Contents
- 1 Best Water Softener Reviews UK – Updated List for 2019
- 1.1 1. The Water2Buy W2B200 Water Softener
- 1.2 2. Harvey’s Crown Water Softener
- 1.3 3. Water2Buy W2B800 Water Softener
- 1.4 4. TwinTec S3 Block Salt Based Water Softener
- 1.5 5. Water2Buy W2B500 Water Softener
- 1.6 6. Eddy Water Descaler Electronic Water Softener
- 1.7 7. Eco+ Whole House Water Softener System
- 1.8 8. Tapworks AD11 Water Softener
- 1.9 9. BWT WS455 Hi-Flow Electronic Demand Water Softener
- 1.10 10. iSpring RCC7AK Water Filtration System
- 2 Water Softener Buying Guide
- 3 What are the different types of water softener systems available in the UK?
- 4 Which is the Best Water Softener in UK?
- 5 Summary
If you’ve decided to use a water softener, then you probably know most of the benefits of doing so already; the real question on your mind is: “how do I choose the right system?”. Today, we will have a look at the best water softener reviews for 2019.
With water in many parts of the UK defined as ‘hard’ or ‘very hard’, because of its high calcium carbonate component, and with much of it coming from springs in limestone and chalk aquifers, you are not alone in searching for a solution. The lime-scale associated with hard water (Calcium and Magnesium build-up) can damage appliances and affect clothing, and also collects in pipes and damages domestic water systems, reducing the efficiency of heaters and boilers. A water-softening solution that is connected to the plumbing system and which covers the whole home is, therefore, a ‘no-brainer’ for many people
What is more difficult is the choice of unit. The high volume of solutions on the market means it can be confusing for homeowners to select the right one for their needs. This is further complicated by different types of water softener units available on the market, each with its own set of specific pros and cons.
Check more info on UK water softener prices here.
Best Water Softener Reviews UK – Updated List for 2019
Here we break down what your choices are when it comes to water softener reviews. The following list contains the best water softeners in UK for all kinds of needs and budget:
1. The Water2Buy W2B200 Water Softener
Editor Summary: The W2B200 water softener from Water2Buy is our top recommendation since it’s effective and budget-friendly at the same time.
Preview
Product
Price
Water2Buy W2B200 Water Softener - Best Choice for Large Homes
£369.99
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
Water2Buy is an Irish-based manufacturer that has made a name for providing lower cost, high technology equipment across the UK and Europe.
It prides itself not only in the quality of its softeners, but in providing manuals that simplify system installation, with easy-to-follow diagrams as well as YouTube videos, and in providing good after-sales support and service.
Appearance
This is a white and blue plastic-encased unit. At 44cm deep x 23cm wide x 64cm high, and weighing 18kg, it will fit under the kitchen sink. It is very compact and delivers performance above what you’d expect for a unit of this size
Preview
Product
Price
Water2Buy W2B200 Water Softener - Best Choice for Large Homes
£369.99
Best Price on Amazon
Installation, operation, and maintenance
The Water2Buy W2B200 is compatible with most UK heating systems and should be installed on cold water supply, near a power source and drains for the waste and overflow. You can install it without a plumber if you have a little DIY knowledge, connection hoses, and a waste and overflow kit.
It is a salt-based, electric system. Regeneration of its resin is meter-controlled and takes around 30 minutes. This is generally considered the most efficient way of providing 24-hour water softening because it is based on the actual amount of water throughput, rather than on arbitrary, time-based system, where water usage may vary.
It can use all types of softener salt for regeneration – block, tablet, or crystal – with easy access provided by its wide, removable lid. Because it uses salt only while cleaning, rather than daily, some customers remark that it uses less salt than other units they have used: generally around 25Kg of salt every 2 months.
Value for money
It is extremely effective at removing lime-scale and is a reliable and robust product according to the reviews. At its price-point around £300, it represents great value for money and frequently comes in as the overall Number 1 water softener on Amazon: it combines economy, efficiency, and a compact build.
