Hardwater/Limescale

[muffins78]

Hi, has anyone ever done anything with their water supply in terms of looking to treat hardwater? I am looking for a solution or something to alleviate the problem, its all very well descaling what is visible, not so much the pipework in the washing machine/dishwasher etc.. Thanks for any help/advice :)

[EPB]

In our last house we had a water softener that did the job very efficiently.

We had to keep it topped up with salt tablets (delivered in big bags by the local hardware shop)and have a separate tap for drinking water in the kitchen, fed from the mains.

It was installed about fifteen years ago, and as far as I know it's still going strong.

[Gidget]

I grew up in a house with a water softener. Our water came from a well. It was in the house when my parents bought it. Don't remember ever seeing any limescale. Am so fed up with the hard water in London.

[Marmora Man]

Water softeners are the only thing that works. Don't fall for any of the "special magnets / electrical coils" spiels that defy modern science. One reason we're looking forward to returning to the West Country is to enjoy the soft water and tea that tastes of tea without a scum floating on the top.

[SilverSurfer65]

We've had a water softener for the past 14/15 years. We replaced the original one last year, which worked by electricity to the present one which works by water pressure alone.

When my previous washing machine was repaired about 4 years ago, the heating element was as clean as when it was new, and it was 8 years old by then. I only replaced it this year due to problems with the door lock.

With a water softener you use less washing liquid/powder, bubble bath and soap, and although the initial investment is expensive, it pays for itself in the long run - and you can take it with you when you move.

[muffins78]

Thank you for the replies! Its good to hear that something works. With the water softeners, where are they connected? I am in a flat, and don't know if that will affect it?

EPB you mention salt tablets and Silversurfer, you mention electricity/mains. Did you both of the tablets and electricity/mains too?

I am well impressed about the heating element and god, to have normal tea or drinking water, would be great! At home (in Ireland), there was never any issues with limescale as far as I remember, and I still drink from the tap when I am there!

I need to look into costs, I've little idea about them! But if they prevent damage to white goods etc., I am sure it will pay for itself eventually. Thanks again for your help!

[EPB]

I'm not so sure about the drinking water. I think you're required to have a special tap ( fed directly from the mains) for drinking water. Your plumber would be able to tell you what the regs are.

[Lu]

I think installing something at the water source is probably the best idea. I don't recommend you do what I did and use soda crystals on an old appliance. Someone told me adding them to the wash would help deal with limescale but I think so much limescale had built up over the years that it dislodge it and and stuck itself all over my laundry! It took several rinse cycles to get rid of it and even then I was still wiping it off the drum and picking it off clothes for a few washes afterwards. Never again.

[SilverSurfer65]

I will send you a p.m. with the details of my softener etc.

Gina