TwinTec Water Softeners – Questions & Answers

TwinTec House, 150 Spring Road, Ipswich, IP4 5NR
01483 670 495
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Asked by CDPCarter on 24th April 2019 Report this content
Can one use a Twin Tec softener with a Worcester Bosch Greenstar central heating boiler? I read somewhere that it could damage the heat exchanger.

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Answers (1)
Report this content John_Bgood Written on: 26/04/2019
I had a new Greenstar boiler installed last year and the installer didn't think there would be a problem. If you are worried then you should contact Worcester directly if they don't have the correct answer then no-one will. If it's a System boiler then the most important thing is to put the correct level of corrosion prevention fluid into the boiler and check it annually, which is what the service engineer should do. If it's a COMBI then the softer water might cause the heat exchanger to fail sooner, but if your water is hard then the lime-scale build-up will most likely cause the system to fail earlier than the softened water would. There is no reason why a Twintec softener should be any different to any other brand of ion-exchange softener, they all use the same technique.
Asked by Fortifyme on 25th March 2019 Report this content
My Twintec water softener has stopped working twice now in less than two years. The installer said it was due to chlorine in the water, and changed the “beads”. I read that the only way to avoid chlorine stopping your softener from working was to have a filter fitted before the mains water reached the filter. Is this correct? If so, why aren’t customers advised of this, and why do softeners not have such a filter incorporated in them.

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Asked by Rachelj2660 on 13th September 2018 Report this content
I need a decent plumber who knows how to set one up for me, I’ve inherited it from a relative who has taken her new one to her new home, and donated the one installed there to me! I’m lucky as it’s only 2 years old and the owners worked abroad a lot. It has no transferred warranty or suchlike and I live in Staffordshire, the unit came originally from the Southampton/ Bournemouth area. How can I get a decent priced installer? Any ideas? Thank you for any tips.

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Asked by richchandler3 on 14th June 2018 Report this content
Why does the water taste stagnant?

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Answers (2)
Report this content davewjwiles Written on: 15/06/2018
If your on mains water then it should not taste stagnant , why are you drinking water from your unit that's what the drinking water tap is for. I would take a sample of water before the unit and one from the unit and ask your water authority to test. If your sure it's from the unit I would by pass and call in Twin-Tec but they will charge £100+ just to have a look, I use a firm from Ipswich that only charge £39 to come and have a look. Stagnant water is not good at any time , you need to get this sorted. 
Report this content John_Bgood Written on: 15/06/2018
My water tastes perfectly good. Have yo been away for a long period of time? If so then you need to flush the system through. Run off a half a gallon of water and try again. If it still tastes stagnant then use the valves to by-pass the softener. If the water still tastes stagnant then it is a problem with your water supplier. If after bypassing the softener the water tastes good then you should contact your installer because you have a problem.
Asked by juebilly on 12th April 2018 Report this content
Could this product befitted in a caravan?/

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Answers (1)
Report this content davewjwiles Written on: 13/04/2018
You will need to be on mains water system and have be the right water pressure.
Asked by 1234Bob on 6th April 2018 Report this content
Can I install a watersoftener in a house with a septic tank and an effluent field?

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Report this content davewjwiles Written on: 09/04/2018
Sorry really don't know, don't see why not but I think you should put this question to Trwin Tec or and your local authority. 
Asked by johnmn on 21st February 2018 Report this content
Had TwinTec S3 installed mid Jan 2018. I topped up with 2 fresh blocks of salt after 3 weeks. We are now suffering with salt tasting water. Why?

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Asked by Lojong on 21st February 2018 Report this content
Hi. Back to the water softeners - its a salty business. I have a Twintec probably an S2. Over the past few months I have noticed on occasions that the water flow from both the shower, kitchen and basin taps will be lower than usual. Anglian Water have been and checked the mains pressure and flow (in excess of 25lts/min which is good). When I checked the input water flow to the Twintec the flow was also more than 25lts/min. However, the softened water flow from the kitchen tap, directly above the Twintec, was down to 10lts/min. That flow rate is what I have accepted as normal/usual at my house. When the flow drops it will be even less than 10lts/min. (The Anglian Water agent couldn't be expected to wait until the flow drops again, and he has taken the flow meter with him).  Well, that was a mouthful! What I hope to discover is what the usual, maximum reduction in flow is for a healthy Twintec, then I may be able to make some assessment as to the health of my installation. I welcome any advice related to, perhaps, similar experiences with a Twintec and/or any resolutions/remedies.

