Hard Water Problems in Surrey: What It Does and How to Fix It

How hard is the water in Surrey?

Most of Surrey has very hard water - over 200mg/l of calcium carbonate. Areas like Addlestone, Weybridge, Woking, and Guildford are particularly affected. Hard water is not a health risk, but it causes limescale that damages plumbing systems and appliances over time.

What does hard water do to your plumbing?

Limescale builds up inside pipes, reducing the bore and restricting water flow. It coats the inside of your boiler’s heat exchanger, making it work harder and less efficiently - this is what causes kettling noises. It clogs shower heads, blocks tap aerators, and shortens the life of washing machines and dishwashers. Over years, it can reduce your boiler’s efficiency by 10-15%.

Scale reducers and inhibitors

An electrolytic scale reducer fitted to the mains inlet can reduce limescale formation by up to 50-60%. It is a simple, maintenance-free device that costs around £80-£120 fitted. Chemical inhibitors added to the heating system also help protect the boiler and radiators from internal scale buildup.

Water softeners

A full water softener removes the calcium and magnesium that cause hardness. It protects your entire plumbing system, makes soap and detergent more effective, and eliminates limescale on taps and showers. Installation costs £1,200-£2,000 depending on the model. Running costs are about £50-£80 a year for salt.

What we recommend

For most homes in Surrey, we recommend a combination of a scale reducer on the mains, a magnetic system filter on the boiler, and chemical inhibitor in the heating system. This protects the most vulnerable parts of your plumbing without the cost of a full water softener. We will assess your setup and recommend the right option for you.