Ideal for:
This particular model is recommended for:
- Up to 4 people living in a house or apartment
- A water hardness range up to 400 PPM
- Households with a water usage up to 1250 litres per day
Warranty
These units have a 30-day money-back guarantee and the equipment is covered up to 7 years under warranty.
- It has a built-in mixer valve to allow you to adjust water hardness
- Users have commented on the quietness of the system as it runs and cleans
- You can set the machine to clean while you sleep
- Some packages come with a free by-pass valve (worth £50), so look out for this as part of the offer
- Other more powerful options are available in this series: these can soften water for larger households up to 10 people, with up to triple the water throughput and higher calcium/magnesium concentrations. Of course, they also come at a slightly higher price, but still represent great value
- TA timer-based model is also available in this series
2. Harvey’s Crown Water Softener
Editor Summary: Best Water Softener if you have a high budget. It’s a non-electric block salt water softening system. So, it’s the most effective one in our list.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
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Water Softener - Crown by Harveys | £915.00 | Best Price on Amazon |
Manufacturer
Harvey’s softeners are supplied by Fountain Softeners: a well-established name in the industry, based in West Sussex, in England. It has been making water softeners for 50 years and has built a reputation for high quality softeners and accessories, as well as other kitchen equipment like taps and water filters.
The company prides itself in custom-made designs, free delivery in mainland UK, with free service monitoring and service back-up from their own team of engineers.
Appearance
Harvey’s Crown Softener is an all-white plastic unit that is 46cm deep x 21cm wide x 49cm high. Weighing in at 20kg, it is a very compact unit that will comfortably fit under most kitchen sinks – yet it has great capacity.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
The unit is a non-electric twin tank model that uses block salt to soften household water.
Like the Water2Buy model described above, its regeneration cycle is based upon actual water consumption rather than a timer, increasing efficiency and reducing the amount of salt required.
Its twin tank design enables it to supply soft water while it is regenerating – a big improvement on older systems out there. It can be set to regenerate at any time of the day or night, which means you have softened water available 24/7 and are not suddenly going to run out if you have guests.
Unlike the Water2Buy model described above, it runs entirely on water pressure, so requires no electricity supply. This reduces running costs and simplifies installation.
This unit has been designed with the UK market in mind and is supplied with a selection of 15mm or 22mm fitting kits, a water hardness tester kit, and starter pack of block salt. With a little DIY know-how, you can install it yourself. It will adapt to the pipework in your property, as the internal unit can be turned so that the inlet/outlet port can be on either side of the unit.
Preview
Product
Price
Water Softener - Crown by Harveys
£915.00
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
While it comes in at a significantly higher price point than the Water2Buy model, it is a high-end system in terms of performance. It is one of the most technically-advanced units on the market for UK households. Because it requires no electricity (which reduces running costs), and it includes a 5-year on-site labor warranty, the higher price point can be justified.
Ideal for:
This particular model is recommended for:
- Medium-sized families – up to 6 people or more
- Those who want a technically-advanced water softening system, with low running costs
- Households where water usage fluctuates considerably through the day
Warranty
Fountain Softeners provides a 5-year part and 5-year labor (on-site) guarantee that provides extra peace of mind for homeowners, should there be any faults or maintenance required.
- Users comment on how well this unit works with any type of plumbing system
- It will comfortably cope with six or more people in the property
- Make sure you order the correct installation kit
3. Water2Buy W2B800 Water Softener
Editor Summary: This is the best water softener if seven to ten people live at home. It can provide a LOT of water without worrying about the capacity or pressure.
Preview
Product
Price
Water2Buy W2B800 Meter Water Softener with efficient meter for 7-10 people
£539.00
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
As mentioned before, Water2Buy is an extremely popular company known across the UK and Europe. They’re best known for their variety of water softeners available to date!
Appearance
It has an all-gray body with a green top cover. Not exactly the sleekest, but a basic and simple design that looks fine. Plus, it has a slim structure to fit most tight areas at home, with its dimensions being 22.5cm x 50cm x 1,100cm.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
The unit was easy to install, I had no problem with assembly. It only took a few hours by myself, though people who do not know with water softeners may require a professional or some help.
