Hard Water
Hard Water | Water Purification | Plumbing | Manchester
Manchester’s famously mineral-rich supply can leave homes battling limescale, cloudy glassware and sluggish appliances. HEP’s specialist team tackles the city’s toughest build-ups with tailored water purification solutions, installing high-performance softeners, filters and smart monitoring that slot seamlessly into any plumbing system. Our engineers arrive when they say they will, treat your property with respect, and leave you with silky-smooth water that protects pipework and makes every shower feel like a spa.
Whether you’re renovating a Victorian terrace in Didsbury or fitting out a new flat in Ancoats, we’ll size the perfect package to cut energy costs, extend boiler life and keep skin and laundry truly refreshed. Trust a local, family-run company that backs every installation with clear pricing, generous warranties and round-the-clock support—so the only thing you notice is crystal-clear water, day after day.
FAQs
How hard is the water in Manchester and why is treatment necessary?
Manchester receives water that typically measures between 100–140 mg/L as calcium carbonate, which is classed as moderately hard. The elevated mineral content (mainly calcium and magnesium) causes limescale to form inside pipes, boilers, kettles and appliances. Over time, this scale reduces energy efficiency, shortens appliance life and can leave marks on taps, tiles and shower screens. Treating the water prevents these problems, saves on energy bills and improves the taste and feel of the water you use every day.
What types of water purification systems work best for hard water in Manchester homes?
For whole-house protection, a salt-based ion-exchange water softener is the most effective option; it physically swaps hardness minerals for sodium ions, preventing limescale throughout the plumbing. Where sodium addition is a concern, salt-free conditioners that use template-assisted crystallisation (TAC) can reduce scaling but are less effective in very hard water. For drinking water, point-of-use systems like reverse osmosis (RO) units or under-sink carbon/UV filters can polish the already-softened water, removing chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS, micro-plastics and improving taste.
Will installing a water softener damage my existing plumbing or boiler?
No. In fact, the opposite is true. Softened water gradually dissolves existing limescale deposits, restoring the internal diameter of pipework and improving boiler heat-transfer surfaces. Because scale acts as an insulator, its removal usually delivers a 10–15 % efficiency gain in combi and system boilers. Modern condensing boilers and plate heat exchangers especially benefit from scale-free operation. All reputable softeners include a bypass valve, so if maintenance is required you can switch back to raw supply without interrupting water to the house.
How often do hard-water filtration or softening systems need maintenance?
Maintenance requirements vary by technology: • Ion-exchange softeners: Add salt tablets every 4–6 weeks (depends on household size and hardness), and schedule an annual service to inspect the resin bed, valves and controller. • Salt-free conditioners: Replace the TAC media roughly every 3 years. • Reverse osmosis drinking units: Change pre-filters every 6–12 months, RO membrane every 2–3 years, and sanitise the tank annually. Proper maintenance ensures consistent water quality and extends system life.
Can I combine drinking-water purification (RO, UV) with whole-house softening?
Yes. The most popular configuration in Manchester homes is a whole-house softener installed where the mains enters the property, followed by a dedicated drinking-water purifier—usually an RO or carbon/UV system—at the kitchen sink. Because the softener removes hardness first, the RO membrane lasts longer and throughput is higher. A remineralisation or pH-balancing cartridge can be added post-RO if you prefer a slight mineral taste. This dual-stage approach gives scale-free hot water for appliances and pure, great-tasting cold water for cooking and drinking.
What is the typical cost and installation time for a hard-water treatment system in Manchester?
A high-quality, metered domestic water softener sized for a 3–4 bedroom home costs £950–£1,400 supplied and fitted, including bypass kit and resin-cleaning start-up. Installation usually takes half a day and can be scheduled without turning off the water for long periods (roughly 30 minutes of downtime). Point-of-use RO systems range from £300–£600 installed. Running costs are low—about £1–£2 per week for salt and a similar amount for RO filter replacements. Many local installers offer finance plans and extended warranties of up to 10 years on the valve and resin tank.