Hard water - ferrybank

abouttobebanned

Ok...I know I've mentioned this before but this is starting to irk me.

Is there any other areas of the city using hard water? Our kettle is full of limescale....skin dry and tight after showers...we gotta buy calgon for the washing machine etc... It is supposed to taste better though

Joe Gt

seams to be a problem in south kilkenny too , just done a search on this recently as my parents house has the same problems

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aisling-Water-Systems/185230391511689

dayshah

I sort of enjoy picking the layer of calcium from my whistling kettle, and shaking the little bits from my iron

My dishwasher is fvcked though, maybe that's why

wmpdd3

Sister complained to KK CC and the answer was, 'we have no money, read the letter we sent out'

She filles 6 bottles from my supply twice a week. Her shower is dead again....

abouttobebanned

It actually broke my shower. KK bastards.

thomasm

Starting to really annoy me too. Bought a new kettle last week and already its destroyed. Really gets highlighted when you see the amount of crap in the bottom of the baby’s bottle. Our shower is now making a peculiar sound and it’s new enough also. Is this common with a hard water supply or do we now have a particularly 'hard' water source.



One of the main reasons cited for the change in supply I understand was to ensure continuity of supply for residents in the Slievrue area who experienced outages during cold spells over the last few years. Surely hoisting a potential bill running into four figures on everyone for installing a water softener to stop your appliances and heating being ruined is not a equitable answer.

Stokolan

I'm thinking of picking up a water softener from a crowd in Galway to put on the mains supply in. Tis a bit pricey but it should stop the lime scale build up so hopefully save a few appliances

Jambo

Im experiencing the same problems myself , I have already went through 2 kettles , and one shower !

Anyone notice the amont of limescale in the bottom of a saucepan when boiling water for cooking ? Id honestly say in a regullar size pan there is approx 1/2 a teaspoon of scale once the water boils.

I priced a metered (automatic) Culligan softner in Morris's Plumbing and it was €500 id like to hear if anyone else has gotten one and what there experience with them is like , they seem very simple to install for the average diy'er that has a basic knowledge of plumbing to install, it will sort our your showers washing machine etc , but it is not reccomended to supply your kitchen(mains) tap as the extra salt in the water can lead to health problems esp for the elderly and infants.

As an alternative there are many magnet based systems that can supply the whole house but googling them puts a question over their actual effectivness!

Cabaal

calgon is a waste of time, best investment to make is a water softner
Once installed it costs about 10e every 4-6 weeks for the salt. its the only job

banjacksed

Does that mean that theres too much calcium in the water or what?

abouttobebanned

I don't like how they just changed the water supply. All they did was throw a flyer in the door. Maybe people wouldn't have here if they knew...(maybe)

Cabaal

banjacksed wrote: »

Does that mean that theres too much calcium in the water or what?

Yes, high percentage of calcium or lime (whichever way you want to refer to it).

Its a big problem where I live hence the water softner, neighbour didn't get one and within 3 years of moving in to a new house he had to get a new shower yet I've had no problems with anything I have in the house

thomasm

There was a thread I can’t locate on boards someplace from a guy responding to queries like this a while back. Tried finding it with no luck. He really seemed to know his stuff and gave the pros and cons of all makes and types of systems. I remember for domestic use he recommend a specific method of doing this was certain components which came to about €1200. He kinda rubbished cheaper option as they would cost more in parts\maintenance over time

abouttobebanned

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056256184

Think that's the thread.

I googled De-scaling a kettle. Some process involving vinegar...

ratedR

Same problems here. Kettle packed up within a few weeks of the change over. New one is already shagged. Shower head also got clogged up and had to be replaced. Can only imagine the damage it's doing to the washing machine although we are using calgon.

And they soon expect us to pay water rates for this ? HA!! I'd sooner dig for water

ratedR

Same problems here. Kettle packed up within a few weeks of the change over. New one is already shagged. Shower head also got clogged up and had to be replaced. Can only imagine the damage it's doing to the washing machine although we are using calgon.

And they soon expect us to pay water rates for this ? HA!! I'd sooner dig for water

Stokolan

abouttobebanned wrote: »

I googled De-scaling a kettle. Some process involving vinegar...