Its operation is amazing, as it operates without any noise. It’s not just noiseless, but also intuitive and would delay any cleaning until early morning to lessen disturbance.
It’s also hassle-free to maintain, only requiring salt replacement about once a month. It removes limescale extremely well and you won’t have much of a problem with hard water anymore.
Preview
Product
Price
Water2Buy W2B800 Meter Water Softener with efficient meter for 7-10 people
£539.00
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
Considering that you’re getting a Water2Buy Water Softener with everything required for a big group of people, you get what you pay for. Its price ranges between £515 to £550, a reasonable price for an effective and automatic system. It even comes with a 7-year warranty and free returns!
Ideal for:
This particular model is recommended for:
- Up to ten people in a home
- Those who have water hardness of up to 420 PPM
- Households that require up to 3,680 litres of water a da
Warranty
What’s great is that the Water2Buy W2B800comes with fee returns AND a 7-year warranty.
- It’s an intuitive system that cleans itself early morning to minimize disturbance
- The water softener won’t affect your usual water pressure
- They have excellent customer service that answers your queries within a day
- The instruction manual can be quite confusing from the photos, but can still be installed yourself
4. TwinTec S3 Block Salt Based Water Softener
Editor Summary:
This is the latest generation water softener from TwinTec, made for all kinds of plumbing systems in Britain and all types of families. It’s known for its unique design and excellent performance to give off an uninterrupted supply of water all day long.
Preview
Product
Price
TwinTec S3 Block Salt Based Water Softener
£895.00
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
TwinTec is a reputable company who has been in business for almost 40 years, starting as a small family business. They now have 25 dealerships around the UK, known for their services and excellent products, including the S3.
Appearance
What’s great about the S3 is that it comes with a host of excellent features and a good appearance that would fit most homes. It can fit under kitchen sinks easily because it’s only 49cm high, 20.50cm wide, and 46cm in depth.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
Installation is a breeze, though a bit heavier. I recommend that you have help upon assembly to carry the bigger items. However, you can do it without professional help within the day, or have TwinTec’s service do it for you.
I appreciate the twin-cylinder design, which ensures that you have soft water regardless of when and how much you need it!
You won’t have trouble in maintenance, as it uses less salt and it would last longer. Plus, it’s easy to replace and clean out the salt block compartment.
Preview
Product
Price
TwinTec S3 Block Salt Based Water Softener
£895.00
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
I believe that the TwinTec Water Softeners ARE worth it! You get your value for money and get water on-demand without much of the maintenance needs. While a bit more expensive, you would save more in terms of time and money used on maintenance, since it uses minimal salt.
Ideal for:
I believe that the TwinTec S3 is best suited for:
- Those who have limited space and need something to fit in small areas
- Those who need a constant supply of water without the need for electricity
- Something easy to maintain and will last for long
Warranty
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any information regarding the warranty for TwinTec products.
- The water softening system is NOT widely available around websites like Amazon, you’ll need to find it in the actual TwinTec dealership or secondhand versions on eBay
- They aren’t available in the USA either, only around the UK
- It supplies water without the need for electricity so there aren’t concerns during power outages
- The S3 is a bit heavier than other water softening systems, so it’ll be difficult moving around
- Despite its heaviness, it’s easy to load salt in
5. Water2Buy W2B500 Water Softener
Editor Summary:
I believe that the Water2Buy W2B500 Water Softener for smaller groups of up to seven people. If your aim is easy installment and quiet operation from a reputable company, you’ll like this water softener system.
Preview
Product
Price
Water2Buy W2B500 Water Softener
£579.00
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
Water2Buy is truly one of the most popular systems available to date, offering high-quality water softeners with the best and advanced technology.
Appearance
It has the dimensions of 34cm x 56cm x 66cm, which is compact enough and can fit most kitchen sinks. It may be a bit bulky for some homeowners, but it’s a standard size. Furthermore, it has a light bray body with a green top, as most of Water2Buy water softener units offer.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
Installation and set up is a breeze, including an instruction manual for the entire process. However, setting up can take a bit longer since it gets confusing with a lot of weird figures on the manual.
