Frequently Asked Questions
Ben answers some of our most frequently asked questions
Video FAQs
How Do I Bypass My Water Softener?
How Often Do I Need A Service?
How Much Salt Will My Water Softener Use?
How To Remove Salt Crystals From The Lid Of My Water Softener
General Questions
Common questions about water softening
18 questionsInstallation
Setup and installation process
14 questionsMaintenance & Servicing
Keeping your system running smoothly
11 questionsWater Softeners
About our water softening systems
21 questionsReverse Osmosis
Pure water filtration systems
13 questionsSalt & Supplies
Products and consumables
6 questionsDeliveries
Delivery schedules and options
3 questionsGeneral Questions
18 questionsSoftened water is perfectly safe to drink provided that incoming hardness is not greater than 400ppm. In the softening process, calcium carbonate is removed and sodium is added to the water (not salt). In most cases, the amount of sodium in a glass of softened water is around 1/5 of the sodium level found in a slice of bread. However, those with medical conditions that require omitting sodium from their diet should avoid drinking softened water, same for newborn babies for formula feed. In most of our installations, we will leave one tap unsoftened for drinking water.
This is mostly dependent on how many people you have in the house and therefore how much water is being used. Typically we find that a house hold of 4 people will use two packs of salt per month however this is a guide based on average usage. Regeneration typically occurs around every 300-350 litres of water used within the house. This will be configured depending on the hardness of your incoming water (the harder the water, the sooner the machine will need to regenerate).
We do supply test kits that confirm whether water is either hard or soft. For more specific tests, we can survey using an advanced testing kit to measure precisely the level of hardness in your home.
Southern Softflow is an independent, family-run company (established in 2000) specialising in water softeners and drinking water systems for homes and businesses in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
We are based near Wimborne (Unit 7, Oak Field Road, Axis 31, Three Legged Cross, BH21 6FE) and cover Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire; we also consider nearby edge areas—just give us a call.
Office hours are Monday–Friday 09:00–12:00 & 13:00–16:00, and Saturday 09:00–13:00.
Sales and installation of water softeners and drinking water systems, servicing/repairs, plus salt collection and delivery for both residential and commercial customers.
Yes—please book a free survey. We assess hardness/pressure, stop-cock/pipework, drainage/overflow, and which taps stay unsoftened, then provide a tailored plan and quote.
Typical water softener installations take about half a day; water is off for roughly 2–3 hours. The installer confirms the plan, keeps things tidy and commissions the system with a handover.
We offer ongoing support for the lifetime of your machine and service all types of softeners; health checks and call-outs are available even if we didn't install your unit.
You can order by phone or online. Deliveries typically arrive within 1–2 weeks; salt can also be collected six days a week from our office.
We specialise in non-electric softeners and supply Infinity, Harvey, TwinTec and Kinetico; you'll also see partner brands like Quooker and Aquamatic across our site.
Yes. We work with developers, kitchen/bath retailers and other partners, providing installations plus dependable aftercare for shared customers.
We offer a disconnect, store and re-install service: remove and cap off at your current home, store and health-check the unit, survey the new home, then reinstall.
Call 01202 828 241, email info@southernsoftflow.co.uk, or use the website contact form.
Yes. We carry out health checks, servicing and repairs on most makes and models—even if installed by someone else.
New scale stops forming immediately. Existing marks (kettles, shower glass) start to soften and clean away over days to weeks; deeper boiler/cylinder deposits reduce gradually with normal use.
It's perfect for bathing, laundry and appliances. For drinking/cooking, we leave an unsoftened tap (or offer RO). Use the unsoftened tap for houseplants, fish tanks and certain baby-formula guidance.
Installation
14 questionsSales and installation of water softeners and drinking water systems, servicing/repairs, plus salt collection and delivery for both residential and commercial customers.
Yes. We work with developers, kitchen/bath retailers and other partners, providing installations plus dependable aftercare for shared customers.
We offer a disconnect, store and re-install service: remove and cap off at your current home, store and health-check the unit, survey the new home, then reinstall.
Call 01202 828 241, email info@southernsoftflow.co.uk, or use the website contact form.
Yes. We carry out health checks, servicing and repairs on most makes and models—even if installed by someone else.
New scale stops forming immediately. Existing marks (kettles, shower glass) start to soften and clean away over days to weeks; deeper boiler/cylinder deposits reduce gradually with normal use.
It's perfect for bathing, laundry and appliances. For drinking/cooking, we leave an unsoftened tap (or offer RO). Use the unsoftened tap for houseplants, fish tanks and certain baby-formula guidance.
We size the system during a free home survey based on water hardness, peak flow (showers/taps running together), household size, and available installation space—so you get the right capacity without overspending.
Common locations are under the kitchen sink or in a utility cupboard. Garage or outbuilding installs are also possible with proper frost protection. We'll agree the neatest route for drain, overflow and a bypass.