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Asked by gaenor on 6th November 2017 Report this content
How can I reduce the softness of the water - the TwinTec S3 we have inherited with this house produces very very soft water, much softer than we have ever had with previous water softeners, making showers, baths etc a hazard as they are so slippery. Is there a tester kit I can use to see if it is over softening the water?

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Answers (1)
Report this content davewjwiles Written on: 07/11/2017
Yes you can get a test kit, if you go on line to the Trin Tec site you will find your nearest installer or suppler where you can get the test kit and the readings you should be getting. I would suggest you do this first as Twin Tec will charge you £100 + just to come out and tell you what needs doing if anything. A lot of good company,s like" Triden showers" will charge there customers £120 to come out and look at a shower but the cost will include any parts and labour that are required but not Twin Tec. That's why I would not recommend Twin Tic stopped working just a short time outside warranty. But yes you can get a test kit. Hope this helps.
Asked by Dick28 on 2nd October 2017 Report this content
Do I need a filter on the one tap for drinking water? How much are the salt tables for these machines? Thank you

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Answers (1)
Report this content Ray4spurs Written on: 03/10/2017
1) - Filter question - I suggest not as tap water depending on the area generally has a reasonable amount of 'Hardness' which has health benefits. You could use a Jug type filter if needs be. 2) - Salt Tablet costs - 10 x packs (2 x blocks in each pack) locally ordered for £44
Asked by hardsoftwater on 22nd June 2017 Report this content
I have a Twin Tec 2 water softener. I regularly use a hardness checker kit to check the softness of the water. Using 2 different kits, 1 tablet form and the other liquid, I am repeatedly getting readings of 250+ parts per million. I have reported this to my supplier who says that reading is fine and denotes soft water. I understand from Harveys customer services that machines are set to 20 parts per million. Can you please explain therefore how my readings can be so high and yet acceptable to a company supplying your equipment?

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Asked by Sarkat on 20th June 2017 Report this content
Who manufactures your S3 water softeners?

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Asked by Barry47 on 28th December 2016 Report this content
The water going through our water softener continuously passes directly to the drain pipe. What should I do?

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Answers (2)
Report this content widd1 Written on: 03/01/2017
I think the water you are hearing going through is being used to regenerate the device. It’s generally a bit of a trickle. If it’s more than that get the installers back. EXPLANATION. There are two softening units in the device. When unit 1 is “clogged” the device switches to unit 2 to do the softening while unit 1 is cleaned. This is called regeneration. First unit 1 is filled with a salt (brine) solution. The brine is made by dissolving the salt blocks in the water in the base of the unit. After the brine has sat in unit 1 for a while, it will have regenerated. It is then discharged down the drain and unit 1 flushed through with clean water from unit 2 to remove all salt traces. Unit 1 will then sit waiting until for unit 2 to become “clogged” when it will then take on the process of softening whilst unit 2 is regenerated. This is very efficient as it ensures that you will always have a unit available to do the softening but generation will only take place when the unit is deemed to be “clogged”. Single unit devices usually regenerate overnight on a timed basis whether it is needed or not. They also cannot provide softened water during regeneration. Hope this makes sense.
Report this content GeoffCayman Written on: 04/01/2017
The softener will recycle every now and then depending on your water usage. During this operation water will go down the drainage pipe for 5/15 minutes. My TwinTec recycles every 2 days or so.
Asked by normcall on 10th November 2016 Report this content
We had a new one installed last week and wonder how long the blocks of salt last? The blocks have already dropped below the clear cover - seems every other day they drop down. How far do they go? Our last one (at a different area) was a Culligan and 25 kg of salt tablets lasted more than a month. The water is not as hard here, so is there an adjustment somewhere (we have no paperwork or instructions) as our water usage must be similar?

