Fountain Filters Blog

0 Best Mains Water Limescale Filter

• Products
• by Simon
• 23-07-2023

What is the Best Mains Water Limescale Filter? Hard water is a problem for many households in the UK, but it’s more widespread in the south and east of Britain. There are also pockets in Scotland, Wales, and northern England. Northern Ireland is lucky to have predominantly soft or only moderately hard water. There’s a lot of confusion about hard and soft water, and even more about which filter actually solves the limescale problem. This guide walks through each of the main options - water softeners, sequestration filters, magnetic and electronic devices, and TAC filters - so you can work out which is the best mains water limescale filter for your home.   Key Points Hard water itself isn't the problem - it's the limescale it deposits that damages appliances, clogs pipes, and reduces heating efficiency by up to 50%. Water softeners remove hardness completely by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions for sodium, but need regular salt top-ups (every 3-10 days) and the softened water isn't ideal for drinking, especially for anyone on a low-sodium diet. Sequestration (polyphosphate) filters chemically bind to calcium and magnesium to stop scale forming - low maintenance, with cartridge changes every 6-12 months, and work well in slightly to moderately hard water areas. Magnetic and electronic descalers are low-cost and maintenance-free, but haven't passed independent scale-control testing standards - results reported by users are mixed. TAC (Template Assisted Crystallisation) filters convert dissolved minerals into inert microscopic crystals that flow away rather than sticking to surfaces - effective, and some systems run for up to 3 years between media changes. The right choice depends on your water hardness level and goals: TAC combined with carbon block for taste and heavy scale, polyphosphate for medium hardness, or a full softener if you want hardness removed entirely. Table of contents Water Softeners Hard Water Filters Sequestration Filters Electronic and Magnetic Devices TAC Filters Conclusion FAQs Water Softeners Water softeners have been around for a long time, and many people believe they are the only method of treating hard water. The way they work is to replace the hard ions (the dissolved minerals) with sodium ions. The reaction takes place within an ion exchange resin inside the water softener vessel. That resin gets depleted quite quickly so must be regenerated regularly by backwashing using a brine solution. The water softener has an electronic control unit that triggers the backwash cycle, usually in the middle of the night when there’s no requirement for any water use. To create the brine for the backwash the householder needs to add salt regularly. The period depends on the size of the softener and varies from 3 to 10 days. Without this regular maintenance a water softener stops working. The resulting water will lather soap and detergents nicely. It won’t clog up your water heaters and appliances with limescale, but due to the increased level of sodium in the water it’s probably best not to drink it. That's especially true if you have a heart condition such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or have a high salt diet. A water softener is not a water filter and so it does not improve the quality of the water. However, if you’re looking for the best water filter for removing calcium then a water softener is as close as you’ll get. Hard Water Filters Mains water filters for hard water have improved greatly over the last few years. One of the benefits of using a filter-based system for treating hard water is that it can be combined with other filtration stages easily to really improve the water quality through your entire home. Sequestration Filters Hard water filters come in two guises; the first uses food grade polyphosphate crystals that gradually release the phosphate onto the water to inhibit the formation of scale by chemical sequestration. The sequestration method, is where complex phosphates combine with calcium and magnesium ions to form a stable compound to inhibit the creation of limescale. This method works reasonably well, especially in slightly hard and moderately hard water regions. Polyphosphate crystals can be added to carbon block filter cartridges to make a single stage hard water filter. These are low maintenance only requiring a cartridge change at 6 to 12 monthly intervals. Electronic and Magnetic Devices Limescale reduction systems that use magnetic fields are often hailed as the perfect solution. Low cost, they require no maintenance, just install, plug into the electricity supply, and leave it to get on with its job. That sounds like a magical solution, but electrical current, electro-magnets, and radio frequency type systems have failed to pass any scale control standards designed by recognised independent testing agencies. There are conflicting reports from people who have bought and installed these types of scale control systems. The most positive results seem to be achieved by the manufacturers themselves. We’ll allow you to make your own mind up. TAC Filters The third type of water filter to remove calcium and lime problems is generically called a TAC water filter. Template Assisted Crystallisation (TAC) is the latest method for treating limescale. Developed in the early 2010s it has proven itself to be one of the most effective solutions for tackling limescale problems. Hard water flows into a filter housing containing a cartridge about 30% full of TAC media. This is a white sand-like substance that circulates with the water in the filter cartridge and interacts with the dissolved carbonates. Those media granules have crystallisation sites where the hard ions are attracted. They combine to make microscopic crystals that detach from the media and then flow away. Those microscopic crystals are inert so don’t “stick” and create limescale easily, thereby solving the problem. The bigger the TAC system the less frequent the maintenance – some last for 3 years before requiring a media change. TAC water filters can be combined with other mains water filters to significantly improve water quality. For example, the Doby Taste and OneFlow Hard Water Filter puts a carbon block filter in front of a TAC filter that uses Watts’ OneFlow TAC media. It filters out chemicals such as chlorine, PAHs, hormones and endocrine disruptors, trace pharmaceuticals and agricultural residues (among other things), and then in the second stage treats the limescale problem. The Best Mains Water Limescale Filter - Conclusion As you’ve seen, there is more than one filter to remove lime from water, and your own situation will vary from other peoples. The best limescale filter for you needs to be considered carefully taking several things into account. Heating hard water makes it particularly susceptible to forming limescale. This is why treating hard water extends the working life of boilers. Any appliance that’s fouled by limescale becomes much less efficient – up to 50% in many cases. So, installing either a mains water filter, or one dedicated to the hot water heater feed, will save you lots of cash. It will also protect your plumbing, stripping out the existing scale, and restoring your water pressure and flow rate. If you want to improve the taste of very hard water and reduce limescale problems, then a twin carbon block and TAC type of filter will be best. On the other hand, in medium hard water areas your best mains hard water filter will be one containing polyphosphate (unless you don’t want that type, of course). And finally, a water softener may be best if you want to remove the hardness entirely, although you’ll need to have an unsoftened supply to your kitchen cold tap and plan to carry out weekly maintenance. Get in touch with Fountain Filters with no obligation. We will assess your needs and advise you of the best mains water limescale filter to effectively remove or reduce lime and calcium based on your home and your requirements. FAQs Is hard water itself harmful? No, hard water is not harmful to drink - the problem is the limescale it deposits, which can damage appliances, clog pipes, and reduce heating efficiency. Is softened water safe to drink? Softened water has an increased sodium content, so it's best not used for drinking, particularly for anyone with hypertension or on a low-salt diet - many households keep an unsoftened cold tap in the kitchen for this reason. How often do I need to maintain a water softener compared to a TAC filter? A water softener needs salt added roughly every 3 to 10 days to regenerate its resin, while a TAC filter is far lower maintenance - some systems run for up to 3 years before the media needs changing. Do magnetic or electronic descalers actually work? They haven't passed independent scale-control testing standards, and reported results from users are mixed - the most positive claims tend to come from the manufacturers themselves. About the author Simon Allen is a partner at Fountain Filters, where he's led the technical side of the business since 2011. Alongside more than 25 years in ecommerce, he's built up over 15 years of hands-on knowledge of water filtration, applying both to keep the Fountain Filters service running smoothly. Outside work, he's a competitive Masters athlete and England Athletics qualified coach, and has run marathons with business partner Louise.