Yeah Vinegar is the job. I used it on the kettle and shower heads already.

thomasm

Soaking the shower head in vinegar ever couple of weeks and this does the job. Not as effective on the kettle I find though.

Joey leBlanc

I heard the water softeners don't completely sort out the problem. Another side effect I've noticed with the hard water is extremely dry skin from showering in it culminating in rashes, break-out's etc. I attribute this to the water because about a year ago I stopped using the leisure centre/pool I had been using each day (showered there) & never had these sorta skin irritations.
Even went to the doctor a few month backs. He said my skin was dry etc. Never made a connection to the hard water though. (He was pretty poor considering the cost of 50euro for 5mins of few words of explanation. I spoke more to him than he to me.. but that's a different problem entirely.) Either did I till the last few weeks till I heard about this "hard water" problem & began doing a bit of research on the net. Anyone else had these kind of problems??

Cabaal

I've lived in both very hard water areas and areas where the water has been fine and never had issues with dry skin I have to say, either I'm just used to it or my skin is able for it I guess.

KKCA

Hi All,

I've been having problems too but over the weekend I fitted a Combimate...Its a filter system fitted to the mains water that extracts the lime from the water before it gets into the system.....after one day the results are noticeable! Before when I boiled the kettle and filled a glass the water was cloudy......when it went cool there was a lining of lime on the bottom...today the boiled water was crystal clear and no sediment when it cooled. WAY cheaper than a water softener at €195...my partner fitted it so no additional cost...phosphate balls come with it and only need to be changed yearly ideally but if the water is really badly effected may need to be done twice a year.......€55 for a replacement box of balls so cheaper than replacing the shower/washing machine/dishwasher etc etc etc !!!!

dayshah

Regarding kettles, why not just use a whistling kettle? I have one. The insides do get a coating of calcium, but its easy to take off the lid and give it a clean.

Some of my pots have got some 'blotches' inside of calcium, despite washing them every time I use them. I suppose its the drying. However, another pot which I mainly use for boiling milk does not have this problem.

Does milk have something which absorbs the calcium? It'd be fairly ironic if it did.

thomasm

KKCA wrote: »

Hi All,

I've been having problems too but over the weekend I fitted a Combimate...Its a filter system fitted to the mains water that extracts the lime from the water before it gets into the system.....after one day the results are noticeable! Before when I boiled the kettle and filled a glass the water was cloudy......when it went cool there was a lining of lime on the bottom...today the boiled water was crystal clear and no sediment when it cooled. WAY cheaper than a water softener at €195...my partner fitted it so no additional cost...phosphate balls come with it and only need to be changed yearly ideally but if the water is really badly effected may need to be done twice a year.......€55 for a replacement box of balls so cheaper than replacing the shower/washing machine/dishwasher etc etc etc !!!!

Where did you get it

KKCA

PJ Mullanes Plumbing in Kilcohan.......on the left just before the dog track.

dayshah

Stokolan wrote: »

Yeah Vinegar is the job. I used it on the kettle and shower heads already.

Where would you get a big gallon bottle of vinegar? I think I've limescale clogging my pipes (30 year old building). A gallon of vinegar might do the trick (I reckon its more eco-friendly than some of the alternatives too).

wmpdd3

dayshah wrote: »

Where would you get a big gallon bottle of vinegar? I think I've limescale clogging my pipes (30 year old building). A gallon of vinegar might do the trick (I reckon its more eco-friendly than some of the alternatives too).

Cash and carry

dayshah

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Cash and carry

Don't I need a special card or something? Does Lidl or Aldi do it?

thomasm

Pump101 wrote: »

Hi all, if any one is interested in more information on water softeners, my company is Aisling Water Systems based in Slieverue we specialise in water pumps and water treatment systems. Pleas PM me for more information. Regards Ian Murphy

What do you think if the combimate mentioned above. What system would you recommend for a typical 3 bed semi and what are the costs both initial and ongoing. How long would the recommended system last. Thanks

Pump101

Hi Thomas i have sent you a private message regarding pricing and general information on our systems.

