Water Softener FAQs
How does a water softener remove limescale?
Hard water passes through the water softener tank which contains resin beads.
In a process called 'ion-exchange' calcium and magnesium ions in the hard water stick to the resin beads and are exchanged for sodium ions, turning the water ‘soft’.
What is the salt used for?
Once the resin beads are fully loaded with calcium and magnesium ions, they must be cleaned
(or regenerated) so they can continue to soften the water. The salt is used to make a brine solution which cleans the resin beads, ready for attracting more of the hardness minerals.
How much does it cost to run a water softener?
It will depend upon how much water is used in your home, the number of occupants and your water hardness level.
Typically, it will cost 50p per person per week to maintain. Salt is available to buy from Homebase.
Is softened water safe to drink?
Most of the time, yes it is!
However, Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000, stipulates a maximum limit of 200 mg/l (milligrams per litre) of sodium in drinking water. In certain areas where the water is exceptionally hard (ie. above 425 milligrams per liter of CaCO3) a mains water tap is essential, as the resulting sodium content of the softened water would exceed 200 mg/l.
Please check with your local water board for the mains water hardness level in your area.
Can the water softener be taken with me if I move?
Yes. You will need to decommission the water softener, and then have it re-installed into your new home.
Just give us a call on 0808 164 2019 and we will explain all.
Where should the water softener be installed?
The water softener is normally installed near to the mains stop cock to ensure as much of the home as possible is supplied by soft water. Access to a drain and overflow will also be required.
Will the water softener remove existing limescale?
The installation of a water softener will start to remove existing limescale, but this will take time!
It can take more than 3 years depending on the level of existing damage.
Will it invalidate my boiler warranty?
It is advisable that you check with your boiler manufacture.
How long will it take to install?
It should take no more than 3 – 4 hours to be installed by a qualified plumber or water softener service engineer.
Can I water my garden with soft water?
It is advisable to put the water softener in to by-pass when watering the garden as it will increase the salt usage and maintenance costs unnecessarily.
How much less detergent, soap and shampoo products should I use?
When using soaps or detergents with soft water, you should start by cutting your usual amount by half.
You may even find you can use as little as a quarter of the amount you used before.
Does my dishwasher still need to be filled with salt?
No. With soft water in the home, salt is no longer needed to maintain the in-built water softener unit in your dishwasher.
Please also check the dishwasher’s manual for any reference to a hardness setting and set the dishwasher to the lowest possible level.
What service and maintenance does it require?
Adding salt to your machine is all you have to do.
You’ll see the salt level gradually go down – when it’s at a very low level, it’s time to refill.
An annual water softener health check is recommended to ensure your softener is working as it should.
Is a water softener noisy?
No, Kube water softeners operate at low noise levels.
Will the flow rate of the water be affected?
Kube water softeners operate at effective flow rates for UK homes. Flow rates are dependent upon many factors including your home pipe size and boiler incoming pressure. A Kube water softener will not reduce flow rates.
Where are they made?
USA. The United States is the home of water softening and water treatment. All the largest and most reputable manufacturers are based in the US. You can rest assured they have been designed specifically for the UK market.
Where can I buy a Kube Water Softener?
Currently Kube water softeners are available via www.homebase.co.uk and www.costco.co.uk
What happens if I book an installation and it cannot be fitted?
If for any reason on the day of installation we are unable to install the water softener you will have the option to return the product. Visit www.homebase.co.uk or www.costco.co.uk for details on the returns policy.
Is there a contact number should I have any technical questions regarding the product and installation?
Yes, we provide technical support Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm on 0808 164 2019
Hard water passes through the water softener tank which contains resin beads.
In a process called 'ion-exchange' calcium and magnesium ions in the hard water stick to the resin beads and are exchanged for sodium ions, turning the water ‘soft’.
What is the salt used for?
Once the resin beads are fully loaded with calcium and magnesium ions, they must be cleaned
(or regenerated) so they can continue to soften the water. The salt is used to make a brine solution which cleans the resin beads, ready for attracting more of the hardness minerals.
How much does it cost to run a water softener?
It will depend upon how much water is used in your home, the number of occupants and your water hardness level.
Typically, it will cost 50p per person per week to maintain. Salt is available to buy from Homebase.
Is softened water safe to drink?
Most of the time, yes it is!
However, Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000, stipulates a maximum limit of 200 mg/l (milligrams per litre) of sodium in drinking water. In certain areas where the water is exceptionally hard (ie. above 425 milligrams per liter of CaCO3) a mains water tap is essential, as the resulting sodium content of the softened water would exceed 200 mg/l.
Please check with your local water board for the mains water hardness level in your area.
Can the water softener be taken with me if I move?
Yes. You will need to decommission the water softener, and then have it re-installed into your new home.
Just give us a call on 0808 164 2019 and we will explain all.
Where should the water softener be installed?
The water softener is normally installed near to the mains stop cock to ensure as much of the home as possible is supplied by soft water. Access to a drain and overflow will also be required.
Will the water softener remove existing limescale?
The installation of a water softener will start to remove existing limescale, but this will take time!
It can take more than 3 years depending on the level of existing damage.
Will it invalidate my boiler warranty?
It is advisable that you check with your boiler manufacture.
How long will it take to install?
It should take no more than 3 – 4 hours to be installed by a qualified plumber or water softener service engineer.
Can I water my garden with soft water?
It is advisable to put the water softener in to by-pass when watering the garden as it will increase the salt usage and maintenance costs unnecessarily.
How much less detergent, soap and shampoo products should I use?
When using soaps or detergents with soft water, you should start by cutting your usual amount by half.
You may even find you can use as little as a quarter of the amount you used before.
Does my dishwasher still need to be filled with salt?
No. With soft water in the home, salt is no longer needed to maintain the in-built water softener unit in your dishwasher.
Please also check the dishwasher’s manual for any reference to a hardness setting and set the dishwasher to the lowest possible level.
What service and maintenance does it require?
Adding salt to your machine is all you have to do.
You’ll see the salt level gradually go down – when it’s at a very low level, it’s time to refill.
An annual water softener health check is recommended to ensure your softener is working as it should.
Is a water softener noisy?
No, Kube water softeners operate at low noise levels.
Will the flow rate of the water be affected?
Kube water softeners operate at effective flow rates for UK homes. Flow rates are dependent upon many factors including your home pipe size and boiler incoming pressure. A Kube water softener will not reduce flow rates.
Where are they made?
USA. The United States is the home of water softening and water treatment. All the largest and most reputable manufacturers are based in the US. You can rest assured they have been designed specifically for the UK market.
Where can I buy a Kube Water Softener?
Currently Kube water softeners are available via www.homebase.co.uk and www.costco.co.uk
What happens if I book an installation and it cannot be fitted?
If for any reason on the day of installation we are unable to install the water softener you will have the option to return the product. Visit www.homebase.co.uk or www.costco.co.uk for details on the returns policy.
Is there a contact number should I have any technical questions regarding the product and installation?
Yes, we provide technical support Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm on 0808 164 2019