0 Filter Water Bottles

• Products
• by Louise
• 16-05-2022

What is a Filter Water Bottle? A filter water bottle is essentially a BPA free bottle that has a filter cartridge insert to give you filtered water on the go. The best filter water bottles turn water (except salt water) from anywhere in the world into water that's safe to drink. This can include water that's come from rivers, lakes, streams, puddles, and even your kitchen tap.   Key Points A filter water bottle is a BPA-free bottle with a filter cartridge that turns most non-salt water sources - rivers, lakes, streams, even tap water - into safe drinking water on the go. The best filter water bottles, such as the Water to Go range stocked at Fountain Filters, use 3-in-1 filtration: mechanical (trapping particles), electrical (attracting remaining contaminants), and activated carbon (removing odour, taste, and chemical contaminants). Water to Go filters are independently tested by laboratories in the UK, India, China, and the USA, and remove bacteria, viruses, protozoa, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals to 99.9999% effectiveness, while leaving beneficial minerals like sodium and magnesium in the water. Used on mains water, the filters also remove chlorine and fluoride (99.9%), and the ongoing cost works out at around 5p per litre - far cheaper than bottled water and without the single-use plastic. Fountain Filters stocks three sizes (50cl, 75cl, and the 60cl Active bottle) across two styles, filtering 130 litres and 200 litres respectively before the cartridge needs replacing. The Water to Go range is also Halal certified. Table of contents What's the Best Water Bottle with Filter I can Buy? Mechanical Filtration Electrical Filtration Carbon Filtration Who are Water to Go? What do the Water to Go filter water bottles filter out? Bacteria & Viruses Parasites & Waterborne Pathogens Metals & Chemicals What Water to Go filter water bottles do Fountain Filters stock? FAQs What's the Best Water Bottle with Filter I can Buy? We consider that the best water bottle with filter is one that uses 3-in-1 technology. This is why we choose to stock Water to Go filter water bottles at Fountain Filters. 3-in-1 technology uses a three stage water filtration process including mechanical, electrical and activated carbon technologies. Mechanical Filtration Mechanical filtration is where tiny contaminants are trapped so they don't remain in the water. The smaller the pore size or micron rating the smaller the particles the filter will trap. Depending on where you're using your filter water bottle, some of these contaminants could be quite unsightly and make you very ill. It's just not worth the risk, especially if you're trying to enjoy a backpacking or camping trip of a lifetime. Electrical Filtration Electrical filtration attracts any remaining contaminants and works like a magnet, again preventing them from passing through the filter and being consumed. Carbon Filtration Activated carbon is contained within the filter water bottle cartridge membrane to effectively remove contaminants and give you great tasting water that's free of odour and discolouration. We consider Water to Go filter water bottles to be the best water bottles for backpacking and the best water bottles for camping. Who are Water to Go? Water to Go are a UK based company that supply filter water bottles around the world. Their bottle filters have all been independently tested against internationally recognised standards by water quality specialists at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK), Bangalore Test House (India), IMI (China) and BCS Laboratories (USA). You can look at the full testing results HERE. What do the Water to Go filter water bottles filter out? The reason we think Water to Go filter water bottles are the best is because they remove bacteria (99.9999%), viruses (99.9999%), waterborne disease, protozoa, heavy metals such as lead, as well as harmful chemicals by up to 99.9999%. A good thing if you're backpacking or camping and can't access safe drinking water. Your water will be free of Cholera, Polio, E-coli, Hepatitis A, Cryptosporidium, Tapeworm, Giardia, Lead, Mercury, Chlorine and Fluoride. If you're wanting to use the Water to Go bottle filter to filter your mains water then chlorine (99.9%) and fluoride (99.9%) will also be removed. But the good news is that essential minerals for health such as sodium and magnesium remain in the water. And we're blown away by the fact that when you use a bottle filter such as the one from Water to Go you're only paying 5p a litre for safe, clean drinking water. That's so much cheaper than ANY bottled water you can buy from the supermarket. Who wants to buy single use plastic bottles anyway! Here's a more comprehensive list of the bacteria and viruses, parasites and waterborne pathogens and metals and chemicals that the Water to Go filter water bottles remove. Bacteria & Viruses Legionella (Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac Fever) Leptospirosis - Weil's Disease Vibrio Disease, Campylobacteriosis Dysentery, Botulism, Polio, Virus Botulism Coliform, E-coli, Cholera, Typhus Reoviruses Enteroviruses Adenoviruses Tota Virus Hepatitis A Norwalk Parasites & Waterborne Pathogens Fasciola Hepatica / Liver Fluke Pinworm Onchiocerca Hookworm, Roundworm Threadworm, Guinea Worm Cryptosporidium Tryonosoma (Sleeping Sickness) Coenorosis Schistosomiasis Echinococcosis Ascariasis Fasciolopsiasis Taeniasis - Tapeworm Metals & Chemicals Chlorine, Fluoride Mercury, Nickel, Copper, Iron Lead, Chromium, Gold, Silver Aluminium Volatile Organic Compounds - including Formaldehyde Water to Go filter water bottles are also Halal certified. What Water to Go filter water bottles do Fountain Filters stock? We don't just stock the Water to Go bottle, we also stock the replacement Water to Go filters. Take a look at our full range of Water to Go filter water bottles HERE. You have three different sizes of filter water bottle to choose from and 2 different styles. 50cl, 75cl and the 60cl Active bottle filter. The Active bottle has a hygienic click lid and is perfect for putting in your bicycle bottle cage. The 75cl bottle filters 200 litres of water and the 50cl bottle filters 130 litres of water. FAQs Can a filter water bottle make river or lake water safe to drink? Yes - the best filter water bottles, like the Water to Go range, use 3-in-1 mechanical, electrical, and activated carbon filtration to remove bacteria, viruses, protozoa, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals from most non-salt water sources, including rivers, lakes, streams, and puddles. Is it safe to drink mains tap water filtered through one of these bottles? Yes - the Water to Go filter removes chlorine (99.9%) and fluoride (99.9%) from mains water, while leaving beneficial minerals such as sodium and magnesium in place. How much water can one filter cartridge treat? A 50cl Water to Go bottle filters up to 130 litres, and the 75cl bottle filters up to 200 litres, before the cartridge needs replacing. Are Water to Go filter bottles independently tested? Yes - they've been tested against internationally recognised standards by The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK), Bangalore Test House (India), IMI (China), and BCS Laboratories (USA). About the author Louise Allen is a partner at Fountain Filters, where she's helped run the business since 2011. Alongside the day-to-day order management, despatch, and quality, she's built up a practical, hands-on knowledge of water filtration, and reviews the site's articles to keep the advice accurate and genuinely useful. Outside work, she's run the London Marathon with business partner Simon.

