You should first know the difference between a water softener and filter. The first is perfect if you are looking for a hard water solution. The latter is concerned with improving the taste of water, eliminating bad smells and getting rid of pesky contaminants.
Do I need a water softener?
Hard Water problems in the UK can arise in many ways. Both in your appliances around the house, and on your skin and hair when you wash and shower. You may need one if you find yourself dealing with some of these complaints.
These include:
- limescale build up – washing machines, dishwashers, kettles and coffee machines etc
- Soap scum left on clothes/dull appearance after washing
- Shorter lifespan on equipment due to limescale accumulation overtime
- Spots on glassware as cleaning efficiency is reduced from dishwasher
These problems aren’t just limited to your household appliances. You may find yourself with…
- Dry skin from hard water minerals strip the skin of natural oils/ itchiness may also occur
- Brittle hair that breaks easier – hair loses strength
- Leftover soap residue can clog pores
Your hardwater solution
You can treat these by removing the hard water minerals. A water softening machine will do this via a process called ion exchange. This is when the harmful calcium and magnesium ions are swapped out for harmless ions like sodium, meaning the water that exist the system and into your home can now longer go onto damage appliances or lead to the problems listed above. The water has undergone the softening process to leave you with soft water. A popular choice of resin to use in these would be ResinTech’s CG8 which is used commonly in both commercial and industrial applications.
Water Softener Benefits UK
The main benefit when you start using a water softener in your home is the reduction of scale build up. This will go along way in preserving your appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, whilst the use of soft water will enable products like soap to lather up better so you get…
- More cleaning efficiency
- Less product needed to lather up
- Appliances that don’t suffer wear and tear as quick within internal components
Water Softener Skin & Hair Benefits
- Skin is less irritated, natural oils remain.
- Flakiness and redness is reduced
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Less frizzy hair – soft water can help by preserving the natural oils in your hair
Water filter UK
Now, if your concern is with improving the quality of your drinking water by removing contaminants and getting rid of unwanted odours, you should consider the second option – a water filter.
A popular choice for those wanting better tasting, crisp and odourless water straight from the tap is to use a cartridge containing granular activated carbon. This is because GAC is great at removing chlorine and getting rid of chemicals that would otherwise diminish taste and cause bad odour in your water. These include: volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), chlorine and hydrogen sulphide. As a result, you get pleasant smelling, refreshing water, minus the bad stuff.
As there’s slow melt phosphate present too, this particular cartridge can help to soften water and control scale and corrosion, so it’s a neat little combination for those wanting to freshen up their tap water whilst being mindful of scale build up too.
You can use this in a regular drop in filter system that are placed under sinks. It’s sized to fit a standard slim and BB housings.
Targeted contaminant removal
Got a specific contaminant you need to remove? Then there are cartridges out there that can take these out your water. For example, arsenic, nitrates or even PFAS.
The latter is a particular rising concern within the UK and across the world as these “Forever Chemicals” have been linked to a variety of health issues such as thyroid issues, fertility issues and increasing the risk of certain types of cancers like kidney or testicular.
At Resin Products, we can help limit your exposure to PFAS chemicals with a water filter cartridge designed specifically for this purpose. Just like the previous filter cartridge mentioned, this cartridge is perfect for both the standard residential and industrial sized housing.
So, in summary. for those that are more focused with soothing skin conditions and wanting a more gentle approach for their skin and hair health – investing in a water softener may be of help. If you find limescale and corrosion in household appliances becoming an expensive nuisance, then you’re leaning more towards a water softener than a water filter. If you live in the South or East areas of England, the water is particularly harder in these regions.
Want more refreshing, tastier water and less contaminants in there? Then a water filter should be your choice of the two.
FAQ
Does my area have hard water?
The areas of the UK with hard/very hard water are the South/Eastern areas like London and cities like Ipswich, Norwich and Sunderland.
How much is a water filter in the UK?
For an under the sink system like a HMA unit, these are usually between £30 to £100 in the UK.
How much is a water softener in the UK?
At the low end, you can expect to pay around £500 for the unit and installation, with high end models retailing for the £2000 mark with the installation too.
Do I need a water softener or filter?
If your goal is healthier skin/hair and less hard water exposure for your house – then a water softener. Want better tasting water and less contaminants? Go for the water filter.
How long do water filters last?
It varies depending on factors like usage and your water hardness level. For example, the water fitter cartridge containing granular activated carbon in this blog can last between 6-12 months on average.