Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
In Kent and the South East, hard water is very common.

You’ll usually notice it through:

• Limescale build-up on taps and showers
• White residue on tiles and glass
• Kettles and appliances failing early
• Poor soap lather
• Dry skin and hair

Limescale isn’t just unsightly — it shortens the life of plumbing and appliances.

A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium minerals from your water supply and replaces them with a very small amount of sodium.

The result is:

• No limescale
• Softer water throughout the home
• Better performance from appliances
• Easier cleaning
• Improved comfort for skin and hair

The real benefits of a water softener

In your home

• No more limescale on taps, tiles, or showers
• Bathrooms stay cleaner for longer
• Less time spent cleaning

For appliances & plumbing

• Boilers, washing machines and dishwashers last longer
• Improved efficiency (limescale reduces heating efficiency)
• Fewer breakdowns

For you

• Softer skin and hair
• Less soap and shampoo needed
• Towels and clothes feel softer

Many customers notice the difference within days.

Typical supply & installation costs

As a general guide:

• £1,800 – £2,500
  Entry to mid-range softeners
• £2,500 – £3,500+
  Premium, non-electric or high-capacity systems

The price depends on:

• Size of the property
• Number of bathrooms
• Water usage
• Type of softener (electric vs non-electric)
• Ease of installation

We’ll always advise what’s suitable — not just what’s most expensive.

This is one of the most common concerns — and it’s usually less than people expect.

Running costs typically include:

Salt

• Usually £80 – £150 per year, depending on usage and system type

Electricity (if applicable)

• Electric softeners use a very small amount of power
• Non-electric softeners use none

Servicing

• Not always required annually
• We’ll advise based on the system chosen

Most homeowners find the running cost is easily offset by:

• Reduced cleaning products
• Fewer appliance repairs
• Longer appliance lifespan

Yes — with a caveat.

• Softened water is safe to drink
• However, many households choose to keep the kitchen cold tap unsoftened for drinking

For customers who want the best possible drinking water, we often recommend a separate filtered or RO (reverse osmosis) drinking water system alongside the softener.

This gives:

• Softened water for the home
• High-quality filtered drinking water at the kitchen tap

For most homes in hard water areas, yes.

They are particularly worthwhile if:

• You live in a hard water area
• You’re fitting a new bathroom or kitchen
• You want to protect appliances
• You’re fed up with limescale and cleaning

They may be less worthwhile if:

• You’re moving very soon
• Water usage is extremely low
• Installation isn’t possible due to pipework constraints

We’ll always be honest if it’s not right for your situation.