0 Changing your Water Filter Cartridge in 10 Easy Steps

• Products
• by Louise
• 22-07-2021

It's easy to change your water filter cartridge. Follow these 10 easy steps.   Key Points Changing a filter cartridge is a straightforward job you can do yourself in 10 steps, with no need to call a plumber. Always turn off the water supply and release the pressure at the tap before undoing the housing bowl. Check the condition of the black O-ring and replace it every 2 to 3 years, greasing it lightly with silicon grease if it's dry. When reassembling, screw the housing bowl on by hand only - never use the spanner to tighten it, only to loosen it. Once refilled and leak-free, run the tap for 5 minutes to flush out any manufacturing debris before use. Table of contents How to Change Your Water Filter Cartridge in 10 Steps FAQs How to Change Your Water Filter Cartridge in 10 Steps Turn off the water supply to the filter system and open the filter tap to release the pressure. Place the spanner that came with your kit around the body of the filter bowl and slide up until the lugs enable you to unscrew the bowl from the housing cap. Rotate from right to left looking straight on, or clockwise if you view it from above. If you haven't mounted the housing to the cupboard wall you may need to brace the cap somehow. The housing bowl will be full of water so proceed carefully to minimise spillage. Once unscrewed lower the housing bowl away from the cap, and remove to the sink. Empty the water and remove the old filter cartridge. Rinse and wipe out the housing bowl. If the black O ring is 2 to 3 years old this is the time to replace it. Otherwise ensure the O ring is in good condition, it's worth coating it silicon grease if it's a bit dry. Replace it in the groove, ensuring the O ring is properly seated. Unwrap the new filter cartridge and place inside the housing bowl, making sure it slips onto the small stand pipe in the base of the housing bowl. Screw the housing bowl onto the cap, turning anticlockwise until hand tight - do not over tighten. Turn on the water supply and allow the filter system to refill - once done close the tap and check the housing bowl to cap for leaks. If there are any leaks then use the spanner to tighten the bowl a fraction. You may need to either turn off the water supply and release the pressure again to do this. Finally, once you're certain there are no leaks, open the tap and allow the water to run for 5 minutes to flush out any manufacturing debris. DO NOT use the spanner to tighten the housing bowl - this will make it very difficult to undo at the next filter change. FAQs Do I need to turn off the water supply before changing the cartridge? Yes - turn off the water supply and open the filter tap to release the pressure before you start undoing the housing bowl. How often should I replace the O-ring? If the black O-ring is 2 to 3 years old it's worth replacing it while you're changing the cartridge - otherwise just check it's in good condition and grease it lightly if it's looking dry. Can I use the spanner to tighten the housing bowl when refitting it? No - only screw it on by hand until hand tight. Only use the spanner to help loosen it at the next change; using it to tighten can make the bowl very difficult to undo later. Why should I run the tap for 5 minutes after fitting a new cartridge? This flushes out any manufacturing debris from the new cartridge before you start using the filtered water. About the author Louise Allen is a partner at Fountain Filters, where she's helped run the business since 2011. Alongside the day-to-day order management, despatch, and quality, she's built up a practical, hands-on knowledge of water filtration, and reviews the site's articles to keep the advice accurate and genuinely useful. Outside work, she's run the London Marathon with business partner Simon.

