Frequently Asked Questions

The Notric has a built-in 48-hour backup battery, so it will continue operating normally during short power outages. If the power is out for longer than 48 hours, the system will simply pause until power is restored and then resume normal operation. You don't need to do anything.

Properly softened water should not taste salty. If you notice a salt taste, it may indicate an issue with the regeneration cycle or the brine valve. Don't drink the water until the issue is resolved. Contact your Notric partner promptly for a service inspection.

A correctly installed Notric should not significantly affect water pressure. If you notice a drop, check that the bypass valve is in the correct position and that there are no kinks in the connection pipes. In rare cases, chlorine-damaged resin can restrict flow. Contact your partner if the issue continues — they'll diagnose and resolve it.

This can sometimes be caused by a salt bridge — where a hard crust forms on top of the salt while the space below is empty. Gently push a handle or similar tool into the salt to break up any crusting. If the salt genuinely isn't being used, the system may not be regenerating correctly. Contact your partner for a diagnostic check.

It can take a short time for the full effects to become apparent. The softener starts working immediately, but existing limescale in your pipes and appliances will take a few weeks to gradually dissolve. If you're still experiencing hard water symptoms after a week, check that the salt level is adequate and that the system is not in bypass mode. Contact your Notric partner if the issue persists.

For the vast majority of people, yes. The amount of sodium added during softening is very small — far less than what you'd find in most processed foods or a glass of milk. UK drinking water regulations set a maximum sodium limit of 200mg/L. In most hard water areas, softened water stays well within this limit. The exceptions are for infants (don't prepare formula with softened water) and individuals on a strict low-sodium medical diet.

No. Water softeners use ion exchange, which specifically targets positively charged calcium and magnesium ions. Fluoride is not affected by this process. If your water supply contains fluoride, it will still be present after softening.

No. Installing a water softener in your home does not require planning permission. It's a plumbing modification, similar to installing a dishwasher or water filter. Your certified Notric partner will ensure the installation meets all relevant building and water supply regulations.

Yes. The Notric is designed and manufactured to comply with relevant UK and European water treatment standards. WET® Global holds quality certifications that demonstrate full compliance with industry standards and requirements. Installation by a certified partner ensures the system meets all applicable Water Fittings Regulations.

Yes, water softeners are completely legal in the UK. They must be installed in compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, which your certified Notric partner will ensure. The British Water Code of Practice recommends that an unsoftened mains water tap is maintained where reasonably practicable.

Indirectly, yes. By removing limescale from your heating system, a water softener helps your boiler operate more efficiently — which means less gas or electricity is consumed. You'll also use fewer cleaning products, less detergent, and your appliances will last longer (reducing manufacturing and disposal impact). The overall effect is a measurable reduction in your household's environmental impact.

The Notric uses approximately 0.6kg of salt and around 60 litres of water per regeneration cycle. Thanks to proportional regeneration technology, these figures can be lower when the resin isn't fully exhausted. Compared to traditional softeners that flush the entire tank regardless of usage, the Notric is significantly more efficient.