The standard of washing machines is constantly improving, but they are still poorly protected from bad water. Most often, it causes the heating element that provides heating before washing to burn out. Contaminants and hardness salts cover its surface with scale, which leads to failure of the heater. To prevent its breakdown, it is necessary to use an additional filter for the washing machine when the water is bad.
Tasks of filtering water for washing
The machine has a regular mesh installed near the inlet hose, which catches coarse mechanical impurities, which is clearly not enough. This device is not intended for removing rust and small particles.
Additional filters can be installed:
- on the main line that supplies water to the entire apartment;
- on the water supply pipe to the washing machine.
The water filter is used for the following purposes:
- cleaning from impurities that clog the mesh in the machine and block the supply of incoming water;
- removal of rust, sand and other abrasive particles that cause rapid wear of the drain pump;
- softening water to prevent the formation of scale on heating elements, drums and other metal surfaces, as well as to improve the quality of washing things.
Purpose
Units of this type are used in two situations: if the hardness of the aqueous medium used for washing is increased, and also if it contains a large number of impurities, rust, sand, traces of metals, and so on.
We use such a characteristic as “hard” quite often, but we don’t think about its origin. This definition means that the presence of magnesium, calcium, salts, as well as other trace elements in elevated concentrations is recorded in the water. As a result of heating, the listed substances crystallize and form a precipitate, which we observe in the form of scale. It is important to consider that the lower the quality of the water environment used, the worse the performance of household appliances will be.
Water with impurities negatively affects the operation of the device, as it clogs important parts, thereby affecting the quality of the wash. This is why it is so important to take care of your technology from the very beginning.
Polyphosphate
Such modules are used only for technical needs (washing clothes, washing dishes), since a substance dissolves in water, making it impossible to use for drinking. Sodium polyphosphate granules are placed in the flask. When water passes through, they gradually dissolve and form complexes with hardness salts and rust, making them water-soluble. In addition, a film is formed on metal surfaces that prevents scale deposition.
If there is a sufficient amount of softeners in the washing powder, a polyphosphate filter is not needed, although with very hard water it will always be useful in terms of reducing the consumption of detergents.
The system is installed after the tap in front of the machine, and all incoming water passes through it. Maintenance consists of periodically adding the reagent to the flask, which is easy to do yourself.
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Ion exchange, sorption and magnetic filters are also suitable for softening, and the last two can be used for drinking water.
How to replace backfill
Polyphosphate cleaners are reusable. The consumption of granules is very economical (about 3 grams of substance per 100 liters of liquid). The volume of the filled flask is enough for approximately six months.
Manufacturers also recommend replacing the backfill when:
- the granules in the flask were halved;
- The volume of content has not changed over a long period of use.
The cartridge (cleaning mixture) can be easily replaced independently, without the help of a technician. It is enough to dismantle the device, pour out the remaining mixture and fill the flask with a new portion of crystals.
Trunk
The main filter is used to filter all tap water in the apartment. It can be designed for coarse filtration (mesh), fine purification (cartridge), for water softening (magnetic). The device is installed after the water meter with a tap.
- The mesh filter traps large particles, thereby extending the life of many household appliances. Its service life is unlimited; only periodic washing of the mesh is necessary. Often used as a pre-filter before a fine cleaning system.
- A cartridge filter can have several stages of cleaning; replaceable cartridges are selected depending on the needs and quality of the water.
- The magnetic filter creates an electromagnetic field that facilitates the dissolution of chemicals and softening of water. The advantage of a magnetic filter is that it does not need to be embedded into existing communications. Simply attach it to the top of the inlet hose.
The industry produces mesh filters similar to main ones, but with a lower capacity and smaller dimensions. Such a device can be placed directly in front of the machine. The ideal option would be to install a softening filter after it. The fine filter is not installed separately for the washing machine, since this is not necessary.
Installation and operation of a salt filter for a gas boiler
Before purchasing, you need to clarify the installation location and mounting features. Even with compact sizes you will have to find a certain free volume. Easy access should be provided for regular inspection and replacement/replenishment of backfill.
It is necessary to emphasize the obligation to constantly maintain protective functions in working order. One wash without polyphosphates is enough for a thin rough layer to form on the heating element of a gas boiler. Subsequently, it will be easier for scale particles to attach to it.
To improve the aesthetic parameters of the interior, install the salt filter for the Geyser gas boiler behind a decorative partition. It is made from plastic, ceramic tiles on plasterboard or other base. To simplify routine maintenance, a transparent window, an opening or a removable hatch is made in the right place. The dimensions of the hole are sufficient for convenient dismantling of the flask.
It’s easier, but more expensive, to use replaceable cartridges. It must be remembered that such products are produced with unique shapes. This does not allow the use of products from other brands.
To save money, purchase a filter in front of a gas boiler in large containers at reduced small wholesale prices. In this form, polyphosphate salts are a universal filler. They can be poured into different filter models.
Selecting a cleaning system
After a chemical analysis of tap water, you can choose one of the popular water purification filters for your washing machine from the list available on the modern market. The amount of solids and water hardness in the centralized supply system are usually known.
Geyser 1-P
offers a main filter for purifying cold tap water. It separates large and small impurities. The device is equipped with a replaceable cartridge made of foamed polypropylene that can withstand pressure up to 30 atm. After the resource is exhausted, the element is replaced.
Aquaphor Styron
The use of a compact and easily connected polyphosphate water filter for washing machines ensures savings in detergents, effective reduction of water hardness, and prevention of corrosion and scale. Its use also allows you to remove previously accumulated lime deposits from the heater. One backfill costs 300 rubles. enough for 300 washes. Thanks to the transparent body, you can clearly see how much reagent is left. The device can also be installed on a dishwasher.