0 Hard water in the UK

• Products
• by Louise
• 11-06-2021

Where does our water come from? Water in the UK arrives as rain or snow and then it's down to nature and geography - with some input from humans - to determine what sort of water we have in our homes.   Water in reservoirs or natural lakes Surface water - from rivers and streams – is stored in natural lakes or artificial reservoirs and makes up the majority (68%) of our water supply. This water has a low concentration of calcium and magnesium but perhaps some sodium, chloride and sulphate, depending on location, from the action of the wind over sea.   Water stored underground The rest of our water comes from underground, where it has filtered down through rocks to the water table and on its way down has absorbed natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The exception to this is water that has come across impervious rocks, that are calcium-poor anyway, such as granite; it's too hard to percolate through, so water tends to run off and not absorb minerals. Snowdonia in Wales and the Western Highlands of Scotland are examples of this geological factor.   What is hard water? Water high in those natural minerals already mentioned - calcium and magnesium - is called 'hard'. Water low in these minerals is called 'soft'. There are grades in between such as semi hard or semi-soft or even not too hard or very hard.   How can I tell whether I have hard water or not? Water hardness is measured by the number of mineral deposits in your water (parts per million - ppm). A soft water area would have around 60-100ppm while a very hard water area would register more than 180ppm.   You can go on your water supplier's website and check the hardness of your water by inputting your postcode.   Or you can check here.     Broadly, where is water hard in the UK? It's easier to note which places are soft or semi-hard:   Cornwall, most of Devon and West Wales are blessed with soft water as is the north of England and most of Scotland. Middle England is mostly middling, with semi-hard. The rest of the country has hard water, around 60% of the country.     What difference does hard water make? Hard water is rich in calcium, which produces limescale when it dries. Limescale typically forms an unsightly crust around the base of taps in domestic wash basins and baths, covers shower screens with a fine white residue and forms a coating around plugholes. Although there are limescale removers on the market, it is not particularly easy to control and is an ongoing task. Laundry washed in hard water needs more cleaning product and does not produce the pleasing soapy suds of soft water. Shampoo will not lather well, nor will soap. More conditioner is needed to get your hair feeling soft after washing. It is similar to using salt water, if any readers are sailors or have been on a cruise.   Central heating systems don't like hard water When hard water is heated, it forms deposits when it cools – called scale - that is notorious for clogging up central heating systems - radiators, pipes and heat exchangers. Untreated, they have to be periodically flushed to remove the scaling. Domestic machines that use water such as dishwashers and washing machines will have similar problems over time.   If you don't recognise the characteristics of hard and soft water, you may live in a middling area, with semi-hard water.   How to remove limescale from my water supply Unless you move to a soft water area, you are stuck with hard water. But a way to alleviate the issues and to minimise limescale from your water supply is to have a mains water limescale filter, or hard water filter, fitted. This should realign the calcium molecules, so they no longer form limescale and you will have water that resembles soft water. Baths will be slippery, hair washing will be a pleasure, you'll use less laundry liquid, and you won't be trying to remove limescale from your sinks. And behind the scenes, your central heating pipes won't be clogging up.   Do I need to fit a mains water limescale filter in my home? Mains water is so-called as it comes straight off the mains and is not stored in a tank first. In an independent home, it's the one you use for washing and for your central heating if you have radiators. If you live in a block of flats, you will need to have an independent mains supply for water to be treated. If you have hard water, it’s possible to have a filter fitted to your mains supply to remove the limescale.   What sort of mains water filter can I have fitted? There are two main types of domestic water treatment systems. A salt-based solution (water softener) softens the water by removing the hard minerals (ions) and replacing them with salt. Our preferred system (filter) uses a cartridge system where the hard ions are physically bound together to prevent them forming scale. Both systems work well, but filters are cheaper and very low maintenance. The cartridge needs replacing every 1 to 3 years, depending on the equipment chosen. There is no electricity needed and no salt to be refilled.   Are mains water filters expensive? No. Our Doby OneFlow hard water filter will remove scale for around a year before the cartridge needs replacing (depending on water usage). You will save considerably on laundry products and your water-dependent machines will last longer, including your central heating system if it runs water-filled radiators. It should pay for itself in two years or less, but there are many other benefits mentioned before that you will enjoy straight away.     Is hard water safe for drinking? All water in the UK is very safe to drink, whether it’s hard or soft. Whether it tastes nice or not is another matter and one we will deal with later. Water in the UK is independently monitored by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, set up in 1990. Water companies test their water supplies daily and supply their findings to the DWI. The public body also carries out extensive research. Drinking water in the UK is among the best in the world, with drinking quality of 99.96%, acknowledged by Statistica that also has other interesting facts about UK water.   Is hard water bad for my skin? There is much anecdotal evidence from our customers to suggest soft water minimises conditions such as psoriasis and eczema and hard water exacerbates these conditions. However, various health studies, including one by the World Health Organisation in 2008 and the Softened Water Eczema Trial published in 2011 found no symptom relief in soft water for skin conditions. Critics would argue that the sample size in the latter was small (336) but not everyone needs scientific proof that soft water helps their skin condition. It could be chlorine that causes skin irritation, perceived or otherwise, which we touch on later.   I don't like the taste of my tap water. Is it because it's hard? The UK has among the best tap water in the world as already mentioned. To make our water safe, the final process in the long purification process is the addition of chlorine. This acts as a disinfectant. If you don't like your tap water, it's probably the chlorine, rather than the natural mineral salts you don't like. Some people feel that chlorine could be responsible for exacerbating their skin condition, especially psoriasis but only this anecdotal evidence supports the claim. Chlorine encourages skin to dry, which causes the skin to flake more. Psoriasis sufferers typically avoid public swimming pools for this reason.       Don't buy bottled water The worst thing you can do, environmentally and financially is to buy water in plastic bottles. Even the very large ones work out much more expensive than a water filter. They also take many, many years to degrade and have become a serious blot on our landscape, both here and abroad. 'Smart water'; is just a fancy name, dressed up to be something that is good for us, but it still involves single use plastic. Read our in-depth blog about it. Tap water costs around 0.3p per two litres, a supermarket own brand 45p and a brand 90p. You are pouring money down the drain and damaging the environment at the same time. Fitting a water filter to get better tasting water Not liking the taste is a common problem and ironically maybe, more likely to happen with soft water as hard water containing minerals may help to mask the taste of the chlorine. While some ions (minerals) are removed by boiling, the chlorine taste tends to remain. Many people don't mind it and if that is you, then you don't need to do anything. But if you would like nicer tasting water - the mountain stream taste you may have enjoyed on a hike in Scotland or Wales maybe - then, a water filter may be for you. It's normally fitted under your kitchen sink, takes up very little space and needs minimum attention.   If I have a mains water filter, what about drinking water? If you have a salt-based water softener, you usually leave a tap for drinking water where the water is untreated. Normally this is in the kitchen. Another option is to have a three-way tap fitted, with water all from the same tap. It means your kitchen sink will look less cluttered. It’s a question of personal preference really. You can read more about our tri-tap choices. Remember, all drinking water in the UK is safe. Your kettle will still ‘fur’ up but water everywhere else will have the calcium filtered out. If you take a glass of water to bed with you, use the mains water tap in the kitchen.   What if I want a mains limescale filter AND a water filter for my drinking water? We can do that too! You might find our Doby Taste and OneFlow hard water filter is perfect. It will mean no limescale and better tasting water (assuming you don't like the taste of your water) as it removes chlorine and sediment as well as hard minerals. It should fit under your sink, but you can fit it anywhere where the mains water enters the house - a garage or utility room for example. Space could be a bit tight, and you may need to find another home for your cleaning materials if you choose the kitchen, but we think it's a small price to pay. And the best thing is the cartridge should last for up to two years before being replaced. You also don't need a separate cold water tap.   Does a water filter take up much space? No. A water filter is usually smaller than a salt-based water softener as there is no need for bulky salt bricks. The dimensions of all our machines are clearly listed.   What if I just want nice tasting water: should I have a water filter fitted? As mentioned earlier, it's soft water that usually has what some people regard as an unpleasant taste and smell, probably from the chlorine. Check that boiling the water doesn't take away the unpleasant taste - it often does. Boiling water and letting it cool, then refrigerating it in a jug could be an answer, so it's worth trying. Are water filters easy to fit? Yes. A water filter is inexpensive, takes up very little room and you'll have great tasting water year round. You just need to replace a cartridge once or twice a year (depending on water use). See one of ours here. We can supply a basic filter that filters out the chorine, or more advanced options that can filter out heavy metals, fluoride and bacteria. We can help you to decide which you need, which depends on your water supply and to a certain extent your taste preference If you normally buy bottled water, the product should have paid for itself in a year to a year and a half, depending on your water consumption and your usual water brand. Imagine delicious water on tap - you might even start to drink more. It's much healthier for all of us, especially for children instead of sugary drinks.   From our customers: case studies for limescale filter and water filter Mains limescale filter ''We sold our house and went into rented for a year. During that time, our home had no mains water limescale filter and I'd forgotten how horrible it is. I missed our shiny sinks and soapy baths. As soon as we moved, my priority was a limescale water filter. At the same time, I had a water filter fitted, feeling I was doing my bit for the environment. No more expensive bottled water for our family.'' Mrs J, Richmond.   Water filter ''We had a Pearl Drinking water filter fitted after I'd been shocked with the results of my annual water spending using Fountain Filters calculator. Our plumber fitted it in a couple of hours. I'm sure salad leaves and boiled vegetables taste better. I drink my tea black, and I've noticed the taste is nicer. Thumbs up all round.'' Ms T, Salisbury What if I'm happy with my water? If you are happy with your water - don't suffer from hard water and limescale and like the taste - we don't suggest you do anything.   Obviously, we sell water filters and mains water limescale filters but wouldn't try to sell to anyone who is satisfied with their water. If you have friends or relatives who have hard water though, or don't like the taste of their tap water, we'd be grateful if you'd mention us or send them a link to this article.   FAQs What is a hard water filter? A hard water filter isn't actually a filter at all. Because the minerals that make water hard are dissolved they would just flow straight through an ordinary filter. Instead, the filter cartridge treats the water by altering some of the properties of the minerals so they don't form limescale.   Can I install a hard water filter for a shower? Yes you can. You can install a hard water filter to the cold water supply to an electric shower, or the water that feeds the boiler that heats the shower water. Alternatively, fit a filter to your mains water supply and treat the whole house.   No, and they work in completely different ways. A water softener uses sodium chloride - salt - to replace the hard water minerals. Unfortunately, that leaves a small amount of sodium in the water so it may not be good to drink due to the effects on blood pressure and heart health. Good modern softeners only amount to about 5 percent of your recommended daily allowance, however, it's probably best to minimise all salt intake. No, and they work in completely different ways. A water softener uses sodium chloride - salt - to replace the hard water minerals. Unfortunately, that leaves a small amount of sodium in the water so it may not be good to drink due to the effects on blood pressure and heart health. Good modern softeners only amount to about 5 percent of your recommended daily allowance, however, it's probably best to minimise all salt intake.

