London's Hard Water Problem — Solved.

Which water softener does RARE recommend for London homes?

Our first choice for most prime central London homes is the BWT OnePipe Pearlwater — it's the only system that combines whole-house softening with a separate mineralised drinking water supply from a single pipeline, removing the traditional need for a separate unsoftened tap. For clients prioritising British manufacturing and block-salt convenience, the Harvey is our second recommendation.

How long does installation take?

Most whole-house water softener installations take half a day (3–4 hours). In some properties with complex pipework or limited access, a full day may be required. We'll advise at survey stage.

Do I need to bypass the softener for the garden or outdoor taps?

Yes — softened water should not be used for watering plants long-term, as the elevated sodium can affect soil chemistry. We install a dedicated bypass to your outdoor taps as standard.

Will the softener affect my boiler warranty?

Most premium boiler manufacturers — Vaillant, Viessmann, ATAG — require water treatment in hard water areas. Installing a WRAS-approved softener is typically what's needed to maintain warranty validity.

What ongoing maintenance is required?

Block or tablet salt needs topping up periodically (every 4–8 weeks depending on household size). Annual servicing is recommended to check resin condition, valve function and settings. We offer a PPM plan that includes water softener servicing.