Classeq 20Ltr Base Exchange External Water product image

Classeq

Classeq WS20-SK 20Ltr Base Exchange External Water Softener

SKU: FB153

£373.00(£447.60 inc VAT)
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The Classeq WS20-SK is a manually regenerated, base exchange water softener designed for use with Classeq P500 and Hydro pass-through dishwashers. It works by passing the incoming mains water supply through a resin bed that removes calcium and magnesium ions — the minerals responsible for limescale — before that water enters the machine. The result is consistently softened water delivered to the washer throughout the service period.

In hard and very hard water areas, limescale is one of the most common causes of warewasher deterioration. It accumulates on heating elements, spray arms, and pump components over time, reducing wash performance, increasing energy consumption, and shortening equipment life. Fitting an external softener like the WS20-SK addresses this at source rather than relying solely on internal dosing systems, which provides a more reliable level of protection during sustained high-volume service.

Practical benefits for operators include:

  • Reduced limescale build-up protecting heating elements and internal components
  • More consistent wash and rinse results across the service period
  • Lower chemical dosing requirements where water quality is managed upstream
  • Reduced maintenance frequency and potential repair costs over the machine's life
  • Manual regeneration using standard dishwasher salt, keeping ongoing costs low

The WS20-SK requires a connection to the cold water supply feeding the washer and adequate floor space to accommodate its tall, narrow stainless steel cabinet. At 900mm high and 180mm wide, it has a compact footprint, though the installation point needs to allow for salt replenishment and straightforward access for periodic regeneration. The 25kg weight means it should be positioned and secured before the water connection is made. A competent plumber should handle installation and commissioning.

As the largest unit in Classeq's manual softening range, the WS20-SK is well suited to busier operations running P500 or Hydro pass-through washers through extended services — particularly in hard water regions where standard inline protection alone may not be sufficient. Smaller sites or lower-throughput machines may find a smaller-capacity unit more appropriate, while very high-volume operations should consider whether a fully automatic softener would better suit their workflow.

If you're unsure which softener specification is right for your water hardness level or site setup, our team is happy to talk it through with you before you order.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my site needs an external water softener?

Water hardness varies significantly across the UK — areas like London, the South East, and the East Midlands typically have hard or very hard water. If your warewasher is showing signs of limescale on spray arms, elements, or glassware, or if your local supply exceeds around 200ppm total hardness, an external softener is worth serious consideration. Classeq and most warewasher manufacturers recommend softening in hard water areas to protect the machine and maintain wash results.

How often does the WS20-SK need to be regenerated, and is it straightforward to do?

Regeneration frequency depends on local water hardness and the volume of water passing through the softener. In a busy kitchen in a hard water area, this may be required every few days. The process involves adding salt and running a backwash cycle — it does not require specialist knowledge, but staff should be briefed on the routine to keep it consistent.

Does fitting this softener mean I can reduce my rinse aid or detergent dosing?

Softened water can allow for some reduction in chemical usage, since the water is less aggressive and less prone to causing spotting or scale residue. However, dosing should be adjusted gradually and monitored against actual wash results rather than reduced immediately. Your chemical supplier or a Classeq service technician can advise on appropriate settings for your specific setup.
Classeq WS20-SK 20Ltr Base Exchange External Water Softener

£373.00(£447.60 inc VAT)

£373.00(£447.60 inc VAT)

The Classeq WS20-SK is a manually regenerated, base exchange water softener designed for use with Classeq P500 and Hydro pass-through dishwashers. It works by passing the incoming mains water supply through a resin bed that removes calcium and magnesium ions — the minerals responsible for limescale — before that water enters the machine. The result is consistently softened water delivered to the washer throughout the service period.

In hard and very hard water areas, limescale is one of the most common causes of warewasher deterioration. It accumulates on heating elements, spray arms, and pump components over time, reducing wash performance, increasing energy consumption, and shortening equipment life. Fitting an external softener like the WS20-SK addresses this at source rather than relying solely on internal dosing systems, which provides a more reliable level of protection during sustained high-volume service.

Practical benefits for operators include:

  • Reduced limescale build-up protecting heating elements and internal components
  • More consistent wash and rinse results across the service period
  • Lower chemical dosing requirements where water quality is managed upstream
  • Reduced maintenance frequency and potential repair costs over the machine's life
  • Manual regeneration using standard dishwasher salt, keeping ongoing costs low

The WS20-SK requires a connection to the cold water supply feeding the washer and adequate floor space to accommodate its tall, narrow stainless steel cabinet. At 900mm high and 180mm wide, it has a compact footprint, though the installation point needs to allow for salt replenishment and straightforward access for periodic regeneration. The 25kg weight means it should be positioned and secured before the water connection is made. A competent plumber should handle installation and commissioning.

As the largest unit in Classeq's manual softening range, the WS20-SK is well suited to busier operations running P500 or Hydro pass-through washers through extended services — particularly in hard water regions where standard inline protection alone may not be sufficient. Smaller sites or lower-throughput machines may find a smaller-capacity unit more appropriate, while very high-volume operations should consider whether a fully automatic softener would better suit their workflow.

If you're unsure which softener specification is right for your water hardness level or site setup, our team is happy to talk it through with you before you order.