0 What is the best mains water filter I can get in the UK?

• Products
• by Louise
• 27-01-2021

There is a wide variety of mains water filter systems available in the UK. A whole house water filter or mains water filter is plumbed in to the rising main where water enters your house. They provide you with filtered water in your kitchen and at other taps throughout your house should you want it; for example your bathroom or utility room. Our mains water filters are suitable for mains water supplies only. If you have a private water supply, your requirements will be different so please take a look at our Private Water filters.   Key Points A mains (whole house) water filter is plumbed into the rising main and filters water at every tap in your home, not just the kitchen. Mains filters are for mains-supplied properties only - if you're on a private supply you need a different type of filter. UK tap water is safe to drink, but standard treatment doesn't remove everything - sediment, chlorine, fluoride, and hardness minerals can all still be present. The best filter for you depends on what's bothering you about your water: taste and smell point to a carbon filter like the Moby or Doby, while limescale points to a dedicated hard water filter. You don't need to pay for professional water testing to get started - working out what you dislike about your water is usually enough to choose the right filter. Cartridges need replacing regularly to keep the filter working - Fountain Filters sends a reminder email every 6 months as a nudge. Table of contents What's the Best Mains Water Filter for You? Removing Chlorine for Better Taste and Smell Removing Limescale from Hard Water Maintaining Your Mains Water Filter FAQs What's the Best Mains Water Filter for You? The BEST one is always determined by what you want to filter out of your mains water. Despite UK tap water being safe for drinking, cooking and bathing in, not all contaminants are able to be removed. For example, sediment, chlorine, fluoridation and water hardness could be a concern for you. Some questions you might want to ask yourself before investing in a mains water filter are: What is it that you don't like about your water at the moment? And, is there anything specific that you want to filter out of your water? You don't necessarily need to pay to have your water professionally tested, but can if you want to. It could be as simple as just not liking the taste or smell of your water, which is pushing you to keep on filling your supermarket trolley with plastic bottles full of filtered water. And then you start feeling guilty about adding to the world's plastic pollution crisis. It's a no win situation for you. Removing Chlorine for Better Taste and Smell If it is just the taste and smell we'd recommend you install our Moby or Doby mains water filter. One of these would remove the chlorine for you which would improve the taste and smell of your water. Removing Limescale from Hard Water Or, you may be sick and tired of the limescale in your water and be looking for one of our mains water filters for hard water. We will have a solution for any issues you have with your mains water. Installing a mains water filter will save you a heck of a lot of money in the long term. Maintaining Your Mains Water Filter Remember that when you do install your mains water filter you'll need to maintain that filter by replacing cartridges, cleaning the filter if you're able to, and generally being aware of the quality of the water. If you notice any sudden changes in the taste and smell of your filtered tap water that may be an indication that you need to replace the filter cartridges. We make this easy for you as we email you every 6 months just to prompt you to think about your water and whether or not you need to change the water filter cartridge. FAQs What's the difference between a mains water filter and a private water supply filter? Mains water filters are designed for properties on a public mains supply. If you're on a private water supply (well, borehole, spring, etc.) your requirements are different, so you'll need a filter suited to that instead. Do I need to get my water professionally tested before choosing a filter? Not necessarily - you can if you want to, but working out what you dislike about your water (taste, smell, limescale) is usually enough to point you to the right filter. Which filter should I choose if I just don't like the taste or smell of my water? The Moby or Doby mains water filter will remove chlorine, which is usually behind poor taste and smell in tap water. How do I know when to replace my mains water filter cartridge? Any sudden change in the taste or smell of your filtered water is usually a sign it's time. Fountain Filters also sends a reminder email every 6 months to prompt you to check. About the author Louise Allen is a partner at Fountain Filters, where she's helped run the business since 2011. Alongside the day-to-day order management, despatch, and quality, she's built up a practical, hands-on knowledge of water filtration, and reviews the site's articles to keep the advice accurate and genuinely useful. Outside work, she's run the London Marathon with business partner Simon.

