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The best water softeners to combat hard water damage
When your water’s as hard as the Mitchell brothers, it’s not only the plumbing and appliances that suffer – your hair and skin can too. A water softener could change all that and save you money on your energy bills - here's our guide to the best, as recommended by parents.
By Louise Cole | Last updated Apr 2, 2024
If you are among the estimated 16 million people in the UK who live in a hard water area, our guide to the best water softener might just have the answers you're looking for. From chalky white deposits leaking from your best steam iron to smelly laundry in your washer dryer that even the best laundry detergent can't fix, hard water minerals can wreak havoc in your home and on your appliances. Signs include pesky tidemarks on bathroom fittings, stiff, rough clothes in your tumble dryer, clogged showerheads and smeary glassware. It gets worse: hard water can aggravate and even cause skin conditions such as eczema.
In the end, even the best washing machine cleaner or limescale remover won’t be able to prolong the life of your trusty washing machine, dishwasher or kettle if you don’t solve the root of the problem. Improving your water quality with a water softener filtration system will stop hard water's detrimental and often unsightly effects by preventing the limescale build-up that causes internal corrosion to appliances. Not only that, the best water softeners will lower your energy bills by inhibiting hard-water blockages in pipework and boilers that cause them to operate less efficiently. All it takes is just one-eighth of an inch of limescale to reduce heating efficiency by a quarter, according to Calmag.
To help you find the right one for your home, we turned to the Mumsnet forums, which boast over eight million unique visitors per month, to find honest recommendations that have been tried and tested by families. Using our triple-check vetting process, their views and feedback, cross-referenced with the opinion of industry experts and authentic consumer reviews, has allowed us to create this informative, balanced guide to the best water softener for 2024.
Here's our pick of the best water softeners UK 2024.
You may also want to check out our guides to the best dehumidifiers, best fabric softeners, best laundry baskets, best rotary washing lines and best clothes pegs to help meet all your laundry needs.
The best water softeners: at a glance
Best water softener overall: Tapworks NSC11PRO Water Softener | £745
Best water softener on a budget: Eddy Electronic Water Descaler | £139
Best water softener for large households: Water2Buy W2B800 Water Softener | £600
Best water softener for easy installation: BWT WS455 Water Softener | £670
Fit and forget, easy-to-install kit included
Perfect for large families (1-7 people)
Metered with a clear digital display
Shorter warranty than other softeners
Handbook lacks detail
Price: RRP £580 | Max daily capacity: 2068 litres | Electric: Yes | Self-cleaning: No | WRAS approved: Unspecified | Dimensions: 65.4 x 53.2 x 30.2 cm | Weight: 5kg
Larger households won’t be disappointed with this electronic water softener from Tapworks, which provides unlimited limescale-free water for a family of seven. Metered and cheaper to run than some water softeners, it comes with the message ‘fit and forget’ from its manufacturer. We love appliances that don’t add to your to-do list!
Arriving with all of the kit, you need to complete installation, although some previous customers report that the handbook lacks quite a bit of detail, so you might want to ask someone with experience to install it. Another benefit to the Tapworks water softener is that it has a back-lit LCD and lights in its 11-litre tank that helps you read and re-fill even in a poorly-lit location. Made with minimal moving parts to reduce wear and tear and increase reliability, it’s suitable for 15mm and 22mm plumbing systems.
Read next: In need of some additional household essentials? We've collated the best laundry baskets and best clothes pegs as recommended by Mumsnetters.
Doesn't need salt refills
Easy to install (doesn't need a plumber)
12-month money-back guarantee
Some reviewers claim it's not as powerful as traditional water softener units
Might not make as much difference to very hard water
Price: RRP £139 | Max daily capacity: Unspecified | Electric: Yes | Self-cleaning: No | WRAS approved: Not specified | Dimensions: 17 x 3.5 x 9 cm | Weight: 550g
When no amount of fabric softener or even the best laundry detergent for babies can save your baby grows and romper suits from the effect of limescale, it is time to find a solution. However, not all of us have hundreds of pounds to spare, so why not try an Eddy Electronic Water Descaler for a budget-friendly, compact, low-maintenance scale prevention system that’ll help you save money on your energy bill and protect your boiler and appliances from the effect of limescale?
