Research suggests there is a link between hard water and eczema. People living in hard water areas tend to report higher rates of skin irritation. While hard water doesn't directly cause eczema, it can aggravate existing conditions by stripping natural oils from the skin and leaving mineral deposits. Many eczema sufferers report improvement after installing a water softener, as soft water is gentler on the skin and allows soaps to rinse away more completely.

Yes. Hard water strips moisture from your skin and can leave a film of soap residue that clogs pores. Many people with hard water report dry, itchy skin, and some find that conditions like eczema are aggravated. For hair, hard water can leave it feeling flat, dull, and difficult to manage, because minerals interfere with shampoos and conditioners. Switching to softened water often produces a noticeable difference from the very first shower — softer skin, shinier hair, and a better lather.

Yes, hard water has a significant impact on boiler efficiency and lifespan. As little as 1mm of limescale on a heating element can increase energy consumption by up to 7%. Over time, limescale buildup restricts water flow, reduces heat transfer, and forces the boiler to work harder — which increases your energy bills and shortens the boiler's life. A water softener like Notric removes limescale at the source, helping your boiler run more efficiently and last longer.

Hard water causes a wide range of issues in your home. Limescale builds up inside pipes, boilers, and heating elements, reducing efficiency and causing breakdowns. It leaves white, crusty deposits on taps, showerheads, and tiles. It makes soap and shampoo harder to lather, leaving residue on your skin and hair. Dishes and glassware come out of the dishwasher with spots and streaks. Laundry can feel stiff and look dull. And your cleaning time increases significantly because soap scum and limescale require constant scrubbing.

Hard water is estimated to cost the average UK household over £500 per year. This includes increased energy bills (limescale on heating elements forces your boiler to work harder), premature appliance failure (washing machines, dishwashers, and boilers can lose up to 30% of their lifespan), excess spending on cleaning products, and occasional plumbing repairs. Over 10 years, that adds up to £5,000 or more — significantly more than the cost of a water softener.

Water hardness is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per litre (mg/L) of calcium carbonate. The scale is: Soft (0–60 ppm), Moderately Soft (61–120 ppm), Slightly Hard (121–180 ppm), Moderately Hard (181–240 ppm), Hard (241–300 ppm), and Very Hard (300+ ppm). Many areas in the South East exceed 300ppm. You can check your water hardness by entering your postcode on your water supplier's website, or by requesting a free water test from Notric.