Water Softeners
Hard water affects many water supplies in Ireland, the required equipment to resolve the issue is actually very straightforward and we are here to help you through the process. Fitting of all solutions is easily achieved by a competent homeowner with setup videos available to simplify the installation.
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Need some help understanding your water report? See our explanatory page to walk you through the water quality parameters.
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For homeowners on a municipal water supply, an under sink water softener is typically the chosen solution, we stock a wide range of the most popular and reliable softeners.
For homeowners with a private well see the next section of this page for further detail & solutions.
​Please contact us with any questions, we would be happy to help.
eSoft Under-sink Water Softeners & Other Accessories
eSoft Softeners are a very popular cost effective models assembled in Cork with the PRO version utilising the industry standard Clack valve. Full details are in the product description. We understand choosing a water softener may be a daunting task, feel free to contact us at any point to seek advice, we are only too happy to help.
EcoSoft Under-sink Water Softeners
EcoSoft have a number of compact, reliable and cost effective under-sink softeners to solve your hardness problem, full details are in the product description. We understand choosing a water softener may be a daunting task, feel free to contact us at any point to seek advice, we are only too happy to help.
EcoSoft Pink Series
EcoSoft Artic Blue Series
Water Softeners for Private Well Supplies
Treating water hardness on private wells typically consists of treatment equipment located in an external pump house. Due to the varied composition of water from wells it is best to have a water report to ensure all water parameters are being treated as many can be treated together, i.e. Iron and hardness can be treated by the same equipment.
We primarily stock EcoSoft water softeners which utilise the industry leading Clack WS1 control valve. If you have a particular affinity for a different softener or for a version not on our website please contact us as we can likely source it within a day or two.
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We can check your full water report and recommend a full solution to you.
Simplex water softeners by EcoSoft are an idea product to solve your hardness issues. These are available with three different resins to deal with the varied compositions of water throughout Ireland.
Water Softener Installation
Installing your Clack system is a straightforward process and we are here to help you through the process, whether you have a 3 or 5-Button clack valve/system the connections are physically in the same place.
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Water In: Our standard systems are a 3/4" connection, you connect well pump here.
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Water Out: Our standard systems are a 3/4" connection, treated water is output from this port.
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Drain for well water systems: The majority of our systems are back-flushing units, during the periodic regeneration/cleaning process water exits through the drain for flushing purposes. Typically a short length of hose is connected to the 1/2" barb connection to a drain ideally but often to an area outside the pump house. We can supply this should you require.
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Drain for under-sink systems: Under-sink systems are almost always water softeners which carry out a periodic regeneration where water exits through the drain for flushing purposes. Oftentimes the drain is simply run to a waste pipe similar to a washing machine or dishwasher however a siphon is available should you require.
Water Softener Optional Accessories
A number of optional accessories are available to streamline and add further features to your installation, see our guide below and related products listed below should you decide to add to your system:
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​Bypass Valve: Clack produce a bypass valve that fits onto the control valve. Your pipework then connects to bypass valve. This allows you to easily isolate the unit for maintenance and servicing. It is an optional part that can be added on at a later date but very useful to have installed. (Compatible with Well and Under-sink systems)
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Connection Kit: To make installation as straight-forward as possible and to avoid multiple trips to the local plumbing store we can supply a connection kit comprising of: In/out connection hoses, overflow hose, drain hose, metal clamps & a drain fitting. The kits are available in 3/4" & 1" sizes.
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Blending Valve: For users who want to blend their treated water with raw water Clack produce a valve that easily connects to the standard valve to accomplish this. This is typically carried out to blend just a little bit hard water back into the treated water to enhance the taste.
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Drain Siphon: As mentioned above most under-sink installations in Ireland run the drain to a waste pipe similar to a washing machine or dishwasher. For neater pipe work and a more professional installation a siphon is available. This also prevents backflow of unpleasant odours from the sewerage system which can be problematic in some installations.
