Water Treatment by Property Type
Finding the Right Combination for Your Hampshire Home
Victorian terrace? New build? Flat? This guide answers "What's best for MY home?" with specific recommendations based on your property type.
Why Property Type Matters
Generic "best water treatment" advice ignores real-world constraints. Your home's age, size, and layout determine what actually works.
The Hard Water Problem in Hampshire
Hampshire sits on chalk aquifers, meaning extremely hard water (300+ ppm). Without treatment, this is what happens to your home.
Kettle & Appliance Damage
Hard water causes thick limescale buildup in kettles, coffee machines, and dishwashers - reducing efficiency and lifespan.
Pipe Blockages
Scale builds up inside pipes over years, reducing water flow and eventually requiring expensive replacements.
The Solution: Ion Exchange
Water softeners use ion exchange resin beads to remove calcium and magnesium - the minerals that cause limescale.
Select Your Property Type
Click on your property type to see tailored recommendations.
Quick Reference Matrix
Best solutions at a glance for each property type.
| Property Type | Best Softener | Best Conditioner | Best Filter | Best RO | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ Victorian | Harvey TwinTec | Halcyan | Water2 Pod | Waterdrop | £2,500-3,500 |
| 🏡 Post-War Semi | Harvey/Monarch | Halcyan | Brita mypure | iSpring | £2,000-3,000 |
| 🏗️ New Build | Optional | Halcyan | TAPP EcoPro | Optional | £400-1,000 |
| 🏠 Bungalow | Kinetico | Any | Doulton Gravity | AquaTru | £2,500-3,500 |
| 🏘️ Terraced | Monarch Midi | Halcyan | TAPP | Frizzlife | £1,500-2,200 |
| 🏢 Flat/Apartment | N/A | Eddy | TAPP/Brita jug | AquaTru | £150-400 |
| 🌾 Private Supply | Essential | N/A | N/A | Essential | £800-1,500 |
| 🏰 Large Family | Harvey XL | N/A | Water2/Zip | Waterdrop | £3,000-5,000 |
Space Requirements
Know what space you need before committing.
Harvey TwinTec
Size: 22cm x 50cm x 50cm
Location: Utility/Garage
Kinetico Premier
Size: 25cm x 45cm x 55cm
Location: Utility/Garage
Monarch Midi
Size: 20cm x 35cm x 45cm
Location: Small cupboard
Halcyan/Conditioner
Size: 15cm x 15cm x 20cm
Location: On pipe anywhere
Water2 Pod
Size: 12cm x 35cm x 40cm
Location: Under sink
TAPP EcoPro
Size: 8cm x 8cm x 12cm
Location: On tap
Waterdrop G3P600
Size: 18cm x 40cm x 45cm
Location: Under sink
AquaTru Countertop
Size: 28cm x 35cm x 40cm
Location: Worktop
Hampshire Property Stock Guide
What types of properties are common in your area?
Andover (SP10/SP11)
Property mix: Victorian town centre, 1950s-70s expansion, modern estates
- • Victorian terraces in town centre
- • Post-war semis in suburbs
- • New builds on outskirts
Most homes need softener + filter. Victorian properties check for lead pipes.
Marlborough (SN8)
Property mix: Georgian/Victorian high street, village cottages, modern developments
- • Period properties on High Street
- • Village cottages
- • Modern estates
Softener essential for chalk water. RO recommended if concerned about nitrates in rural villages.
Hungerford (RG17)
Property mix: Historic high street, surrounding villages, newer developments
- • Georgian townhouses
- • Village properties
- • Newer estates
Slightly softer than Andover/Marlborough. Conditioner may suffice for newer properties.
DIY vs Professional Installation
What you can do yourself vs what needs a professional.
| Property Type | Conditioner | Softener | Filter | RO System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victorian/Edwardian | Professional | Professional | Professional | Professional |
| Post-War Semi | DIY | Professional | DIY | DIY possible |
| New Build | DIY | Professional | DIY | DIY |
| Bungalow | DIY | Professional | DIY | DIY |
| Terraced | DIY | Professional | DIY | DIY possible |
| Flat/Apartment | DIY | N/A | DIY | DIY |
| Private Supply | N/A | Professional | Professional | Professional |
Related Water Treatment Guides
Deep-dive into specific product categories.
Water Conditioner Reviews
Electronic and magnetic conditioners compared
Salt Water Softener Reviews
Harvey, Kinetico, BWT & Monarch compared
Drinking Water Filter Reviews
Water2, Brita, TAPP & more compared
Reverse Osmosis Reviews
Waterdrop, iSpring, AquaTru compared
Master Comparison Guide
All categories side-by-side
Water Quality Testing Guide
Understanding your water report
Free Property Water Assessment
Not sure which combination is right for your home? We offer free water hardness testing and property assessments across Andover, Marlborough & Hungerford.