softened water will in time reduce the scale already deposited in your pipes and tanks, as well as the deposits around the taps and stains in baths and basins. Softened water rinses away completely without leaving any scum sticking to the basin. Softened water reduces the cost of repair and maintenance caused by scale formation in dishwashers, washing machines, showers and heaters. Can extend the life of these units.

Hard water (300mg/l calcium carbonate) used in the average 4 person family home each year contains 70kg (154lbs) weight of scale. Unchecked it will cause damage and expense. It is estimated that an ion exchange water softener could save over £200 per year for an average four person household
[Extract from the BRITISH WATER booklet "A Consumers Guide to WATER SOFTENERS," 1 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9BT]

For Industry, Water Softeners are an essential item of equipment, used extensively in Hotels, Laundries, Dairies, Soft Drinks and Textile Industries. They are used to Soften water to almost every factory boiler. Especially those raising steam.

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