Pump101

Joey leBlanc wrote: »

I heard the water softeners don't completely sort out the problem. Another side effect I've noticed with the hard water is extremely dry skin from showering in it culminating in rashes, break-out's etc. I attribute this to the water because about a year ago I stopped using the leisure centre/pool I had been using each day (showered there) & never had these sorta skin irritations.
Even went to the doctor a few month backs. He said my skin was dry etc. Never made a connection to the hard water though. (He was pretty poor considering the cost of 50euro for 5mins of few words of explanation. I spoke more to him than he to me.. but that's a different problem entirely.) Either did I till the last few weeks till I heard about this "hard water" problem & began doing a bit of research on the net. Anyone else had these kind of problems??

A water softener will 100% guaranteed sort out any problems associated with hard water.

Why water is hard:
All fresh water in the world origionally falls as rain, snow or sleet. Surface water is drawn upward by the sun forming clouds. Then nearly pure as it starts to fall, it collects impurities. As it seeps through soil and rock it gathers hardness,rust,acid and unpleasent tastes. Water hardness is caused primarily by limestone dissolved from the earth by rain water.

Research and development have produced an appliance that removes hardness (dissloved rock) using ion exchange resin, which posess superior ability to attract and capture the dissolved hardness.

How a softener basicly works:

Water is passed through from the mains through a column of ion exchange resin. The beads of resin remove the hardness impurities and hold them. When the can hold no more they must be recharged,which is done by flushing with soduim brine solution.(Salt) This normally is done at night. The water softener is then ready to soften more water.

Benifits:
Save money on heating bills, appliance repairs, calgon tablets etc.

Hard water irritates sensitive skin especially those with dry skin or eczema or psorasis.

No more staining on cutelry, bathrooms, floors, tiles etc.(Leaves an unbelievable shine on cars etc)

CCMYPLAYMATE

Has any one got a softener and found a difference with their cos I'm in bits with,, it's a nightmare

thomasm

CCMYPLAYMATE wrote: »

Has any one got a softener and found a difference with their cos I'm in bits with,, it's a nightmare

Interested to know this too. The kettle we bought to replace the one the hard water ruined first off is now .

Had visitors over the weekend who have had hard water all their lives and they were surprised at the amount building up on a freshly cleaned kettle so fast

connie00

Not living in the ferrybank area but have had the same problem in a different area and got as culligan softner installed.

Its sorts out the problem and just wish I had one installed earlier. One of the first things I notices was the shower as an earlier poster said about their skin. As soon as the softner went in the the skin felt alot softer after showers.

Only other thing I will say is I don't use the softened water in my kettle as sometimes you can taste the salt in it and it not very nice. So I continue to use the mains supply (thourgh a britta jug) and the kettle gets cleaned with vinegar every few weeks.

That being said I know some other people that use the water form the softener from their kettle and don't get that salt taste.

gone gardening

KKCA wrote: »

Hi All,

I've been having problems too but over the weekend I fitted a Combimate...Its a filter system fitted to the mains water that extracts the lime from the water before it gets into the system.....after one day the results are noticeable! Before when I boiled the kettle and filled a glass the water was cloudy......when it went cool there was a lining of lime on the bottom...today the boiled water was crystal clear and no sediment when it cooled. WAY cheaper than a water softener at €195...my partner fitted it so no additional cost...phosphate balls come with it and only need to be changed yearly ideally but if the water is really badly effected may need to be done twice a year.......€55 for a replacement box of balls so cheaper than replacing the shower/washing machine/dishwasher etc etc etc !!!!

hi
Im living in south kilkenny and having problems with hard water. I looked on the boards websit and saw your post, just wondering how your system is working now, whats it called and is it available nationwide? I need to do something asap to avoid future problems with heating systems etc and would be really grateful to know how yours is doing now.
Also has anyone heard of blasting out lime scale in the heating system? is there such a thing and is it expensive as Im not working.
Thanks

Decibel Audio

My company is doing a Anti-scale unit that is made in Germany , With your system there is no need for salt and connection to water supply , Please look at the web site www.cwt-international.com , On the site you will find all the information about the product . Also i have water testing cards available from us please email derekdunphy@mac.com or call on 0878132714 i living in ferrybank and can pick it up from me [URL="http://www.cwt-international.com

KKCA

Hi,

Combimate still going strong....haven't had to replace the balls yet but everything working great. Kettle still has a tiny amount of limescale but what I would consider normal. My friend and two cousins also fitted one and have no complaints. Doing exactly what it says it will do. Well worth the money I paid.

cocoshovel

Pick up a little water-filter in Heatons, and change the filter in them every 2 or 3 months. Works fine. Just filter the water into the jug and then pour it into the kettle.