The best thing about an Eddy is that it's easy to install - meaning you don't have to spend extra pennies on calling out a plumber. It works by attaching to your incoming supply pipes, creating an electromagnetic field via its wire coils and removing the adhesion of the limescale in the water as it passes through. It's not exactly a water softener, and is probably better suited to smaller households, but it's eco-friendly, low-maintenance and should do the job of removing limescale without the added expense of a traditional unit.
Can support households of up to 10 people
Good value for money
Significant daily capacity
It is big, so it may not fit in most kitchens
Price: RRP £600 | Max daily capacity: 3680 litres | Electric: Yes | Self-cleaning: Yes | WRAS approved: Yes | Dimensions: 50 x 22.5 x 110 cm | Weight: 25kg
If you’re living in a larger household of up to 10 people and therefore have a large water consumption, you’ll be pleased to know that the Water2Buy W2B800 can generate up to 3,680 litres of filtered soft water every single day - enough to tackle even the longest of showers and baths.
Built to last, with a robust, corrosion-resistant tank that self-cleans, this water softener has powerful potential. As a result, it has a relatively substantial size (narrow but tall) that you won’t be able to squeeze under the sink and may be best suited to a garage or basement room. It's the second Water2Buy model on our list, and with good reason - it's a trusted brand that Mumsnet users have recommended, and their softeners repeatedly appear on best buy lists.
Read next: If limescale isn’t your only problem, and you’re looking for ways to beat damp, we have guides to the best dehumidifiers and best mould removers you might find helpful.
Five-year parts warranty
Family-sized and energy efficient
Easy to install and set-up
Limited capacity
Price: RRP £670 | Max daily capacity: Unspecified | Electric: Yes | Self-cleaning: No | WRAS approved: Yes | Dimensions: 48 x 27 x 53.2 cm | Weight: 22.54 Kilograms
The BWT WS455 Hi-Flow Electronic water softener (which stands for BWT stands for Best Water Technology, BTW) is designed to fit comfortably inside your kitchen cupboards whilst still effectively reducing scale for a family of up to four people. They’ve been specifically designed for UK homes and plumbing systems, efficient, effective and automatic; they pop several times on Mumsnet forums.
Perfect for those who want a no-fuss, no-faff solution, these water softeners are meant to be easy to fit and maintain. Comparatively cheaper than some models, they arrive with everything you need to install. Just be aware this is a smaller capacity model and won’t be as effective if you exceed its limit.
Read next: Best budget dehumidifiers: keep your home damp-free for under £100
Energy efficient, will reduce your bills
Easy to operate and install
Ideal for medium-sized households
May not be as small as expected
Installation kit is for 15mm pipework only
Price: RRP £385 | Max daily capacity: Unspecified | Electric: Yes | Self-cleaning: No | WRAS approved: Yes | Dimensions: 33 x 66 x 47 cm | Weight: 1kg
Small in size but big on performance, the Calsoft Mini Metered Water Softener is energy-saving and is designed to fit under the kitchen sink and serve a household of up to eight. The best part is that this clever water softener remembers your water usage just in case of a power cut.
It has easy-to-understand electronics, with no complicated programming required. Automated and metered, the unit is compatible with all plumbing systems and comes with five-year parts and 12-month labour guarantees. Don’t expect this ‘mini’ water softener to be too compact. While it’s shallower than many units featured here, it’s just as tall and wide, so a better home might be the garage or loft.