I commend it for its operation though, as it doesn’t just soften water quietly, but it can also clean itself at night without making noise or disrupting the softening process.
Because it’s easy to clean, maintenance is just as easy, too. You won’t need to constantly check the unit, only doing so once a month.
Preview
Product
Price
Water2Buy W2B500 Water Softener
£579.00
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
Overall, I believe that the Water2Buy W2B500 Water Softener gives you value for money. You get more than adequate amounts of water a day without having to waste too much salt for it.
Furthermore, it operates quietly and doesn’t require as much maintenance, saving you time and effort. Coming at a price between £550 to £580 with a warranty, it’s a worthy investment for families.
Ideal for:
After checking out what it has to offer, I feel that the Water2Buy W2B500 Water Softener is best suited for:
- Small to medium-sized families who need up to 1,400 tiers of water a day
- Those who don’t want to take too much time in cleaning and maintenance with their system
Warranty
Like all of Water2Buy Water Softeners, it comes with a money-back guarantee and a 7-year warranty to ensure that it lasts for long.
- You will need to do manual regeneration for the water softener system
- Make sure you be wary when pulling the lie off the unit, as it might topple over easily
- The manual might be a bit difficult to understand during set up, so make sure that you set the hardness settings to about 150 liters a day before using
6. Eddy Water Descaler Electronic Water Softener
Editor Summary: It’s an electronic salt-free water softener system from Eddy. If you don’t want anything to do with salt & maintenance, this is your top choice.
Preview
Product
Price
Eddy Electronic Water Descaler
£139.99
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
Eddy Water Descalers is a Surrey-based company set up 15 years ago to create water softening units manufactured in the UK using British design and technology; the company wanted to design a unit that could be used in any size of property – including small commercial properties like hair salons and restaurants.
It prides itself not only on the reliability of its products but also on providing top-notch follow-up service where customers always get to speak to a representative.
Appearance
The Eddy unit is the smallest one you will come across – just 3.5cm deep x 17cm wide x 9cm high. With these dimensions, it’s no surprise that it weighs just 620 grams. It looks vastly different from the other models described because it uses very different technology.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
The Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is a double-power output unit that has been on the market and receiving great reviews, since 2006.
It requires no salt or chemicals, has no regeneration process, and will not flush healthy minerals out of the water. Instead, this unit uses electromagnetism to soften hard water.
Its super high-power twin coils are placed around your incoming water supply pipe to produce a complex electromagnetic wave. The household water responds to this ever-changing magnetic field as it passes through the coils, altering the adhesion properties of the calcium and magnesium. These changes mean that the lime-scale cannot deposit itself in your home’s pipework and appliances.
Because this process does not alter the chemical hardness (TDS) of the water, all the beneficial minerals are retained, but the problem of lime-scale build up is eradicated.
The unit is very easy to install yourself, with no plumber required. It works with both metal and plastic piping and comes with the necessary cables for pipes up to 28mm diameter.
Preview
Product
Price
Eddy Electronic Water Descaler
£139.99
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
The model provides exceptional value for money as it is cheap to purchase, comes with a lifetime guarantee, requires no maintenance, and incurs minimal running costs.
Ideal for:
This particular model is recommended for:
- Households looking for an economical solution to water hardness
- Those looking for an eco-friendly solution
- Households where the water is light to moderately hard
Warranty
Eddy Water Descalers provide a lifetime guarantee against unit failure. It also provides a 12-month money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the performance of the unit in any way.
- It has achieved 99% customer satisfaction over 14 years – with only 1% of units returned according to the warranty
- Customers regularly comment about the low running costs per year (minimal impact on the electricity bill)
- It may need to be given a period of 2-3 months to really start clearing pipes of lime-scale – give it time to work!
- In areas where the water is excessively hard, some users have commented that the unit is less effective
7. Eco+ Whole House Water Softener System
Editor Summary: An all-in-one system if you’re looking for both softening and filtration. 99% scale prevention and impressive water filtration technology.
