so much scale !!!

[cmp]

Hello experts!

Please can someone tell me what the difference is between a water 'softener' and a water 'conditioner'?

 

[oilman]

A water softener will remove the calcium carbonate in the water. A water conditioner makes sometimes forlorn attempts to modify the shape of calcium carbonate crystals so they supposedly don't stick to the pipes. Silicon polyphosphate types work, magnetic and electronic ones are suspect. See here for more info.

 

[cmp]

Thanks Oilman! I've just moved to the West country and everything seems to get scaled up pretty quickly... I have a magnetic inhibitor attached below my worcester combi. I was thinking of buying and installing a water softener in the kitchen.

Is there any particular brand that you would recommend using? Or are they all pretty much the same? I was thinking of buying one from screwfix?

 

[oilman]

I don't know which make of softener is better than any other, but all you need for your boiler is one of the silicon polyphosphate type such as Combimate. Available from Plumb Center for around £100.

 

[cmp]

Cheers for that Oilman.

Another question... I'm at college getting my nvq2 in plumbing and heating - i'm covered for public liability - how do i know what to charge people? For instance a neighbour wants her taps changed - could be straight forward or could end up being a nightmare - i think she thinks i'm doing it for free because i'm at college still... but i still have bills to pay!!! How do you know what to charge? Should i charge a lower amount because i'm not fully qualified yet?

(not sure if this is the right forum for this type of question?!)

 

[breezer]

as its next door you cant charge for travel

you can not also charge full rate (because you are not qualified)

why not charge for parts only, and YOU get the expeariance of a real job (just dont ask for a mud pie )

 

[cmp]

That sounds fair to me! I'll do that ... plus it's bath taps which i haven't attempted yet.. so i'm a little nervous but she can't afford a plumber so i said i'd see if i could help.

Thanks for your advice