Advice needed on water hardness and implications

Grawns

Dear all

I've just moved into brand new home in North County Dublin with brand new appliances and solar powered water heating system. I came from D8 where the water was treated and soft so this is my first experience of hard water.
My question is whether it is necessary or advisable to install a water softening system. How damaging is hard water to household aplliances? My last boiler was going strong after 15 years! I'm worried about this hard water and what it's doing to my brand new things🀔

NIMAN

Can be very damaging, depending on amount of lime in the water.

I would say it would reduce the effectiveness of your solar heating system over time.

Your appliances will also be affected, and may need regular descaling.

Maybe get your hardness tested?

uncle_sam_ie

Yes, it will damage your appliances. The minerals in the hard water can also cause itchy, flaky, and dry skin. Installing a water softener would be a wise investment.

NIMAN

We live in a very hard water area.

I was descaling our kettle nearly every fortnight, it was that bad.
The taps, shower, bath, everything was covered in scale.
Soaps and gels wouldn't lather properly.

Bought a Clack system from Galway Water a few years back, honestly the best €1000 I ever spent.

denismc

Most dishwashers have a setting for hard water which controls the amount of salt used per wash.
Also you can get special tabs for your washing machine which help reduce the effect of hardness on your detergent, I'm not sure if they will extend the life of your machine though.
It would be worth testing your water for chemical content, you may have other issues if your water is from a well. A chemical test should cost 100-150 euro.

Also if you have a private well you may be entitled to a grant to upgrade your water supply, check with your local county council.

From housing.gov.ie
"A grant of up to 75% of the cost, subject to a maximum grant of €2,031.58, is available, subject to certain conditions. These are:
•There cannot be an alternative group or public supply available
•The house must be more than seven years old and not connected to either a public supply or group scheme
•Only one grant per house will be allowed in any seven year period
•The proposed work must cost more than €635"

Grawns

Thanks everyone. I know the water is hard without testing it. It's provided by fingal. I think I will start looking at systems due to the whole solar power issue. There's a room like an engine room with a myriad of pipes and cylinders which need to be protected. Prevention being cheaper than cure