Preview
Product
Price
EcoPlus Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener
£349.99
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
Water Filter Man is a well-established West Midlands-based company specialising in water filtration systems and water purification.
It is known not only for de-scaling and softening products, but for products that filter and purify water in an environmentally friendly, convenient, and cost-effective way.
Appearance
The Eco+ system is a blue plastic dual-filter unit. It is 21cm deep x 48cm wide x 49cm high, and is very lightweight, at just 10Kg.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
This unit is different in three key respects to those already described.
Firstly, it is salt-free. It requires no blocks, crystals or tablets, and there is no ‘regeneration’ process. Secondly, it not only softens the household water, but purifies it too, using its dual-tank water filtration system. Thirdly, it requires no power supply (unlike the W2B200).
The first filter acts to filter levels of compounds such as chlorine and heavy metals, thereby making the water free of impurities, tastes, and odours. It also has an antibacterial filter media to help inhibit bacterial growth within the filter and to extend its life.
The second filter provides a chemical and salt-free water softener that the manufacturer states is 99.6% effective at de-scaling and preventing future scale build up. A process called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) conditions the water, converting the calcium and magnesium into inactive microscopic crystals.
The filters need replacing periodically: every year (or 200,000 litres usage) is recommended for the first filter and every three years (or 750,000 litres usage) for the scale prevention cartridge.
Installation is generally by a plumber. It can be wall-mounted and should be connected in-line with the cold mains water pipe. It is supplied with ¾-inch BSP threaded fittings for installation.
Preview
Product
Price
EcoPlus Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener
£349.99
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
The model provides great value for money as it does two jobs at once and generates minimal running costs for the homeowner. It’s the best choice if you are looking to purchase a combo of whole house water filtration system and an efficient water softener.
Ideal for:
This particular model is recommended for:
- Small families up to 3 or 4 people
- Those looking for water purification as well as softening
- Households keen to keep running costs down
- Those who want a an eco-friendly solution
Warranty
Water Filter Man provides a 3-year guarantee on system parts and fixings. This excludes the filter cartridge, which should be replaced as required.
- If you want a water softener without the extra filter, the same company manufactures a smaller, softening-only unit at a lower price, using the same softening technology.
- Users comment that a high flow rate is maintained and that the system has minimal impact on water pressure
- It works in homes with appliances sensitive to pressure including cold feed electric showers and Combi boilers
8. Tapworks AD11 Water Softener
Editor Summary: The Tapworks AD11 Water Softener might not look aesthetically appealing, but it does a job well done in providing soft water and a good price. It adapts to your needs and offers smart technology to make operation much hassle-free.
Preview
Product
Price
Tapworks AD11 Water Softener
£435.00
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
Tapworks is one of the largest manufacturers of water softeners worldwide! They use Smart technology to ensure that they produce some of the best water softening systems suitable for most homes.
Appearance
I’m going, to be honest: This is not an attractive looking water softener unit, with a body made of plain plastic. However, you’re focusing more of its components, which are strong and made of quality material. As for its dimensions, it is 49.6 x 29.6 x 64.8 cm, good enough to fit most kitchen sinks provided you allocate enough space (it isn’t as compact than others).
Installation, operation, and maintenance
I highly recommend the unit for beginners who have little to no prior knowledge on water softeners. It comes with the understandable manual so you can easily assemble and set it up yourself!
It also operates well, providing up to 2,266 litres at a water capacity of 300 PPM. I also appreciate its power, though requiring electricity, it has a 48-hour backup in case of power loss!
It’s not the easiest to maintain, but it isn’t difficult to do so as well, requiring monthly checks and a bit of cleaning every few weeks.
Preview
Product
Price
EcoPlus Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener
£435.00
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
The Tapworks AD11 comes at a slightly more affordable price compared to other water softeners. At a price between £410 to £450, you do get your money’s worth with smart technology (despite the clunky appearance).