0 How to Sanitise your RO

• Customer Service
• by Louise
• 24-08-2020

Sanitisation Steps: Tum off the cold water supply line to the RO system. If your system is connected to your refrigerator or icemaker, turn off the line going to the icemaker. Open the RO water system tap/faucet and drain all water from the system and storage tank. Once the system is empty be sure to place RO tap/faucet handle in the closed position. Open the pre-filter housing, which is typically the filter closest to the feed water line. Remove the pre-filter and discard if replacing with a new filter after sanitisation process. Leave the filter housing off. Remove all remaining filters and the reverse osmosis element (membrane). If you have an inline post filter on your system, leave the old filter in place. Discard old filters if installing new filters. Reconnect all empty housings to the system, except the pre-filter housing. There should be no filters in any housings at this point.  Add two or three tablespoons of bleach to the pre-filter housing (5.5% unscented bleach). Re-connect the pre-filter housing back onto the system. Tum on the cold water supply line for the system to fill with the sanitising solution. Check for any leaks. Allow system to fill with water. Time will vary depending on water pressure. However, the system should be full within 5-10 minutes without the filters or membrane installed. Turn on the RO tap/faucet until water begins to flow out, then turn off the faucet. Let the system sit for at least 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flush system by turning on the RO tap/faucet and let water run through the system for 5 minutes,or until bleach odour is gone. Turn off the cold water supply line. Turn on the RO faucet. Drain the system completely. Repeat this step twice After draining the system completely the second time, replace or re-install all filters and membrane. Turn on the cold water supply line and check for leaks. Allow the system several hours for the RO membrane to refill the storage tank.

0 How To Increase Hot Water Pressure

• Products
• by Louise
• 07-06-2019

Increase your hot water pressure up to 2.0 bar with our hot water booster pump. https://www.fountain-filters.co.uk/Hot-Water-Booster-Pump/0-CAAA010/PRAA125.htm You can install our positive head hot water booster pump under your kitchen sink and it connects directly, via two 22mm push-fit flexible hoses, to your hot water supply. When the lever on the tap is opened the hot water booster pump automatically energises and increases your hot water pressure, giving improved water flow and allowing customers with a gravity/low pressure system to use a high pressure tap. This hot water booster pump is quiet and compact, and has been specifically designed to increase water pressure to a household's hot water supply. The quiet AC induction motor is smooth and reliable, and the regenerative design of impeller is ideal for overcoming air pockets that can be generated in a shower system. This type of hot water booster pump is ideal where the plumbing route includes multiple bends and elbows. Our hot water booster pump has been manufactured in Denmark and will boost your hot water up to 2.0 bar. The outlet pipe has a built-in flow switch which activates the pump when it detects water flow, and deactivates the pump when the flow stops. The flow switch requires a minimum of 0.5 litres flow per minute to operate. Two 22mm push-fit flexible hoses are included. It has a compact design, low running noise and includes anti-vibration feet. The pump can either be wired directly into a fused spur or you can plug in the 1.4m lead like a dishwasher. ** Hot water should be NO hotter than 65°C when using this pump. If your water is hotter than 65°C and the pump fails, we would not be able to offer a refund. ** ***Must not be connected directly to mains water supply.*** Features Product code - 98950218 Continuously rated pump Regenerative impeller design IPX2 water ingress protection Auto-resetting thermal cut out Anti-vibration feet Mains connection lead - 1.5m long Braided connection hoses with 22mm push-fit connections WRAS compliant Technical Data Supply voltage 230 V, 50 Hz Power consumption 280 W Rated current 1.2 A Rating Continuous operation (recommended minimum flow rate: 5 l/min Enclosure class IPX2 (when mounted on a horizontal surface) Motor AC induction Inlet head (min - max) 1 to 10 m Max developed pump head 20 m Max operating pressure 3 bar Minimum starting flow 0.5 l/min Length 185mm Width 150mm Height 165mm Weight 3.8kg Noise level 55 to 65 dB (A) @ 1m Warranty 1 year   Is the Hot Water Booster Pump compatible with 15mm pipes? Yes it is. Just use 22mm to 15mm reducers. These are available at most good DIY stores.