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Answers (2)
Report this content widd1 Written on: 11/11/2016
We are in a very hard water area - Suffolk. There are 2 of us in the house (retired) and 2 blocks usually lasts 3 - 4 weeks depending on water consumption. You should replace the block when the red line on the back of the reservoir becomes visible. One block may dissolve faster than the other - but as they share the brine reservoir it does not matter. It is difficult to compare salt usage with your previous model as it used a different technology. If anything your new one should use less as it only recycles when needed. The amount of water that passes through the unit before it re-cylces is set at installation.It should be calibrated so that when the resin in one tank is “full” it switches to the other and recycles the first one. It is the frequency of the recycling that determines salt usage. I.e. in a hard water area, less water passes through the unit before a re-cycling as there is more hardness to remove. In a softer area, more water goes though before this is necessary, thus re-cycling and salt usage will be less frequent. However, the same about of salt is used at each re-cylcling regardless of the hardness in your area - it just happens less frequently in a soft water area. You cannot adjust it yourself. If you doubt the accuracy of the calibration, get the installer back.
Report this content Debonair1961 Written on: 11/11/2016
We live in Essex so water is hard we are a family of 3 our system uses 2 blocks at a time and we replace them once a month our water consumption is quite high 3 power showers a day plus at least 2 wash loads per day . plus the dishwasher going twice a day so we think once month is quite economical hope this helps
Asked by Troyhiggs7 on 24th August 2016 Report this content
How to remove encrusted salt from the tank?

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Answers (2)
Report this content widd1 Written on: 25/08/2016
The cradle which holds the salt blocks is removable. It can be heavy if 2 large blocks of salt are in it. Remove the salt blocks from the cradle. Lift the lid to the unit and the salt cradle can be removed completely and washed and rinsed in clean non soapy water if necessary. If there is any salt residue on the wall of the salt “tank” area, I use a plastic scraper of the type designed to defrost fridges etc. This will prevent damage to the unit. The salt scrapings can be left to drop into the saline solution at the bottom where they will be dissolved and used for the next re-cycle. Put the cradle back and secure the back edge under the front of the lid. Replace salt blocks. Job done. Be careful to ensure that NO contaminants of any kind are introduced to the saline area - this might impair the ability of the resin in the softener to work. Use clean hands or wear latex gloves to ensure that you do not introduce a contaminant or infection into the unit. Treat it as though it is a food preparation area. NB After many years of use - I have never found it necessary to do this. Salty walls will not impair the operation unless they prevent the blocks dropping to the bottom of the saline unit.
Report this content Ray4spurs Written on: 25/08/2016
I didn't realise at first why the Salt blocks were sticking in position until I felt the sides of the salt chamber. I tend to clear the salt by hand every time a replacement is needed and that seems to work well. It's a bit of a manual process but it's better knowing the salt block function correctly.
Asked by Rytel on 2nd August 2016 Report this content
I have an S3 and it is making occasionally makes a buzzing noise. Can anyone give me an idea what it might be?

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Answers (1)
Report this content widd1 Written on: 05/08/2016
OK. When is it doing that? When water is passing through or during the “re-cycle” process? First off, try to determine if this is something straightforward. Try removing the salt cover / salt basket when it is buzzing. remove the rear top cover. Try moving / holding different bits of the unit. It might just be a vibration causing something to rattle / buzz. Move it slightly. If anything simple is causing a mechanical buzz - you might find you can stop it. If it doesn’t, it might be the “propellers” in the metering device that are either catching or worn. If that is the case you will need to get professionals in. Depending on the age of the machine and the suppliers it might still be under guarantee. I think ours was for 5 years - but I’m not absolutely certain.
Asked by marypr on 25th January 2016 Report this content
I have the Twin Tec S2, I'm wondering if there is much difference with the S3? Anyone out there had both who would know if it's worth changing? Had the S2 since 2007. Thanks

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Answers (1)
Report this content widd1 Written on: 05/08/2016
Our previous model was not the TT2. However it did fail after 5 years. The TT3 is an improvement in many ways, but the point of having the softener is to remove hardness from the water. We knew our old unit was due for replacement as it stopped doing this. Buy a water softness testing kit - they are about £10.00 from Amazon. If it is still working - stick with it. It’s worth noting that over a period of time the resin will deteriorate and not be as efficient. However, a quality installer will be able to remedy this by changing the cogs in the meter so that it re-cycles more frequently. Downside to this is that you will use more salt. Salt is cheaper than new kit!
Asked by Alanhudecova on 16th August 2015 Report this content
If only one block is being used, does it still keep the water soft?

