Water Softener Hints and Tips: How to Get the Best from Your System - Friendly Water

Water Softener Hints and Tips: How to Use Your Water Softener

Once your water softener has been installed, you can start enjoying the many benefits of softened water throughout your home. Softened water should be fully available within 2–3 weeks after installation. Please use the test kit provided to confirm this.

If you’re new to softened water, the tips below will help you get the best performance, efficiency, and longevity from your water softener system.

Water Softener Salt: Filling and Maintenance

To ensure a continuous supply of softened water, your water softener must always contain sufficient salt.

  • Keep the salt level within 2–3 inches of the lid

  • Never allow the salt level to drop below one-third full

  • Running low on salt may cause hard water to return

Drinking Softened Water

Most installations include a separate hard water drinking tap at the kitchen sink.

  • If you are on a low-sodium diet or have health concerns, consult your GP before drinking softened water

  • We offer a wide range of water filtration systems to improve drinking water quality if required

  • We do not recommend aluminium cookware for boiling or cooking with softened water

Use Less Detergent with Softened Water

Softened water allows soaps and detergents to work more efficiently.

  • Reduce washing powder or liquid by at least one third

  • Excess detergent can cause too many suds and poor rinsing

  • Fabric conditioner use can often be reduced or eliminated altogether

This applies to washing machines, dishwashers, and hand washing.

Bathrooms and Showers with Softened Water

With softened water you will notice:

  • Less soap and shampoo required

  • Bathrooms stay cleaner for longer

  • Limescale is eliminated

You can also use detergent-free soaps, such as Simple Soap, which may benefit those with sensitive skin.

⚠️ Safety note: Softened water can make surfaces feel smoother and slightly slippery. Extra care should be taken with children and the elderly. Consider using bath or shower mats.

Water Softener Emergency Tips

In the event of an emergency:

  1. Turn off the electrical supply to the softener (if applicable)

  2. Close the inlet and outlet valves

  3. Open the bypass valve to restore hard water

  4. If there is a plumbing leak, turn off the main stopcock

  5. Switch off immersion heaters or boilers if necessary

Dishwashers and Softened Water

Most dishwashers are supplied with softened water.

  • Do not wash crystal glass, silver, or gold items — this may cause etching

  • Reset the dishwasher hardness setting to soft water

  • You will not need dishwasher salt if supplied with softened water

  • If your dishwasher remains on hard water, continue as normal

Household Plants and Softened Water

We recommend watering plants with hard water or rainwater rather than softened water. For specialist plant care, consult a gardening professional.

Steam Irons and Softened Water

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the type of water recommended for your steam iron.

Outside Taps: Hard or Soft Water?

Outside taps are usually supplied with hard water for:

  • Car washing

  • Garden watering

If your outside tap is on softened water, the softener must be bypassed to supply hard water.

In winter, isolate the internal valve and open the outside tap to drain water and prevent frost damage.

Holidays and Your Water Softener

When going on holiday:

  • Turn off the water supply at the main stopcock

  • Leave the power supply on if your softener uses electricity

Aquariums and Softened Water

Softened water is not suitable for aquariums. Always consult your aquatic supplier or a professional for advice.

Moving House with a Water Softener

If you wish to take your water softener with you:

  1. Turn off the inlet and outlet valves

  2. Open the bypass valve

  3. Disconnect the pipework

  4. Unplug the electrical supply if applicable

We are happy to disconnect your water softener — please contact us for assistance.

Need Help with Your Water Softener?

If you have any questions about operating or maintaining your water softener, our team is always happy to help. Regular maintenance ensures maximum performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Contact us 

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