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and Atlantic also produce polyphosphate filters that deserve attention.
Aquashield Pro
The electromagnetic filter of NPI "Generation" operates on the basis of force magnetic irradiation of water. The undeniable advantage of the device is reagent-free water treatment. The device consists of a plastic case with a chip and microprocessor inside. There are buttons on the body with which you can change the frequency of electromagnetic waves within 50 kHz.
Two emitter wires extend from the body, which are wound around the pipe in opposite directions. The device itself is attached to it. Power is supplied from a 220 V network. Power consumption is no more than 5 kW per month.
Electronic flocculating device "Aquaflow"
The device, without reagents, but comparable in efficiency to chemical water purification, works using high-frequency electrical pulses. An electric field is created across the pipeline, charging suspended particles of contaminants to form large flakes, which are then filtered in a fine cleaning system. In addition, the device suppresses certain types of microorganisms and bacteria.
Maximum efficiency is achieved if an additional fine filter is installed in the system, which is not included in the kit. The devices are used both in enterprises and among ordinary consumers who can afford to buy them.
Advantages and disadvantages of a salt filter for a washing machine
The main advantage of this technology is its minimal costs. The prices of the simplest models do not exceed several hundred rubles. At wholesale prices, 10 kg of polyphosphate salts can be purchased for 2.4-2.8 thousand rubles. Simple installation in front of a boiler or gas boiler can be done without outside help. It will not be difficult to replace the backfill.
For an objective analysis, it is necessary to pay sufficient attention to the shortcomings. The first of them is environmental pollution! Manufacturers emphasize the safety of polyphosphates. However, water saturated with such compounds should not be used for drinking or cooking. It can cause allergic reactions, so it is better to avoid contact with the skin and mucous membranes. Official instructions limit the scope of application exclusively to technical tasks. This means that the hot water boiler, washing machine and coffee machine will have to be protected by other methods.
A detailed study will help identify other disadvantages. So the dissolution rate of polyphosphates depends on the temperature and flow rate of the liquid, and the presence of other impurities. This means that the user cannot adjust the effectiveness of the technology based on the actual situation. This note also applies to the level of rigidity. Increasing and decreasing the most important parameter cannot be adjusted promptly.
Certain changes can be made using dispensers. But such devices are very expensive! Even in the most complete equipment, household equipment is not capable of independently changing the amount of active components, taking into account changes in the concentration of calcium and magnesium salts. Meanwhile, hardness can vary over a wide range, especially when taking water from individual sources (wells, boreholes).
The action of polyphosphates is limited to a range of several tens of centimeters, so it is necessary to install the protective device as close as possible to the washing machine. Protective devices are installed for each piece of equipment separately. Taking this factor into account, verification procedures and timely replenishment of existing reagents are organized. These features significantly complicate maintenance. It is not possible to automate filler replacement. An additional problem is the uneven flow rate in different operating modes.
Professionals use similar salt filters for the Geyser washing machine, but emphasize the following disadvantages:
- from a temperature level of +40°C and above, the efficiency of the technology deteriorates significantly;
- with increasing load of boiler equipment, insoluble deposits of phosphates are formed;
- in areas with increased thermal exposure, the formation of iron phosphate chemical compounds is activated, which provoke the development of corrosion processes.
Alternative solutions for anti-scale protection, reducing hardness levels
Other reagent methods are rarely used in everyday life. Lime treatment pollutes water. Complex specialized anti-scale agents in a gas boiler consisting of several components (anti-scalants) are used to solve industrial problems. They are expensive. Their dosage should be controlled very carefully, taking into account the operational assessment of input parameters.
At home, for small needs, reverse osmosis provides the ideal level of purification. Ion exchange is suitable for comprehensive protection of the boiler, as well as main pipelines and connected consumers. Many users give high marks to electromagnetic processing. It does not change the chemical composition in any way, however, like the Geyser salt filter, it reliably blocks the formation of scale in a gas boiler and boiler at a distance of up to 2 km from the connection point.
Installation
Installing a filter in front of the washing machine is easy. All you need is a wrench of the appropriate size. The device is mounted in front of the inlet hose as follows.
- The water supply is cut off.
- The inlet hose is unscrewed from the water supply pipe with a 3/4″ thread.
- The filter is screwed to the pipe.
- An inlet hose is screwed onto the filter.
- The water supply is opened and the system is checked for leaks.
Effect on humans
Drinking or cooking with water purified with polyphosphate filters is a personal matter. Read before use
- industrial salt is used, not food salt;
- find out the maximum permissible concentration (maximum permissible concentration) of salts in your H2O;
- adults and adolescents per day are harmless - 4,000 mg of phosphorus;
- the maximum phosphorus content in drinking water should not exceed 3.5 mg per liter;
- Excess polyphosphates in washing water leads to an allergic reaction on the skin.
Consuming liquid purified with polyphosphates will cause significant harm to people with metabolic disorders, allergies, or those with excess or deficiency of calcium.
NEED TO KNOW: The salt filter produced for H2O purification in industrial conditions contains technical sodium polyphosphate as a filler, which has nothing in common with the food polyphosphate additive E452.
Let's sum it up
Whether you need a filter for your washing machine is up to you to decide! But it’s better to analyze the condition of the water in a timely manner, check whether the filters built into the washing machine are dirty, and then draw conclusions.
But many engineers claim that absolute protection can be provided by 2 filters: the first that cleans dirt, sand, rust, and the second that softens water. This combination not only extends the shelf life of the device, but also saves money in the future.
For visual reference, we suggest watching 2 videos, which show how to clean the filter, as well as how to install it. We hope we were able to answer your questions. Subscribe to our website, there are many more interesting things to come!
