Twin-tank water softeners often use a service / standby method, where one cylinder will always stand idle ready to take over when the other is exhausted. Minimax water softeners use a duplex parallel method that allows both cylinders to be used, except for when one is regenerating. This gives a better flow rate, meaning your water softener can cope with power showers, combination boilers, mega-flo systems and high water usage like multiple showers being used at one time.

All water softeners have either one or two cylinders to house the softening resin. Only those with two cylinders can guarantee softened water 24/7 as there is no downtime (known as ‘regeneration’ time) during the cleaning process. Those with two cylinders are also more efficient with salt usage – Harvey Water Softeners actually invented the twin-cylinder system

Size does matter. At one point water softeners would stick out through a hole in the kitchen surface, these days they are a lot more compact. The Minimax, designed by Harvey Water Softeners, is created to fit under the kitchen sink, meaning it can fit into many other convenient places in the home such as in a garage, utility room or even loft if needed.

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is a mark of approval that demonstrates an item complies with the high standards set by water regulations published in 1999 in the UK. Enforced by the UK water supply companies, it covers all plumbing systems, water fittings and equipment supplied with water from the public water supply. It is a legal requirement for products installed in the UK to comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

Electric water softeners will require setting up and programming for water usage, water hardness and some other settings. A non-electric water softener does the job for you with its factory preset, making it easier to use.

Water softeners either use tablet salt which comes in heavy, unwieldy 25kg bags or block salt which is supplied in handy 8kg bricks. Minimax water softeners use block salt, which is far more popular due to ease of handling, storage and loading.

Salt needs to be checked regularly, so a simple solution is best. Some water softeners require the unit to be opened whereas others, such as the Harvey, has a clear section that shows the level.

Cheaper water softeners use a basic timer that needs regular programming. The advanced meters on Minimax water softeners constantly monitor your water usage and make adjustments automatically. So you get efficient water usage with no fiddly adjustments or wastage.

The Harvey Water Softener uses a displacement meter that is also used by the water board for measuring household water supply. They are tried, tested and the most accurate and reliable type available