Common Questions About Water Softeners

1. What is a water softener, and how does it work?

A water softener is a system designed to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water supply. It works through a process called ion exchange, which replaces hard minerals with sodium or potassium ions, leaving your water soft and easier on your appliances and skin.

2. What are the benefits of soft water?

Soft water provides many benefits, including extending the life of your appliances, reducing limescale buildup, improving the feel of your skin and hair, decreasing detergent use, and saving you money on repairs and cleaning products.

3. How do I know if I have hard water?

Hard water is common in areas throughout Suffolk and Essex. Common signs include limescale buildup on faucets, soap scum in sinks and tubs, dull hair, dry skin, and decreased efficiency of appliances like washing machines or dishwashers.

4. Do water softeners affect drinking water?

Most of our customers find soft water perfectly fine to drink. However, if you prefer a separate fresh water source, we can provide high-quality drinking water filters as part of your system.

5. How long does a water softener typically last?

With regular maintenance and proper care, our premium water softeners are designed to last over 10-15 years, providing you with reliable performance for years to come.

6. Is installing a water softener disruptive?

Not at all! Our skilled installation team works efficiently to install your system with minimal disruption to your daily life. Most installations are completed within a few hours.



7. How much maintenance does a water softener need?

Water softener systems are generally low-maintenance. All you need to do is replenish the salt supply periodically. We’re happy to guide you through the process during your service.

8. Can a water softener help with eczema?

Many of our customers have noticed improvements in eczema and other skin conditions after switching to soft water, as it’s gentler on sensitive skin and helps reduce irritation.

9. Do you offer free quotes for water softeners?

Yes, we do! Contact us to schedule a free consultation, and our team will explain your options and provide a no-obligation quote.

10. What areas do you service?

We proudly serve Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, and the surrounding East Anglia region with top-quality water softeners and filters.

11. What types of softeners do you offer?

We provide a range of high-efficiency water softeners, including non-electric models and systems tailored to suit varying household sizes and needs.

12. Does soft water save money?

Yes! Soft water reduces maintenance costs for appliances by preventing limescale damage, lowers energy consumption, and decreases the need for cleaning products.

13. How do I choose the right system for my home?

We’ll help you determine the best system based on your household water needs, preferences, and budget. Contact us to schedule a consultation for a personalized recommendation.

14. Do you offer water filters along with softeners?

Yes, we also specialize in water filtration systems to ensure you have access to clean, great-tasting water in addition to softened water.

15. Is financing available for water softeners?

We provide flexible options to help make your purchase convenient. Contact us to learn more about available plans.

16. What kind of salt should I use in my softener?

We recommend high-quality salt blocks, which we stock and can conveniently deliver to your home.

17. Can a water softener be installed in any home?

Yes, our systems are custom-fitted to work in virtually any home. Our installation team evaluates your plumbing to ensure a perfect fit.

18. Will a water softener remove iron from my water?

Some water softeners can help reduce iron levels, but if iron is a significant issue, we may recommend an additional filter tailored for iron removal.

19. How often should a water softener be serviced?

We recommend an annual service to ensure optimal performance and longevity, which we’re happy to provide for our customers.

20. Why should I choose Patmore Water Softeners?

With over 40 years of experience and award-winning customer service, we’re proud to be your trusted provider for water softening solutions across Suffolk and Essex.