Water softener - new build flat - unfamilar pipe layout

[stevehayter]

I've just moved into a new build flat, and am looking at getting a water softener installed. I don't have enough space under my sink, but I'm not that fussed about having a drinking water tap, so I was looking at maybe putting it in the utility cupboard.

However, my understanding with water softeners is that *usually* they are connected at the mains, and then the softened water is passed to the boiler, etc. However, in my utility cupboard, I can see the cold mains feed - but am confused as there seems to be a separate hot feed.

Photos are below - could someone more knowledgeable/experienced than me clarify? The pipes that go off to the right look like they go into the under floor heating.

I do believe there maybe some sort of communal water heater, which would explain it. But does this mean I can't have a water softener? Or if I do, it will only soften the cold water

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[stevehayter]

So bit of an update - I now understand I have a heat interface unit (HIU). But does this mean the hot water comes in in separate pipe to my mains cold? Or does the HIU simply warm up my cold mains water?

 

[Gasguru]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=d...TBUIHSRCAoYQ_AUIDigB&biw=1920&bih=988#imgrc=_

Have a look at the manual but surely your solicitor explained the costs and charges with a centralised boiler system.

 

[stevehayter]

Yes the costs aren't my issue - I'm just curious how the hot water in the property gets heated.

Found it though from the product page for my HIU. "The instantaneous hot water heaters inside each heat interface unit shall heat incoming mains cold water via a plate heat exchanger using heated water from the community heating system."

https://www.sav-systems.com/product-groups/direct-flatstation-hius/