Ideal for:
The Tapworks AD11 Water Softener is best suitable for the following:
- Those on a slightly lower budget but want something with useful features and performance
- If you’re living in a permanent home and need soft water for years
- Something easy to install and program if you’re not familiar with water softening at all
Warranty
Usually, all of Tapworks Water Softener has one-year parts and labor warranty. You will need to register for the warranty for it to work
- Any tablet or pellet salt will work well with the water softener
- You won’t need a bypass valve if you already had a water softener before
- I’m not a huge fan of the appearance, which is why you should allocate adequate space for it under the sink or in hidden areas
9. BWT WS455 Hi-Flow Electronic Demand Water Softener
Editor Summary: If you’re looking for something that offers soft water on-demand and regardless of how much you need, you’ll like the BWT WS455. It offers everything beginners need for a family-sized household.
Preview
Product
Price
Tapworks AD11 Water Softener
£588.99
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
BWT stands for Best Water Technology, another large company with thousands of partners worldwide. They focus on creating the best water treatment systems using the latest technology, all the while without abusing the planet’s resources.
Appearance
The BWT WS455 is simply designed with functionality for all homes in mind. It’s compatible with most UK plumbing systems and comes at a compact size, fitting most cupboards. Furthermore, it has a strong plastic body that measures 48 x 27 x 53.2 cm. While a bit on the heavier side at 22.5 kg, it’s sturdy and can hold up to 10 liters of salt.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
Installation is a breeze since it comes with an easy-to-understand instruction manual. It only takes half a day or less to set up and program, using it after breaking it in for a day.
Operation is just as satisfactory as well, performing as advertised and using smart technology to provide water for families of up to four people without a struggle. It even uses salt more efficiently!
There are no problems with maintenance here, as all you need to do is to check it for salt replacement monthly.
Preview
Product
Price
EcoPlus Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener
£588.99
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
The BWT WS455 Water Softener comes at a moderate price, slightly more expensive than the likes of Water2Buy or Harvey’s. With that said, it still offers the amazing features families require. Not only is it small enough to fit in kitchen cupboards, but easy to set up and program for hassle-free maintenance in the long run.
Ideal for:
The Tapworks AD11 Water Softener is best suitable for the following:
- Those who have family-sized households
- Families who have tight spaces and need a compact unit
- Something easy to install without advanced knowledge of water softeners
Warranty
The unit comes with a five-year warranty on parts and a two-year warranty on labor at home.
- For those with flow rates under 10 liters a minute, hardness may not be completely removed
- With that said above, people still have softer water compared to other older water softeners
- The fittings of the water softener could be better, but sell fits well in plumbing systems
10. iSpring RCC7AK Water Filtration System
Editor Summary: The iSpring RCC7AM isn’t a complete water softener, but a filtration system for cleaner water. It helps improve the water quality at the cheapest price, though not recommended for those with extremely hard water.
Preview
Product
Price
Tapworks AD11 Water Softener
£201.99
Best Price on Amazon
Manufacturer
iSpring Water Systems is a family-owned company that focuses on manufacturing high-quality water filtration systems. Their goal is to offer quality drinking water accessible for all households thanks to their premium products at affordable prices.
Appearance
I have no issues with what this water softener looks like. It looks classy and has three slim tanks to fit well under the sink. The main system body only measures 18 x 124.5 x 5.25 inches, with the holding tank measuring 16 x 11 inches for ease of installation.
Installation, operation, and maintenance
You can install the unit yourself, taking only less than a day before you can begin using it. It fits most kitchen sinks with all parts included, as well as an understandable manual.
As for its operation, don’t expect it to remove hard water. This system focuses more on filtering out water to remove it of any contaminants more so than actually softening it. However, I do notice cleaner water which has improved both washing and drinking.
There aren’t any issues in terms of maintenance, lasting for years of daily usage as long as you inspect the filter now and then.
Preview
Product
Price
EcoPlus Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener
£201.99
Best Price on Amazon
Value for money
At a price between £200 to £220, it’s one of the most affordable water treatment systems to invest in today. Even at such an affordable price, it doesn’t scrimp on quality and you’re assured cleaner and safer water to use and consume for years to come. However, it doesn’t completely remove hardness in water, so you have to be wary if you have higher hard water levels.