0 How to install a drinking water filter

• Customer Service
• by Louise
• 28-05-2019

Our Pearl and Oyster drinking water filters are easy to install and we supply a set of fitting instructions when you purchase one of our water filters. There is no need for you to use a plumber. Our 'how to' video below shows you just how easy it is.  But we're also in the process of making other 'how to' installation videos that help demonstrate the steps involved when you install a water filter in your home. 

0 OneFlow Anti-Scale System FAQ

• Products
• by Louise
• 28-08-2018

OneFlow Anti-Scale System FAQ OneFlow is a salt-free alternative to a traditional water softener, designed to stop limescale forming without stripping the beneficial minerals out of your water. Here are the questions we get asked most often about how it works, how it compares to a softener, and what to expect from installation and maintenance.   Key Points OneFlow is a salt-free, environmentally friendly anti-scale technology that converts dissolved calcium into inert microscopic crystals, protecting pipes and appliances without removing beneficial minerals. Unlike a water softener, OneFlow needs no control valve, backwash, drain line, or brine tank - just an inlet and outlet connection - and uses no electricity, chemicals, or salt. OneFlow doesn't remove fluoride or chlorine, so a separate filter stage is needed if you want those removed too. Cartridge-based OneFlow systems need replacing every 1-2 years; correct sizing for the property's peak flow rate is what determines performance. Untreated well water can be a limitation, since unknown or high levels of other contaminants can fall outside OneFlow's operating guidelines. OneFlow uses around 75% less floor space than a comparable water softener and produces no waste water discharge. Table of contents OneFlow FAQs What is OneFlow? How does OneFlow differ from a water softener? Does OneFlow remove the important minerals in water? What are some of the ideal applications for OneFlow? Does OneFlow remove Fluoride and Chlorine? What factors may affect OneFlow's system performance? Does the media in a OneFlow system need to be replaced? Are there any application limitations to OneFlow? How easy is it to install a OneFlow system? What are the ongoing maintenance costs and considerations for OneFlow? Why is OneFlow a 'Green Technology'? OneFlow FAQs What is OneFlow? OneFlow is an anti-scaling water treatment technology designed to protect plumbing components, pipes, fixtures, valves, fittings, hot tanks, etc. from the negative effects typically caused by water hardness. OneFlow is an environmentally friendly alternative to water softening or any other treatment device designed to address scale. OneFlow prevents scale by transforming dissolved hardness minerals into harmless, inactive microscopic crystal particles. These crystals stay suspended in the water and have a greatly reduced ability to react negatively and form scale compared to untreated hard water. How does OneFlow differ from a water softener? OneFlow uses a specially designed media to convert the dissolved primary hardness mineral (calcium carbonate) into a relatively insoluble microscopic crystal so that it cannot cause harm downstream. A water softener, on the other hand, uses the principles of 'ion exchange' to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water while replacing them with sodium ions. A water softener requires a control valve, backwashing, drain line, regeneration and a brine tank to store salt while OneFlow requires nothing but an inlet and outlet connection. Does OneFlow remove the important minerals in water? No. OneFlow preserves the beneficial mineral content while preventing the possible negative scale formation associated with these minerals. By rendering the hardness minerals harmless while still keeping them present, you truly get the best of both worlds. Other treatment methods fall short. In a 2005 report on Nutrients in Drinking Water, the World Health Organisation writes... "We conclude that hard water is good because it contains nutrients valuable in themselves...To minimise heart disease risk, the ideal water should contain sufficient calcium and magnesium to be moderately hard." What are some of the ideal applications for OneFlow? Virtually any application where scale reduction or scale removal from water hardness is required or desirable. For example: hotels, restaurants, apartments, offices, boilers, irrigation systems, humidifiers, distillers, steam generators, solar heating systems, tankless water heaters, RO pre-treatment, misting systems, laundries, food service applications, are all ideal for a OneFlow system. How about other chemicals found in water, such as Fluoride and Chlorine. Does OneFlow remove them? No. Please contact us if you want to remove these as well as reduce hardness. What factors may affect OneFlow's system performance? Water chemistry and peak flow rate are the guidelines used to assure optimal system performance. Most mains water falls well within OneFlow's performance guidelines to ensure scale control results. Correct sizing of the system is important to ensure proper performance. However, OneFlow is more forgiving of flow variations and unplanned peaks than a conventional water softener. Does the media in a OneFlow system need to be replaced? Yes. Filter housing based systems require cartridge replacement every 1-2 years. Systems should be installed with this in mind. Are there any application limitations to OneFlow? Untreated well water may pose a limitation to OneFlow due to the unknown chemistry it often possesses. High hardness is never a problem for OneFlow, but with well water, hardness minerals are often accompanied by other contaminants with levels outside of our operating guidelines. How easy is it to install a OneFlow system? It's easy. Full instructions will be given with every order. What are the ongoing maintenance costs and considerations for OneFlow? Other than the planned cartridge replacement, nothing else is required. Why is OneFlow a 'Green Technology'? OneFlow saves water and energy in the following ways: Reduces Energy Consumption - OneFlow uses no electricity and reduces energy consumption by keeping heat transfer surfaces free of energy-robbing scale formation. Reduces chemical or raw material consumption - OneFlow requires no chemical or significant ongoing consumable (salt, as an example) Reduces waste water discharge and water consumption - because OneFlow does not discharge or require backwashing it meets both objectives. Reduces space requirements - OneFlow systems use approximately 75% less floor space than water softeners. Retains natures minerals in the water. The beneficial minerals, calcium and magnesium, are completely retained. About the author Louise Allen is a partner at Fountain Filters, where she's helped run the business since 2011. Alongside the day-to-day order management, despatch, and quality, she's built up a practical, hands-on knowledge of water filtration, and reviews the site's articles to keep the advice accurate and genuinely useful. Outside work, she's run the London Marathon with business partner Simon.