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Softener Hygiene Guard: Designed for Ecomix softeners and softeners for chlorine disinfection systems. It is seamlessly integrated into the valve, replacing the microswitch's position.
Grants for Water Treatment Equipment
Below is some relevant information that may help our customers; Under the Rural Water programme, there are grants available to improve a private water supply in rural areas where public water supplies cannot be accessed.
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To qualify for a grant, your house must be more than 7 years old and not connected to a public or group scheme. You can get a grant to:
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Fix a private water supply
This grant covers 85% of the approved costs of rehabilitation works to your well, up to a maximum of €3,000.
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Improve the water quality
This grant covers 100% of the approved costs of improving water quality in your well, up to a maximum of €1,000. The work may include filtration or Ultra Violet treatment.
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The minimum grant you can get is €750.
To apply for a grant, you should complete an application form (pdf) and send it to the rural water section of your local authority. For further information see the Department’s terms and conditions for the grants.
How does the process usually work?
We have helped customers with self installation of equipment under the grant scheme but not all local authorities may be used to this scenario, the process typically:
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Water test is carried out
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You contact your local authority, submit application and grant is approved
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It is common that you will be asked to provide our tax clearance certification.​
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Equipment is purchased and installed.
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Water test is carried out to ensure water parameters are now within allowable values​
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Grant is paid by local authority
FAQ
What is Scale?
Scale is a problem in many area's of Ireland and is due to Limestone in the ground. In the home water system it can build up on appliances, Kettles, Hot Water Cylinders, Showers, Washing Machines etc. For areas with minor scale in the water, a filter housing can be placed before devices with a specialist cartridge. The internal cartridge is changed every couple of months. For any reasonable amount of scale the most economical solution is a water softening unit that consumes salt.
Scale Testing Kits
We also sell a quick and easy testing kit to measure the amount of scale in your home water supply.
Will I be able to fit myself?
Our aim is to sell to the domestic market for self-installation. The eSoft units are the most friendly on the market with clear instruction. We are on hand to provide support at any time required.
FAQ
Why eSoft ECO?
A high quality, reliable softener for customers who are looking for an affordably priced system. The eSOft ECO softener combines upflow regeneration with precision brining to offer homeowners significant salt and water savings each year. These softeners are perfect for home and small business owners looking for a softener that’s efficient, environmentally friendly and saves them money every year.
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Why eSoft PRO?
Top of the range softener for customers who are looking for a reliable, robust system to give years of soft water. With the Clack WS1 valve the eSoft PRO softener is the most reliable system on the market today.
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Where can I install a water softener?
The simplest place to install a water softener is as close to where the mains water enters the home as possible. Often water softeners are fitted into kitchen cupboards because that’s where the mains water enters the home. However, an expert advisor can recommend where best to install the water softener, whether that’s the kitchen, utility room, basement, or the garage.
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What type of salt does an eSoft softener use?
All eSoft softeners use tablet salt. This is widely available through retail outlets, builders/plumbers merchants or garden centres. It comes in 10kg or 25kg bags. Recommended brands are Ecosil, Broxo or Axal Pro.
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What are the running costs of an eSoft softener?
A water softener uses salt and water to carry out its cleaning process (regeneration or recharge). As a guide an average family could use 8-10 bags of 25kg of salt a year, which is approximately €80-100 a year.
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Does an eSoft softener need servicing?
A water softener is a long term investment and can last up to 15 years or more. Like any other mechanical item your water softener will need annual servicing to ensure a long operating lifetime. Servicing is easily carried out by the homeowner and we provide full information on this.
Benefits of Soft Water:
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Baths, shower enclosures and sinks are no longer stained by mineral deposits
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Usage and spend on detergents and shampoos is reduced by up to 50%
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Energy bills can be reduced by at least 10%
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Hair feels softer and clothes are softer and brighter as a result of using soft water
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Time is saved cleaning and no need to use harsh detergents
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People with eczema and other skin conditions have seen significant improvements
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Water usage during regeneration is reduced with eSoft