Ideal for:
This particular water softener is ideal for:
- Those on an extreme budget and focus more on water filtration
- A household without high levels of hard water
- Those who are familiar with their plumbing systems for easy installment
Warranty
The water softener comes with a 1-year limited warranty, as well as lifetime technical support.
- This isn’t a water softener for very hard water levels
- You may need a booster pump if you have water pressure under 45 PSI
- Push the tubing into the quick-fitting lock and connectors to ensure a leak-free setup
Water Softener Buying Guide
Now that you’re familiar with the best water softeners, how can you choose the right one made for you? There are more factors to consider beyond getting the most popular or priciest! With that said, look into these factors before making your final investment:
System Size and Weight
One of the crucial factors to consider is the type of water softener you need, which I’ll get into the next section. That factor depends on how hard your water is.
The next thing to consider is its size, which depends on your household and area you allocated for it. Some households may need a huge system, while others can make do with something smaller. And take note, the bigger DOESN’T mean the better for some households, which is why you need to know how to calculate the ideal water softener size for you!
This is because it should be large enough so it can adapt to your household’s needs. But it should still come at a physical size good enough to fit your home.
With that said, water softeners have a different size standard, rated by its number of hardness grains that it can remove between regenerating. These rates are measured in GPG, or grains per gallon of water. How can you calculate the correct water size for your home?
Experts calculate the GPG required in a water softener system based on how many people use water daily. To calculate this simply, just multiply how many you are in the family by 75 (the typical number of gallons one person uses daily). Afterward, multiply the answer by how many GPG of hard minerals exists in your water.
The final answer is the MINIMUM GPG required to get a good amount of water for ALL family members in the household. To give you an idea of how much you need, the average family requires at least 33,000 GPG in a water softener.
Controls and Features
You also have to look into the water softener’s controls and features. Not only should it be easy to adjust its controls, but also with the necessary features your family specifically needs. Many softeners now have automatic functions to control the basic features of a water softener, like the amount of water and regeneration cycles daily.
BUT, some softeners have adjustable controls, which you may prefer. These are the two most common ways to control a water softener:
Water Softener Timer Control
An electronic timer is automatic and would regulate regeneration cycles based on your typical usage daily. I like this type of control because it’s very useful and lessens the need to manually adjust it myself.
However, some people may not like it because it would regenerate without needing to, which wastes water and sodium. Furthermore, automatic controls might not detect intense usage, which causes a water shortage that day.
Softener DIR Control
DIR stands for demand-initiated regeneration, which is a sophisticated control that determines when you have to recharge your resin. It does this either through electronic sensors or mechanical meters, which would measure and calculate your water usage. Meaning, the system only regenerates water when necessary, saving up on salt and water.
I would only recommend this system if you use a LOT of water, or when over eight people are living in one home.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Water softener systems seem so intimidating at first, but you’ll be surprised as to how easy it is to install. However, assembly is easy when choosing the RIGHT and simple water softener system.
Fortunately, most water softener systems are pretty easy to assemble and setup. You don’t even need a professional plumber, especially if you have prior knowledge to systems like this. Usually, assembly and the installment shouldn’t take up to one day.
As for maintenance, I highly recommend that the water softener system you choose has a reputation for being easy to maintain. I like systems which have transparent salt storages or with an LCD screen to indicate how the system’s holding up and amount of salt left. This makes it easier for you to know whether it needs cleaning or salt replacement every month.
Furthermore, invest in a water softener system that’s built with durability in mind. They’re meant to last for years, which is why I recommend you get new systems fro reputable companies (which I mentioned in my reviews).
The Right Company and Certification
There are so many companies competing against one another to the point it gets confusing. They all act and look the same, which one should you get?
It’s best to look for various companies and shop around, getting different quotes based on the same factors you need. Work with established companies with a warranty to ensure that it’s backed up by a company that stays in business.
Look for certifications as well, ensuring that the NSF International and Water Quality Association certifies it as a quality system. There should be a WQA Gold Seal to ensure that it passes industry standards and the manufacturer’s claims.