0 Will a Hard Water filter help you?

• Products
• by Louise
• 17-05-2018

What is Hard Water? The hardness of your water is all down to the geology of the area you live in. You'll have hard water if you live in an area that's built on a bedrock of sedimentary rocks like limestone, chalk, flint and sandstone. The South East of the UK is mainly made up of chalk and limestone regions and as a result, has the hardest water. Hard water has a high mineral content. The minerals that contribute to water hardness are calcium and magnesium, mainly in combination with bicarbonate, sulphate and chloride. When hard water is heated above 61 degrees (or as it evaporates) the balance between the dissolved minerals is upset and the bicarbonate converts to carbonate. This is what causes limescale! Around 60% of the UK population lives in a hard water area. Water hardness can be measured usually as the equivalent amount of calcium carbonate in parts per million (mg/l).   Key Points Hard water comes from geology - areas built on chalk, limestone, and sandstone, mainly in the South East of England, have the hardest water, and around 60% of the UK population lives in a hard water area. Limescale forms because heating hard water above 61 degrees converts its dissolved bicarbonate into carbonate. Hard water isn't harmful to drink - the World Health Organisation has found no convincing evidence it causes health effects, and its calcium and magnesium content can supplement your diet. Limescale causes plenty of visible nuisances (scale in kettles, cloudy shower screens, dull hair and skin) and hidden costs (reduced appliance efficiency and lifespan, higher energy bills, more frequent appliance and boiler replacement). A hard water filter can still leave a mild mineral residue on drinks and food once heated above 60°C - reverse osmosis removes this but also strips out beneficial minerals, needs a power supply, and wastes around 70% of the water it processes. Table of contents Hardest Water Areas in the UK Is Hard Water Bad for You? So, if it's safe to drink why do people want to treat it? Our Hard Water Filters FAQs Hardest Water Areas in the UK Here's a list of UK towns and cities that have the hardest water: Town/City Water Hardness Level Mg/l CaCo3 Bath Very Hard Water 307 Bristol Hard Water 232 Guildford Hard Water 238 Hemel Hempstead Very Hard Water 303 Milton Keynes Very Hard Water 308 Oxford Hard Water 279 Reading Hard Water 278 Slough Very Hard Water 304 Swindon Very Hard Water 349 Walton-on-Thames Hard Water 238 UK counties with the hardest water are: County Water Hardness Level Bedfordshire Hard to Very Hard Berkshire Hard to Very Hard Buckinghamshire Hard to Very Hard Cambridgeshire Hard to Very Hard Dorset Hard to Very Hard Essex Hard to Very Hard Gloucestershire Hard to Very Hard Greater London Moderately Hard Hampshire Hard to Very Hard Hertfordshire Hard to Very Hard Kent Hard to Very Hard Oxfordshire Hard to Very Hard Surrey Hard to Very Hard Sussex Hard to Very Hard Wiltshire Hard to Very Hard Is hard water bad for you? No... "there does not appear to be any convincing evidence that water hardness causes adverse health effects in humans" - World Health Organisation The minerals that are present in your water such as Calcium and Magnesium are essential for maintaining your health, so getting some of your daily mineral intake from the water supply will supplement your diet. There is nothing harmful about drinking hard water. Bottled water companies often boast of the high mineral content of their water because of the associated health benefits. So, if it's safe to drink why do people want to treat it? Because it causes limescale which has many visible and hidden effects. And it's only when water is heated that it causes a problem. The visible things are: Filmy residue that floats on your hot drinks. Limescale builds up on kettles Shampoo and soap may not lather easily Limescale on shower heads and taps Shower screens become cloudy Toilet bowls collect limescale You may need to use more washing up liquid and washing powder Skin conditions such as Eczema may occur Hair and skin may be dull A red rust-coloured build up may occur on shower tiles in some areas of the UK where water has higher Iron content Clothes and towels may be stiff and rough Glasses and dishes may become cloudy and dull White fabrics may become grey and coloured fabrics may lose their brightness A chalky residue may be left when washing your car at home Kettling, a low rumbling sound, may be heard as the boiler starts up Weak water pressure may occur in the shower The effects of limescale that are hidden include: Build up in household water and heating pipes reducing water flow and pressure Build up in appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan Build up in immersion heaters reducing the lifespan and efficiency Build up on the heat exchanger in the boiler reducing efficiency and lifespan of the boiler, making it harder to heat your home Energy bills increase as an inefficient heating system may need to be on for longer to heat the house and appliances use up more energy to get their job done Maintenance costs for appliances are increased as they work harder than they would without limescale build up and therefore elements wear out quicker Appliances and boilers need replacing more often as it's sometimes more efficient to replace the whole appliance or boiler than a single element Lower hot water temperatures in the heating system are possible as limescale build up prevents heat from the boiler transferring easily into the water Our Hard Water Filters Drinking water with any of our hard water filters installed may form a residue on the water after it's been heated to over 60°C. Some people find this unacceptable. If you think this residue is unsightly and want to get rid of it you may need to consider installing a reverse osmosis (RO) system. The downside to reverse osmosis is that you lose any health benefits of the natural minerals that are found in your water as a reverse osmosis system strips everything out. You also need a power supply and it can be expensive as you lose about 70% of your water with a reverse osmosis system. Please get in touch before you order a hard water filter from us so we can chat to you about what the effects of the hard water are having on you and your household. FAQs Is hard water safe to drink? Yes - the World Health Organisation has found no convincing evidence that water hardness causes adverse health effects in humans, and the calcium and magnesium it contains can supplement your diet. Why does hard water cause limescale? When hard water is heated above 61 degrees, or as it evaporates, the balance between its dissolved minerals is upset and bicarbonate converts to carbonate, which is what forms limescale. Will a hard water filter stop residue forming in hot drinks? A hard water filter can still leave a mild residue once water is heated above 60°C. Reverse osmosis removes this residue, but it also strips out beneficial minerals, needs a power supply, and wastes around 70% of the water it processes. Which parts of the UK have the hardest water? Mainly the South East of England, where the ground is chalk and limestone - counties like Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hampshire, and towns like Swindon, Milton Keynes, and Bath, all have hard to very hard water. About the author Louise Allen is a partner at Fountain Filters, where she's helped run the business since 2011. Alongside the day-to-day order management, despatch, and quality, she's built up a practical, hands-on knowledge of water filtration, and reviews the site's articles to keep the advice accurate and genuinely useful. Outside work, she's run the London Marathon with business partner Simon.