Water softeners are a great addition to any home, providing several benefits to you and your family while also saving money in the long term. However, we understand that people want to make sure a water-softening system is right for them before getting one installed.
When we speak to customers, we’re often asked about the effects water softening systems can have on water pressure throughout the home. You can rest assured that Kinetico water softeners are specifically designed to not affect the water flow.
This article aims to dispel some of the myths around water softeners and water flow so you feel more confident about getting a softener for your home.
Water Pressure Explained
First of all, let’s explain what we mean by water pressure. As the name implies, this specifically concerns the speed at which water exits your taps, usually measured in bars.
In the UK, there are minimum requirements when it comes to water pressure being supplied to properties. Most will supply 1.0 bars of pressure, although this requirement only stretches to your property boundary and not to the pressure eventually coming out of your taps.
Water Pressure Vs Water Flow
Water pressure is different to water flow, which is the amount of water that comes out of your tap in a set period of time (usually measured in litres per minute). While they are linked – more pressure often means increased flow – there are slight differences, particularly in how they’re measured.
Why Water Softeners Don’t Impact Water Pressure
Due to some past negative experiences, some people believe water softeners cause low water pressure in the home. However, a well-designed and fitted softener should have no impact on the pressure of the water.
Water softeners like ours work by passing mains water through water softening tanks to remove all the minerals that cause hard water. While the water’s path is changed to accommodate the system, it’s still a continuous path from the mains to your tap.
So long as the water softening system you have installed is of high quality and a suitable size to accommodate your water usage, there should be no noticeable impact on water pressure in your home.
Because the water’s journey is slightly longer, there can be a slight change to the flow rate, but with high-quality systems like ours, this is minimal enough to be unnoticeable.
Reasons Why You Might Lose Water Pressure
Water pressure can be impacted by various things, not all of them necessarily related to your softening system. If you’re worried about a drop in water pressure, here are some things to check.
Water Softening System is Too Small
The most common reason for water pressure reductions after fitting a softener is the softening system being too small. If your water softener can’t filter fast enough to keep up with demand, you will see a natural decrease in water pressure.
It’s always recommended to get water softeners fitted by professionals to avoid this situation. The Kinetico team of professional installers will take the time to ensure your household’s needs are met before installing our products.
Water Softener is Low Quality
Some lower-quality water softeners can cause water pressure to fluctuate during their lifetime. This can happen for multiple reasons, including the system’s regeneration cycle causing a temporary slowdown.
Kinetico’s water softeners pioneered the twin-tank system in the UK, ensuring 24/7 softened water with no regeneration concerns.
Plumbing and Supply Issues
If you’re suddenly experiencing low water pressure across the home, the most common cause is a plumbing issue or problems with the mains supply to your home.
If the issue is restricted to certain taps, this may be due to recent plumbing work that’s been completed. If not, it could be a sign that there’s a leak or faulty pipe somewhere.
If the issue is across the whole property, it may be due to the pressure you’re being supplied with. For example, issues can occur as a result of recent work by the supplier in your area. In this case, it may be worth contacting your water supplier or visiting their website for help.
The Benefits of Water Softening Systems
Getting a high-quality water softener like ours at Kinetico can provide a whole host of benefits to your home, without impacting your water pressure.
Here are just some of the main benefits soft water can provide.
- Softer Skin and Hair: Soft water is better for washing your hair and skin, helping everything feel more smooth and luxurious.
- Limescale Free: Soft water removes the minerals that cause limescale buildup.
- Less Cleaning: With no more limescale, there’ll be less cleaning to do around the home.
- Save Money: Less cleaning and longer-lasting appliances mean soft water households save hundreds of pounds a year.
For more information on water softeners and to discover the right product for you, take a look at our website or call our team today.