Read next: The best budget washing machines under £500
Non-electric option for lower running cost
Low noise levels
Compact
Easy to Install
Low-maintenance
Cheaper electric models available
Price: RRP £540 | Max daily capacity: Unspecified | Electric: No | Self-cleaning: No | WRAS approved: Yes | Dimensions: 49.2 x 23.5 x 42.5cm | Weight: 15.5kg
If you’re concerned about rising energy bills (aren’t we all!), you may be keen to avoid an additional electrical device within your home. The Kinetico Kube is a mechanical non-electric water softener that, as a result, comes with lower running costs and greater reliability.
The initial cost may be a lot compared to other electric models on the market, but, as the Mumsnet users who’ve recommended this brand found, they last for years and years. Compact enough to fit under your kitchen sink, the Kube offers low noise levels and only regenerates when needed, accurately measuring your water and using salt only when required.
Monarch Water Ultimate Midi HE WRAS-Approved Water Softener
Very energy efficient and able to optimise its systems automatically
Easy to use and install
Robust but stylish design
Best for smaller households of 1-5 people
Price: RRP £600 | Max daily capacity: 2,280 litres | Electric: Yes | Self-cleaning: Yes | WRAS approved: Yes | Dimensions: H55mm x W275mm x D485mm | Weight: Unspecified
2023's buzzword is energy efficient. With everyone trying to make smart choices to reduce their energy bills, we say you can’t make a smarter choice than by choosing Monarch’s Ultimate Electric Softener Midi HE. It comes plumber-approved, with everything you need for it to be installed in your home.
Perfect for smaller households, this water softener arrives housed in a sleek, stylish grey unit that is small enough to fit underneath your kitchen sink. Although you may still prefer to stick it in the garage. More reasonably priced than most (although still not exactly budget-friendly), this water softener promises high performance and litres of soft water for your family. However, our favourite feature is its customer protection programme that detects leaks, delays regeneration until 2am, optimises water and salt usage, and even automatically adjusts to time changes. So, you won’t have to break out the manual to figure out how to change the time during daylight savings! Hallelujah! We’re sure parents everywhere will be grateful for that extra peace of mind!
What is a water softener?
A water softener is a filtration system that attaches to a household water supply to soften hard water through an ion exchange process.
Many Mumsnet users recommend them for households, with benefits including saving damage to taps and appliances. And, while they don’t come cheap initially, they can save money on repair costs and heating bills, which will be very welcome news as many families face a hike in bills this year.
What is hard and soft water?
Hard water occurs in some regions more than others, and is where the water supply has more calcium and magnesium than we would like. Whilst it won't make you sick, hard water can taste unpleasant. It can also increase the amount of limescale in your bathrooms, lead to unwelcome grime build-ups on your appliances and even dry out your hair and skin.
Soft water is free from some of the harsher chemicals than can cause challenges in and around the home. From a better lather on your shampoo to easier household cleaning, water softeners are a practical and cost effective solution to soften your water.
How do I know if I have hard water?
The most effective and efficient way to find out if you have hard water is by checking out an online water hardness map. There you can use your postcode to find out whether or not you live in a hard water area.
How do I know if I need a water softener?
Whilst a water softener isn’t essential, there are some signs that suggest you may benefit from one within your home:
Struggling to get a lather when you shower
Finding your dishwasher isn't cleaning effectively
Continuously cleaning up limescale, grime and soap scum residue
A water softener could help improve the look, taste and smell of your drinking water, whilst also helping your appliances run more effectively.
How do water softeners work?
Without getting too technical, a water softener works by removing the hard water culprits – namely calcium and magnesium – that cause limescale chaos. The unit connects to your mains water supply and softens water for the entire property.
All softeners need to regenerate every so often, flushing the unwanted minerals through the system with a saltwater solution that cleans it out. This process often takes place when it’s unlikely that any water is being used in the home, such as in the early hours of the morning.
To find out how hard your water is, go to your supplier’s website. You can either type in your postcode or view on a map which water type you have. Almost two-thirds of the UK has hard water, which affects millions of households and results in extra maintenance, repairs and even the replacement of everything from shower heads to hot water cylinders.