Yes. As standard we keep at least one cold tap (usually the kitchen) on unsoftened water. If you'd like ultra-low-TDS drinking water, we can pair the softener with a reverse-osmosis tap.
We fit an isolating bypass set, connect to the mains cold feed and a compliant drain/overflow, commission the unit, and show you how to add salt. Most installs are finished in half a day with water off for only part of that time.
Running costs are mainly salt and an optional annual health check/service. Salt usage depends on your water hardness and household use; we can estimate this on the survey and arrange delivery or collection.
Use high-purity softener salt (tablet/block, depending on the model). We stock the correct types and can deliver or arrange collection from our premises.
Our most popular non-electric models continue to work without power and regenerate by water flow. All installs include a manual bypass, so you can isolate the unit easily when needed (e.g., extended holidays or maintenance).
Maintenance & Servicing
11 questionsThis is mostly dependent on how many people you have in the house and therefore how much water is being used. Typically we find that a house hold of 4 people will use two packs of salt per month however this is a guide based on average usage. Regeneration typically occurs around every 300-350 litres of water used within the house. This will be configured depending on the hardness of your incoming water (the harder the water, the sooner the machine will need to regenerate).
We do supply test kits that confirm whether water is either hard or soft. For more specific tests, we can survey using an advanced testing kit to measure precisely the level of hardness in your home.
Sales and installation of water softeners and drinking water systems, servicing/repairs, plus salt collection and delivery for both residential and commercial customers.
Yes. We work with developers, kitchen/bath retailers and other partners, providing installations plus dependable aftercare for shared customers.
Call 01202 828 241, email info@southernsoftflow.co.uk, or use the website contact form.
Yes. We carry out health checks, servicing and repairs on most makes and models—even if installed by someone else.
New scale stops forming immediately. Existing marks (kettles, shower glass) start to soften and clean away over days to weeks; deeper boiler/cylinder deposits reduce gradually with normal use.
Running costs are mainly salt and an optional annual health check/service. Salt usage depends on your water hardness and household use; we can estimate this on the survey and arrange delivery or collection.
Use high-purity softener salt (tablet/block, depending on the model). We stock the correct types and can deliver or arrange collection from our premises.
Our most popular non-electric models continue to work without power and regenerate by water flow. All installs include a manual bypass, so you can isolate the unit easily when needed (e.g., extended holidays or maintenance).
Yes—Southern Softflow supplies and fits replacement cartridges. Most households need an annual service for pre/post filters; membrane changes are less frequent. You'll get reminders and options for delivery or a service visit.
Water Softeners
21 questionsSoftened water is perfectly safe to drink provided that incoming hardness is not greater than 400ppm. In the softening process, calcium carbonate is removed and sodium is added to the water (not salt). In most cases, the amount of sodium in a glass of softened water is around 1/5 of the sodium level found in a slice of bread. However, those with medical conditions that require omitting sodium from their diet should avoid drinking softened water, same for newborn babies for formula feed. In most of our installations, we will leave one tap unsoftened for drinking water.
This is mostly dependent on how many people you have in the house and therefore how much water is being used. Typically we find that a house hold of 4 people will use two packs of salt per month however this is a guide based on average usage. Regeneration typically occurs around every 300-350 litres of water used within the house. This will be configured depending on the hardness of your incoming water (the harder the water, the sooner the machine will need to regenerate).
Sales and installation of water softeners and drinking water systems, servicing/repairs, plus salt collection and delivery for both residential and commercial customers.
Yes—please book a free survey. We assess hardness/pressure, stop-cock/pipework, drainage/overflow, and which taps stay unsoftened, then provide a tailored plan and quote.
Typical water softener installations take about half a day; water is off for roughly 2–3 hours. The installer confirms the plan, keeps things tidy and commissions the system with a handover.
We offer ongoing support for the lifetime of your machine and service all types of softeners; health checks and call-outs are available even if we didn't install your unit.
We specialise in non-electric softeners and supply Infinity, Harvey, TwinTec and Kinetico; you'll also see partner brands like Quooker and Aquamatic across our site.
Yes. We work with developers, kitchen/bath retailers and other partners, providing installations plus dependable aftercare for shared customers.
We offer a disconnect, store and re-install service: remove and cap off at your current home, store and health-check the unit, survey the new home, then reinstall.
Call 01202 828 241, email info@southernsoftflow.co.uk, or use the website contact form.
Yes. We carry out health checks, servicing and repairs on most makes and models—even if installed by someone else.
New scale stops forming immediately. Existing marks (kettles, shower glass) start to soften and clean away over days to weeks; deeper boiler/cylinder deposits reduce gradually with normal use.
It's perfect for bathing, laundry and appliances. For drinking/cooking, we leave an unsoftened tap (or offer RO). Use the unsoftened tap for houseplants, fish tanks and certain baby-formula guidance.