Actually, come to think of it does Waterford have a Heatons?

marlin vs

cocoshovel wrote: »

Pick up a little water-filter in Heatons, and change the filter in them every 2 or 3 months. Works fine. Just filter the water into the jug and then pour it into the kettle.

Actually, come to think of it does Waterford have a Heatons?

They do but Kilkenny dosent.But we do have Flynnys bar which is hard to get the eye of the bar staff.

wmpdd3

My sister was only getting a day out of each filter! She spent months getting her water from me in 5l bottles.

cocoshovel

marlin vs wrote: »

They do but Kilkenny dosent

Kilkenny does. Where is the Heatons in Waterford?

power123

:)Heatons is in Waterford Shopping Centre Lisduggan:)

kryogen

And in the Hyper also

abouttobebanned

This hard water change was made without anyone's permission. People, like me, bought houses in ferrybank that contained soft water. We now face massive bills to replace showers, attic pipes etc.

The reason that more of an uproar hasn't been seen is because a lot of people are still putting up with crap kettles and crap showers...and ye pipes in the attic are still kinda working - they haven't faced any big bills YET.

The companies that make the water softeners have the smell of blood in their nostrils - and who can blame them? But who can afford 600 quid or more for a softening system?

It's a disgrace tbh.

KKCA

I knew it was bad but I didn't realize how detrimental the Lime can be until I saw a pipe that had been taken from the attic of a house in Blackthorn Hills......it looked like it had been eaten...literally.....by some super rat!
"abouttobebanned" I absolutely agree with you....we had no warning about the changeover and sending a flyer mths later when the damage had already started was a disgrace. There has been no apology since and no offer of financial help.....maybe if they waived the annual unnecessary digging of some of the roads they could put their money where its badly needed and gain some favour with their wage payers!

thomasm

There was a meeting about this in the Abbey College recently, did anyone from Ferrybank go, what was the outcome

Potential-Monke

I'm still waiting for a flyer letting me know...

I'm mad to get a softener, the parents house (in Limerick) had hard water, father always complaining about his hair and skin, etc, etc...

Anyway, some young lad called to the door and guaranteed that they would be so happy with the softener, that if they weren't he would take it out free of charge and refund the money. That was 7 months ago.

Fantastic device, the difference is amazing. He also ran a seperate (small thin) tap to the kitchen sink which has the original, non-treated supply for using on the grandkids bottles, etc. The father poured a glass of treated and untreated water into 2 similar glasses, and after an hour you could see the sediment in the untreated. Also, no need for salt in the dishwasher anymore! And the showers, wow. A complete difference experience. Soft skin almost immediately, you use less shampoo, etc, and the shower stays cleaner, longer.

As i said, i'm mad to get one, and they're slowly coming down in price. The parents paid €560 for theirs, and the salt needs replacing every 3/4 months. I don't even have one yet, and i couldn't recommend it more!

gone gardening

Hi
just wondering if there is such a thing as blasting out the existing lime build up before fitting a water softner and how much it would cost roughly for a three bed house?
Thanks

Mulbert

Has anyone else noticed an improvement in the quality of the water recently? The water seems to be a lot softer. Have been in contact with Kilkenny Co Co, who say they're not treating it but my kettle/shower are not as scummy the last few weeks. Could rainfall on a biblical scale dilute the ground water thus softening it? Was going to buy a softener but at the moment no need too.

thomasm

Great to hear after forking out €550 on a softner a month ago :mad:

Potential-Monke

I noticed it myself lately. Kettle hasn't needed to be descaled in a good while. Delighted really, but I'm worried they might go back in the winter. Maybe they ran out of lime...

mcmcoleran

Hi
The problem of hard water can solved with an electronic treatment system.
It will stop the build up of lime and will clean out the lime that has already in the pipes and hot water cylinder.
There is no maintenance cost, unlike the salt system and you can drink the water.
With the salt system it is not recommended to drink the water.