Service
Water softeners for Cotswold homes
Short answer
Cotswold water is hard because it runs through limestone. A softener cuts limescale, but softened water should not supply your drinking tap. A softener that uses water to regenerate needs notice to your water company before it goes in. This page explains the rules and lists Cotswold firms that fit softeners.
Firms found on a trade register first, then A to Z.
| Firm | Based in | Does | Checks | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND Plumbing & Heating LtdLtd company 04666025 | Tetbury GL8 Covers Tetbury |
Central heating, General plumbing, Leaks and repairs, Bathrooms, +10 | 01666 503632Website | |
| A&P Plumbing & Heating (Cotswolds) LtdLtd company 13226996 | Cirencester GL7 Covers Cirencester, Bourton-on-the-Water, Fairford and Lechlade +2 |
Central heating, General plumbing, Leaks and repairs, Bathrooms, +8 | 01285 670322Website | |
| D W Dunn LtdLtd company 04125102 | Ewen GL7 Covers Cirencester, Stroud, Fairford and Lechlade |
Central heating, Commercial, Emergency call-out, General plumbing, +13 | 01285 771001Website |
No firms match. Clear a filter to see more.
Why the water is hard
Hard water comes from rocks such as chalk and limestone. Thames Water says all the water in its region is hard. It supplies parts of the Cotswolds, such as Bourton-on-the-Water.
Hard water is not harmful. The DWI says there is no legal standard for hardness. But it leaves limescale in kettles, cylinders, showers and boilers.
The drinking tap rule
Keep one tap with water that is not softened, for drinking and cooking. A softener adds sodium to the water.
Approved Document G says softened water should not replace wholesome water at a drinking tap or at a kitchen sink. The DWI says sodium can be a problem for premature babies and for people on a low-sodium diet.
Notice to the water company
A water treatment unit that uses water to regenerate or clean itself needs notice to the water company before it is fitted. Salt-based softeners usually do this. The approved contractor exemption does not cover this item, so the notice is needed even with an approved contractor.
What to ask a firm
Ask each firm the same questions, so you can compare quotes fairly.
- Will you keep a drinking tap on hard water?
- Will you send the notice to the water company?
- Where will the drain for the regeneration water go?
- How much salt does it use, and how often does it need a service?
- Are you on the WaterSafe register?
Questions
Can I drink softened water?
Keep a separate tap with unsoftened water for drinking and cooking. Thames Water and the DWI both give this advice, because softeners raise the sodium level.
Do I need to tell the water company?
Yes, for a softener that uses water to regenerate. The rule is in regulation 5 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
Is there a cheaper way to cut limescale?
Thames Water suggests setting hot water to 60°C and using a scale collector in the kettle. A plumber can also fit a scale inhibitor.
Sources
- Thames Water: hard water
- Drinking Water Inspectorate: water hardness
- GOV.UK: Approved Document G, sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency (2024 amendments)
- legislation.gov.uk: Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, regulation 5 (notice and consent)
- Thames Water: increased lead levels in Bourton-on-the-Water