Can I install a water softener myself?
DIY installation of water softeners is not recommended, you will need a plumber in most cases.
Which type of water softener is better?
There are two main types of water softeners - electric and non-electric (or mechanical). The latter will obviously keep your energy bills down and is often more reliable, however users often find even electric water softener running costs pay for themselves quickly in terms of reduced cleaning and maintenance costs.
Depending on the size of your household, you need to consider the daily capacity as well as the size of the unit itself, particularly if you have a smaller home and kitchen.
How do I know which water softener to buy?
There are several factors to take into account when buying a water softener:
How many people does it serve?: Choose one of an appropriate size for your household. Consider the daily maximum capacity to ensure this covers your family’s typical water consumption.
Where will it be fitted?: Ideally, this will be where the water supply enters the property, if there’s room. Some units are small enough to fit in a standard kitchen cupboard, where as other larger or double cylinder units may require installation in a garage or basement.
For how long is it guaranteed?: The longer, the better.
Is it economical?: Check how much salt and water is used for regeneration.
Do you want a metered water softener?: One of these will monitor your water usage and regenerate only when necessary.
Will yours use salt?: Most do and those that don’t aren’t technically water softeners – they condition the water to inhibit limescale, as opposed to softening it, and are generally less efficient than their salt-consuming counterparts.
How much can you spend?: Decide which of the units matches your budget, and look at the warranty offered.
Are water softeners worth it?
Conventional water softeners range from a few to several hundred pounds. While the cost may make you feel a bit queasy, you’ll feel a whole lot worse if clogged pipes end up with you having to fork out for a new washing machine, dishwasher and boiler.
When you also take into account the fact that you’ll use only a fraction of the bathing, cleaning and laundry products that you would with hard water – plus, clothes will last longer – the investment is well worth it.
How long do water softeners last?
When used as instructed, water softeners have been known to last 20 years, but their typical lifespan is 10 to 15 years.
What is the most reliable brand of water softener?
The best water softener is the Tapworks NSC11PRO Water Softener, which gets the thumbs-up from Mumsnetters and hundreds of other owners for good reason. It produces enough soft water for most families, uses the tiniest amount of power, water and salt consumption is low, and it has a fair price too.
How we chose our recommendations
We’ve thoroughly researched the best water softeners you can buy in 2024, including tried and tested experiences from a wide range of reliable, trusted sources. We regularly update our listings page to reflect the best products currently available in the UK.
Here's how we carefully selected our picks.
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Many of our users within the Mumsnet community have experienced the challenges of living in a hard water area and chosen to have a water softener fitted at home. Firstly, we weighed up Mumsnetters' tried and tested reviews and recommendations on the water softeners they’ve used and rated from their own experiences, including their advice on any critiques, challenges or things to be aware of when making the investment.
Expert opinions
Water softeners don’t always come cheap, so we wanted to be confident that the products we recommended were safe and performed well across the industry. We investigated the views of industry experts on the water softeners they rate and trust to perform most highly. We also considered which products had Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approval - having gone through vigorous mechanical and water quality testing. Whilst it isn't compulsory for water softeners to have WRAS approval, it provides additional peace of mind that products are safe and of a high standard.
Authentic customer reviews
Finally, we evaluated the bestseller lists and scrutinised authentic reviews from a variety of retailer sites to see which products were best rated. We weighed up the pros and cons of each choice to determine which products were best suited to a variety of home environments.
Celebrated Water Softeners
Whether you’re after a compact model that will fit in your tiny kitchen, a non-electric softener to help keep your energy use down or one that is relatively easy to fit yourself, here are the best water softeners to buy in 2024.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
About the author
Louise is a writer and editor with more than a decade’s print journalism experience, having worked for several daily newspapers and as editor of a glossy lifestyle magazine. She has written articles on topics from lifestyle to travel and parenting to pets, her work featuring in national publications including On the Couch and Edition Dog magazines.