I've heard water conditioning magnets can help too,
so has anyone any advice on these, cheap emough to try I guess.http://www.first4magnets.com/water-c...gnets-33-c.asp

but it is worth the effort ?
and long term would this build up a potential blockage in the pipe,
if the water is 'well 'ard' as in East ludun init !

I thought these magnet-based water softeners were pure snake oil - but
this report from Southern Water says the effect is real (e.g. less
crusting), though very variable:

http://www.southernwater.co.uk/pdf/E...ersWRCnote.pdf