Soft water doesn't contain minerals such as calcium or magnesium, which form insoluble limescale deposits in pipes, taps and plumbing. These minerals also cause the soapy scum that you find in your bath and laundry. Hard water ruins the kitchen and bathroom taps by causing excessive limescale buildup which is very difficult to remove. The increased mineral build up may erode the pipes, causing them to leak, burst and flood. Hard water can also make clothes appear faded and less colourful. Washing your clothes in untreated hard water can cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Hard water makes baths and showers less enjoyable and more expensive, as larger quantities of soap, detergent, shampoos and conditioner are used and you feel less clean afterwards Compass Water Softeners has been installing water softeners in Reading and the surrounding area for more than 20 years. Most of our domestic water softeners are made by Harvey Water Softeners. We have over 3000 satisfied customers using our water softeners.