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Answers (3)
Report this content Netlang Written on: 17/08/2015
You are using one block per tank so it you leave one empty the resin balls in that tank will just get scaled up. I believe the idea of the twin tanks is that you get continuous soft water even when the resin beads are being cleaned through in one tank it uses the other tank to provide you with uninterrupted softened water.
Report this content widd1 Written on: 17/08/2015
In simple terms - YES. The previous answer is partly correct. There are two resin tanks that do the softening. They do this alternatively. When one resin tank has softened enough water and can soften no more the device switches to the other resin tank. The device knows how much can be softened as there is a metering device to measure the volume of the water that has passed through the tank. Once “full” the first resin tank is then “re-generated” by soaking the resin in a brine solution whilst the second tank takes over the softening process. After soaking in brine, it is rinsed and then sits on standby until the second tank is “full” when it will switch back to the first tank. The re-generation process uses a saturated salt solution which is where the salt blocks come in. If there is only 1 salt block, it does not matter - it will still take the same amount of salt from that 1 block as it would from 2 blocks to make the brine solution up to the required strength. There is no saving to be made by running the device on one salt block. They both sit in the same reservoir and use the same volume of water and salt regardless of the number of salt blocks in the reservoir. Ergo, one block will get used up twice as quickly as two blocks. My mind wonders why you would even consider just 1 block as they are supplied in pairs. This is so that you don’t have to do the re-fill job as frequently.
Report this content Alanhudecova Written on: 17/08/2015
Hi Thank you for answering my question folks. The reason I asked this question widd1, was NOT because I only use 1 block at a time but to see if waiting until block 2, which ALWAYS diminishes at a slower rate and does not always need replacing at the same time. I want to wait till BOTH blocks have, as good as finished ,before replacing both blocks instead of only Replacing one at a time, that's all.
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Asked by tim_powys-lybbe on 19th June 2015 Report this content
Fact: Our TwinTec water softener is in the utility room. There is also a sink in there, supplied with softened water. Fact: Occasionally over the last two years the water at that sink tastes very salty. So we have stopped using it for the dog. Fact: Earlier this year we had a leak under the floor where the pipe ran from the softener area to the sink. The pipe was perforated with lots of tiny holes. It was not cheap to have this dealt with. Fact: Also earlier this year we had the TwinTec given an overhaul and most of the operating parts and chemicals replaced. This was not cheap either. Question: Might the brine outlet pipe of the TwinTec have got blocked and caused brine flow into the pipe to the sink which then corroded that pipe to cause it to leak? If so, what should we do about this? How can we tell in the future if it gets blocked again?

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Report this content widd1 Written on: 23/06/2015
Bearing in mind the amount of remedial work you have had done and the expense involved I would suggest getting the professionals back under guarantee as there is patently something not right.
Asked by cornflakeboy on 27th October 2014 Report this content
Is this water softener safe to use for people with sensitive skin? I haven't heard any negative reports but would be interested to hear views from people with sensitive skin.

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Answers (2)
Report this content Dempster08 Written on: 28/10/2014
Yes this water softener is fine for people with sensitive skin. I have this sensitivity and since I have been using the softener the condition of my skin is much improved. No allergic reaction at all. I'm sure you will be very pleased with the results overall in your household and more importantly on your skin. I hope this helps. Dempster08
Report this content qman9000 Written on: 28/10/2014
To answer the question directly; yes the TwinTec Water Softener is safe for people with sensitive skin. Before having the Softener installed I had bad eczema that itched like mad. This condition has vastly improved since having the Water Softener. You should see an improvement within a couple of months. Enjoy.
Asked by SamAngusMonty on 4th September 2014 Report this content
Does this water softener have to be replaced after a number of years or will it last a lifetime?

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Answers (2)
Report this content cliveg Written on: 05/09/2014
there's no power involved so should last as long as it is installed correctly, drained and not damaged
Report this content MadALane Written on: 10/09/2014
That is correct. There are no moving parts or power involved, and should last for a long time. It comes with a 10 year parts guarantee and 2 year labour guarantee. We had this for a year and half now, the difference is striking!I hope this helps.
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