What’s Your Budget?
And of course, how much are you able to afford a quality water softener? While you don’t need to overspend, do NOT scrimp on one either! Depending on the company and features the water softener offers, it can range between $400 to over $2,500 for a system.
Also, consider the materials needed (for salt replacement and maintenance tools). This can cost about $150 a year, suitable enough considering the performance it offers.
You can also choose to lease water softeners, though this is only recommended if you’re living in a home temporarily. If it’s for a permanent home to last for years, then you’ll save more buying an entire softening system.
What are the different types of water softener systems available in the UK?
There are essentially three different categories of whole-house water softener solutions. This excludes filter systems, which often use reverse osmosis, as these are generally designed to purify water, rather than just soften it.
Each type of solution softens hard water in a slightly different way, as explained briefly below:
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1. Salt-based systems
Water2Buy W2B200 is the best salt best water softener in the UK.
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Water2Buy W2B200 Water Softener - Best Choice for Large Homes | £369.99 | Best Price on Amazon |
With salt-based systems, sodium ions replace hard water (calcium and magnesium) ions to soften the water.
As well as a tank for resin beads, they require a salt chamber or ‘brine tank’ that needs to be topped up to maintain the effectiveness of the system. A system ‘regeneration’ process refreshes the resin beads that soften the water. Nowadays these are usually timer-based (every 1 or 2 days for instance) or meter-based (depending on your water usage), meaning that they are low-maintenance.
While some homeowners avoid drinking this water because of the additional salt content, it is very effective in softening the water and is often used for very hard water; the resulting water is perfectly safe to drink, but homeowners may reserve the cold tap as a drinking water tap.
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2. Salt-free systems
Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is the best salt-free water softening system in the UK.
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Eddy Electronic Water Descaler | £139.99 | Best Price on Amazon |
Salt-free systems use nano-technology to alter the atomic structure of the water and soften it. They are generally used for water that is moderately hard.
They are effective when lime-scale has built up in the existing plumbing system, helping to remove this from the pipes and ensuring that it no longer contributes to the hardness of the water and worsens the situation.
Because no salt additives are required, running costs are generally lower, maintenance easier, and no nearby drain is required for installation. These are considered more environmentally-friendly than salt-based solution, but are not always quite so effective in removing hardness.
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3. Electromagnetic systems
Electromagnetic systems are the smallest, most compact solutions available, and work using magnetic wires that are placed around the water piping system to alter the structure of the water molecules, softening the water.
They are often used for water with a low to medium hardness. Again, with no additives, this type of solution is considered low maintenance, cheap to run, and environmentally friendly, with no water run-off. They are also relatively easy to install.
Choosing the best Water Softener that’s suitable for your home:
- The hardness of your home’s water
- Your budget
- Space considerations
- Your maintenance preferences
- Environmental considerations
- The importance of running costs
So we have chosen what we consider to be the best Water Softener Systems one in each of the main four categories. These are summarised in the following table and you will find a more comprehensive Water Softener Reviews of each model below it.
Which is the Best Water Softener in UK?
Summary
The four units outlined above should cover most of the options for any UK homeowner looking for an effective water softening unit.
While personal preferences will be different, and none of the units is 100 percent perfect, each has received excellent feedback and reviews from users. The manufacturers are all well-established and provide good (in some cases, excellent) warranties and service to back up their products.
The stand-out solution that has consistently received the best Amazon reviews is the Water2Buy model, which combines very efficient performance with an attractive price-point, manageable running costs, and a 7-year warranty. When you add its easy installation process and compatibility with UK heating and plumbing systems, it leads the pack.
If you are looking for a similarly-priced solution that filters and purifies the water, as well as softening it, consider the Eco+ Whole House Water Filter System & Softener.
For those who want to spend a little less, or would prefer a salt-free softener, then the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is a good choice in areas where the water is not excessively hard.
Also, if you a resident of the US, we recommend you to check these reviews instead because this article is more centered towards you UK folks and we’ve only included products that are available in UK online stores.
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