How water softeners work
A salt-based softener passes water through resin beads, because the beads trap hard minerals. The beads swap hard minerals for sodium or potassium. This leaves softer water that makes less scale.
The resin needs cleaning from time to time. The softener does this by flushing it with salty water, which is called regeneration. For that reason, it needs a supply of salt and a drain.
What soft water does and doesn’t change
Soft water makes less limescale in pipes, boilers and kettles, since the minerals are gone. Soap also lathers better. Surfaces may stay cleaner.
However, it does not remove other things from water. It is not a filter for germs or chemicals. Ask a supplier what a softener does and does not do.
Does soft water taste salty?
A small amount of sodium may remain in softened water. Most people do not notice a taste. Some installers fit a separate hard water tap for drinking.
If you worry about sodium, ask your doctor. Also ask the installer for options, since some systems use potassium.
Types of water softener
There are salt-based softeners and salt-free devices, so check which you are buying. Salt-based units are the most common type. Some use timers, while others measure water use.
Salt-free devices do not remove hardness in the same way. Check what each one claims to do. Our guide to scale inhibitors explains the difference.
What installation involves
A softener goes on the mains water supply, often under the kitchen sink or in a utility room, because it must treat all incoming water. It needs space, a drain and a power point. A plumber should fit it.
Check that the installer follows water fitting rules. Ask them to explain how it connects. Make sure you can reach it for salt refills.
Ongoing costs
You will need to buy salt and sometimes pay for servicing, so running costs matter. Running costs depend on how hard your water is and how much you use. Ask the supplier for details before you buy.
Check how often the system needs refilling and cleaning. Because costs add up, compare options.
Value calculation
Think about the benefits, such as less scale and easier cleaning. Weigh them against the cost of buying, fitting and running the unit. Our guide to hard water explains what scale can do.
Ask neighbours and check independent reviews. If you rent, ask your landlord first.
Salt alternatives: potassium chloride
Some softeners can use potassium chloride instead of sodium salt, although it costs more. It costs more, yet it adds potassium rather than sodium. Check that your unit supports it.
Ask the installer which salt the maker advises. Using the wrong type can harm the unit.
Related guides and local help
If you want to know more, read Bathroom Drain Problems: Hair, Soap Scum and Real Fixes. You can also read Water Efficiency in UK Homes: Practical Measures That Work and Blocked Bath Drain: Causes, Quick Fixes and Prevention Tips, because they cover closely related problems.
These guides help too: Understanding Your Water Bill: Metered vs Rateable Value, Blocked Drain Emergency: What to Do Right Now in the UK, Smart Home Plumbing Technology: What Is Worth Buying Now, Blocked Sink: Every Common Cause and How to Fix Each One and Scale Inhibitors for UK Homes: Do They Actually Work?. Each one explains a related topic in plain English.
Need help near you? Read our plumbing help page first, or see Plumbing Repairs in Chorley and Plumbing Repairs in Chorleywood. You can also see Leak Detection in Featherstone, since every service page has a free quote form. We pass each request to a local drainage engineer.
