Do I have to drink the softened water?

You can drink softened water. It contains slightly more sodium than hard water so if you prefer to drink hard water then simply use the small hard water faucet that we offer to install when we fit your softener. Alternatively we can make the cold water from your kitchen tap come from the non-softened supply. The picture shows one possible location.
 

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Will it fit under my sink?

The Crown water softener is one of the most compact on the market and is designed to fit under most sinks - often taking up only half of the cupboard space. Click here for more details. The dimensions are outlines below. We suggest that a free survey is carried out to check the best location for your softener. Call JSM on 0800 781 2093.

The dimensions of the cabinet are:

Height (A) - 490mm / 19.25 inches
Depth(B) - 464mm / 18.25inches
Width min (C) - 216mm / 8.25 inches
Width max (D) - 267mm / 10.5 inches

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How long will it take to fit?

This depends on existing pipework, location etc. But in general terms about half a day is the average.

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Who will fit my softener?

Your softener will be fitted by our plumber who specialises in water softener installations we have used for many years.

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How much does the softener cost to run?

A Crown and Kinetico softeners use one block per person per month. Each block costs £1.75 so the cost is £1.75 per person per month. However savings provided by a water softener will usually produce a payback within 2 - 4 years.

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What area do you cover?

We cover a 20 mile radius from Windsor in Berkshire. This includes Berkshire (Berks), Buckinghamshire (Bucks), Oxfordshire (Oxon) and the towns of Maidenhead, Slough and Reading. If in doubt please ring us and we will tell you if you are in our catchment.
 

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Can I take the softener with me when I move?

We install our softeners with quick fitting connections, similar to those used with washing machines. Therefore it is as easy as disconnecting your washing machine and replumbed when it is in its new location.

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Does the softener require electricity

No one of the many benefits of the Crown softener is that no electricity is required. It uses water pressure to power the valves and to re-generate.

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What are the benefits of soft water?

Softened water provides real cost savings in service, maintenance and replacement of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, taps and showers and also extends their life

Softened water also: 

• improves the efficiency of hot water and heating systems
• saves some 50% of washing powder and toilet soap consumption and similarly cut the use of shampoos, conditioners and cleaning products
• can help certain dry skin conditions such as eczemar
• can in time remove existing scale deposits in hot water and heating systems as well as scale around taps and stains in baths and basins
• has a clean silky feeling.  It makes bathtime a luxury without the need for bath oils or bubble bath liquids
• makes hair soft and easy to manage
• rinses completely away without leaving scum even after shaving
• makes laundry brighter and glasses and dishes sparkle and shine
• makes washing the car easier and will reduce streaking and spotting.  Water softeners are installed in nearly all commercial laundries, kitchens and car washes in hard water areas
   

For more information go to the British Water site here.

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How does a water softener work?

To cut a long story short by removing the minerals that cause the hardness and limescale. Click here for a full explanation.

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Can I fit the water softener myself?

We can deliver the softener with a DIY fitting kit if you are a confident DIY plumber. Please call us for prices.

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Does Soft Water help Eczema?

There have been a number of research reports that suggest that hard water could be linked with eczema in young children:

A BBC News Artlicle
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/150435.stm

British Assocation of Dermatologists
http://www.bad.org.uk/patients/skin_disease_info/atopic/child_water.htm

Abstract from the Lancet featuring the original report
http://www.eczemainformant.com/findings/find_98/io_atopic_8-98.html

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Do you know of useful water related links?

Water Aid
Water UK
Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)
Office of Water Services (OFWAT)
Drinking Water Inspectorate
British Water

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