An admittedly rather biased look at the types of water ‘conditioners’ and limescale
inhibitors available, from the smoke’n’mirrors stuff to what really works.
Magnetic
A magnetic water conditioner simply has a mild magnetic field close to the water
supply pipe. This is meant to induce a molecular change to the calcium salts. Such
units are very inexpensive, easy to fit, and require no electrical supply. Some types
use use a ceramic magnet. In our experience, do they work? No.
Electrolytic
An electrolytic ‘water conditioner’ is supposed to work by the use of dissimilar
metals placed in the flow of water, being electrically connected. In the presence
of water (an electrolyte) a ‘LeClanché’ (battery) cell is achieved. The metals develop
an electro-magnetic force between them. This is meant to allow the addition of zinc
metal ions in the water, which produces a permanent change to the calcium crystal
morphology. Hard salts are encouraged to cling to each other rather than pipework,
heating elements in appliances, etc. It does not require an electrical supply. In
our experience, do they work? No.
Electronic
The electronic limescale inhibitor works by using a high frequency signal generator
(0.5 - 100 kHz) which is applied through a direct connection to the pipe surface.
The current induces a ‘field effect’ into the water which imparts energy at a molecular
level to the water. As long as the water keeps this energy level, it is supposed
to hold a greater amount of salts in suspension and encourage already existing salt
deposits to re-dissolve. It requires an electrical supply. In our experience, do
they work? No.
Phosphate & Polyphosphate
Phosphate limescale inhibitors usually require a changeable cartridge with a dosing
valve fitted. The idea is that water will flow partly through the unit and thus be
dosed with phosphate particles. This is meant to suspend the calcium particles. Unfortunately,
the dosing valve becomes clogged with phosphate very quickly - thus ceasing any effect
the unit may have. No electrical supply required. In our experience, do they work?
Well, they start to, but then the units block themselves!
Silicate-polyphosphate
Siliphos is a widely-trusted food-grade material proven time and again to inhibit
limescale formation. Its ability to combat limescale deposits is really quite remarkable
as it both lays down a protective layer on the walls of the supply piping and inhibits
future calcium deposits. Because of its ability to provide a protective coating its
even suitable for soft water supply pipes - inhibiting corrosion. Early Siliphos
units (still sold today) are bulky units that cannot usually be fitted in the pipe
supply line. They require the used Siliphos to be replaced annually in a procedure
that can result in water leakage. The units are also plastic, and their structure
can be compromised by very high water pressure. All these negative points were addressed
by the introduction of the LimeStop. It can be fitted ‘in-line’, it’s made from copper,
and requires only a 2-year change - wherein the complete unit is changed rather than
refilling. Siliphos limescale inhibitors do not require an electrical supply. In
our experience, do they work? Yes.
Water softeners
A softener simply removes calcium ions, and replaces them with sodium (salt) ones.
Such units are expensive to purchase and install. Artificially-softened water must
not be supplied to a potable supply, thus possibly creating an installation headache
as a drinking-water supply has to be provided. Softeners are usually bulky units
- taking up a whole kitchen cupboard. They require an electrical supply (usually),
a drainage pipe, and constant salt replenishment. They are not considered eco-friendly
as they require regular (often weekly) back-flushing with copious amounts of water.
Annual servicing is sometimes also recommended, meaning on-going expense. In our
experience, do they work? Yes.
We cannot make this any simpler: Ask the supplier of your limescale inhibitor if
you can return the product after six years if your appliance ‘scales-up’. Chances
are they’ll just politely tell you that you cannot! So what good is that then? But
if in 10, 15, 20 or even 30 years of owning a LimeStop your appliance scales-up,
then you could have your your original purchase cost back. THAT’S a guarantee that
it will work. The LimeStop works, it WILL stop limescale forming in your combi boiler.