We size the system during a free home survey based on water hardness, peak flow (showers/taps running together), household size, and available installation space—so you get the right capacity without overspending.
Common locations are under the kitchen sink or in a utility cupboard. Garage or outbuilding installs are also possible with proper frost protection. We'll agree the neatest route for drain, overflow and a bypass.
Yes. As standard we keep at least one cold tap (usually the kitchen) on unsoftened water. If you'd like ultra-low-TDS drinking water, we can pair the softener with a reverse-osmosis tap.
We fit an isolating bypass set, connect to the mains cold feed and a compliant drain/overflow, commission the unit, and show you how to add salt. Most installs are finished in half a day with water off for only part of that time.
Running costs are mainly salt and an optional annual health check/service. Salt usage depends on your water hardness and household use; we can estimate this on the survey and arrange delivery or collection.
Use high-purity softener salt (tablet/block, depending on the model). We stock the correct types and can deliver or arrange collection from our premises.
Our most popular non-electric models continue to work without power and regenerate by water flow. All installs include a manual bypass, so you can isolate the unit easily when needed (e.g., extended holidays or maintenance).
If you live in a hard-water area, pairing an RO with a softener is ideal. Softening protects the RO membrane from limescale, extends service life and helps the system run more efficiently. Southern Softflow can advise on the best setup during a home survey.
Reverse Osmosis
13 questionsSales and installation of water softeners and drinking water systems, servicing/repairs, plus salt collection and delivery for both residential and commercial customers.
We specialise in non-electric softeners and supply Infinity, Harvey, TwinTec and Kinetico; you'll also see partner brands like Quooker and Aquamatic across our site.
Yes. We work with developers, kitchen/bath retailers and other partners, providing installations plus dependable aftercare for shared customers.
Call 01202 828 241, email info@southernsoftflow.co.uk, or use the website contact form.
Yes—Southern Softflow supplies and fits replacement cartridges. Most households need an annual service for pre/post filters; membrane changes are less frequent. You'll get reminders and options for delivery or a service visit.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a multi-stage filtration process that pushes water through an ultra-fine membrane to reduce dissolved salts, metals and other impurities, delivering very low-TDS drinking water from a dedicated tap.
If you live in a hard-water area, pairing an RO with a softener is ideal. Softening protects the RO membrane from limescale, extends service life and helps the system run more efficiently. Southern Softflow can advise on the best setup during a home survey.
Most go under the kitchen sink with a small, dedicated drinking-water tap. Depending on space and access, installation can also be in a utility cupboard or adjacent cabinet, with a neat route to drain and the cold feed.
RO systems use several cartridges (pre-filters, the RO membrane and a polishing/post filter). Pre-filters are typically replaced every 6–12 months, the membrane every 2–5 years, and the post filter annually—actual intervals depend on your water quality and usage. Southern Softflow can set a service schedule for you.
RO creates a small concentrate stream that goes to drain as it purifies. Modern units are far more efficient than older models. During a survey, Southern Softflow can estimate likely ratios for your home and make sure the drain connection is compliant and tidy.
Often, yes. Many fridges, ice makers and certain boiling/filter taps can be fed from an RO line. Southern Softflow will confirm compatibility and run discrete pipework during installation.
RO requires adequate mains pressure and a bit of under-sink space for the cartridges (and, where applicable, a small storage tank). The survey checks pressure, flow, drainage and layout so the install is seamless.
Most RO installs are completed in a single visit (often under half a day), with minimal disruption. You'll get a pre-install confirmation, tidy routing to drain, commissioning, and a full handover on using your new drinking-water tap.
Salt & Supplies
6 questionsSales and installation of water softeners and drinking water systems, servicing/repairs, plus salt collection and delivery for both residential and commercial customers.
You can order by phone or online. Deliveries typically arrive within 1–2 weeks; salt can also be collected six days a week from our office.
We specialise in non-electric softeners and supply Infinity, Harvey, TwinTec and Kinetico; you'll also see partner brands like Quooker and Aquamatic across our site.
Yes. We work with developers, kitchen/bath retailers and other partners, providing installations plus dependable aftercare for shared customers.
Call 01202 828 241, email info@southernsoftflow.co.uk, or use the website contact form.
Use high-purity softener salt (tablet/block, depending on the model). We stock the correct types and can deliver or arrange collection from our premises.
Deliveries
3 questionsSales and installation of water softeners and drinking water systems, servicing/repairs, plus salt collection and delivery for both residential and commercial customers.
You can order by phone or online. Deliveries typically arrive within 1–2 weeks; salt can also be collected six days a week from our office.
Call 01202 828 241, email info@southernsoftflow.co.uk, or use the website contact form.
Still Have Questions?
Our water treatment experts are here to help you find the perfect solution for your home or business.

Book A Free Home Survey Today
Our friendly team will visit your home, assess your water needs and provide a no-obligation quote
Proud to Work With





