New home: do I need a water softener?

Buying or building a house is often a mix of enthusiasm and stress. There is so much coming your way! Thinking about having a water softener installed in your new home? Good idea, but then of course you want to be well prepared. In this article, we clearly explain which connections you need, which models are available and all the things you need to consider. So you know exactly where you stand and there will be no surprises.

What does a water softener actually do?

A water softener removes lime from tap water. This is done through a process in which calcium and magnesium (the culprits of limescale) are replaced by sodium. This turns hard water into soft water. Soft water is kinder to your appliances, your skin and your wallet. Without a softener, lime slowly accumulates in pipes, taps, boilers and other household appliances. This causes blockages, reduced performance and a shorter life of your appliances. Soft water prevents these problems.

Why install it especially when buying a new home?

Installing a water softener as soon as you move into a new home is simply a good idea. All pipes, taps and appliances will still be limescale-free then. By installing a water softener right away, you prevent limescale from building up from the start. Especially in newly built houses, you want to keep that 'fresh start'. It saves a lot of maintenance, repairs and frustration in the long run. For existing homes, the installation is of course also possible, but sometimes existing limescale has to be removed first. By installing a softener as soon as your house is completed, you can get ahead of this problem.

Lower energy costs and more comfort

Lime scale has an insulating effect, especially on heating elements in appliances such as boilers and washing machines. As a result, these appliances have to use more energy to deliver the same performance. With soft water, they function much more efficiently, resulting in lower energy consumption and therefore lower energy bills. But it also improves your personal comfort. Showering with soft water is more pleasant for your skin and hair. No more dry skin after showering or stiff hair after washing. Soft water feels noticeably better. Laundry also stays softer without fabric softener, because limescale has no chance of adhering to the fibres.

Less cleaning, more enjoyment

In a new house, you naturally want to enjoy your surroundings more, not scrub daily to remove lime residue. Soft water prevents limescale deposits on taps, shower walls and tiles. The result? A bathroom that shines longer and requires less cleaning. Plus, you need less cleaning products, and who doesn't want that?

Will a water softener fit in my home?

For most newly built homes, installing a water softener is quite possible. However, there are a few points of interest. For instance, there must be a power connection nearby (no separate group needed), a connection to the main water supply, a sewer connection and enough space for the appliance and salt reservoir. The location should be frost-free and ideally as close as possible to the water meter, so that the whole house is supplied with soft water. Is there enough space in, say, the scullery or meter cupboard? Then you can even consider compact models such as a Duo Compact.