Hard Water Softener Solutions

Is hard water getting you down?

White water stains on your shower glass, constantly replacing kettles, and mineral build-up in your appliances: hard water can be a nightmare to live with.

Some areas in New Zealand—like the Franklin region—have particularly hard water. There are a number of solutions that don’t involve hours of elbow grease, and at Magenta Plumbing & Gas, we can help install an internal or external water softening unit to suit your needs.

What is Hard Water?

While the majority of New Zealand has soft water, there are a few areas where the water supply is considered ‘hard’. This is due to the water picking up a number of source minerals from the ground, particularly calcium and magnesium. The pH balance of this water is higher than normal, which adversely affects the taste, appearance, and general properties of the water.

Why is it an issue?

Residents of hard water areas will likely find their water doesn’t taste great and might notice the minerals take a moment to settle in a freshly poured glass of water from the tap. Hard water also causes soap and detergents to foam up on a noticeably reduced scale. Mineral buildup can block taps and pipes, and frustrating water marks are left on bathroom glass and dishes.

The effects on your Hot Water Cylinder

Over time, hard water doesn’t just build up inside your cylinder, it affects the efficiency of your entire hot water system. The heating element has to work harder to heat both the water and the layer of calcium, which can drive up your energy bills and put extra strain on the system. This 15-year-old hot water cylinder shows the effects of long-term calcium buildup. Over the years, the heating element was likely replaced multiple times, but as the mineral levels increased, even a new element couldn’t cope. Excessive calcium puts significant strain on the heating element, eventually making replacement ineffective and reducing the overall lifespan of the cylinder.

Regular calcium buildup also means your elements fail more frequently, leading to ongoing replacement costs. By installing a water softener, you can reduce buildup, protect your elements, and save on energy costs, all while extending the life of your hot water system.

Water Softener & Filtration Solutions to suit your needs

Installed either inside or outside your home, these systems provide a whole-house solution to hard water issues. Multiple sizes and options are available, including solar, and we can advise on the best unit to suit your needs.

Water flows into the unit, passes through the water softening resin to reduce hardness, and softer water enters your home. The system is self-cleaning using a salt water solution, similar to pool chemicals, keeping the resin charged and washing away impurities.