Filter for washing machine for bad water and for softening

In the conditions of domestic realities, washing machines fail due to poor quality water supply. The presence of rust and sand particles leads to the gradual destruction of the moving parts of the device. The result of increased hardness is the appearance of salt deposits on the outer surfaces of the heating elements.

Heating elements lose the ability to fully transfer heat, overheat and fail. A rational way to get rid of these problems is to install flow filters for bad water and its softening.

Water filtration tasks for SMA
Do they soften the water?
Types of filters and their installation
General principles of selection
Popular solutions
Consumer Reviews
Catalog of washing machines with characteristics

Water filtration tasks for SMA

The mesh filter found in any washing machine is designed to capture large diameter contaminant particles. It is unable to cope with hard water and small debris. Therefore, an additional flow filter is required.

filter in the line

There are two ways to connect such a device:

immediately before introducing water into the machine;

on a common water supply main.

The purpose of using flow filters is the following:

reducing water hardness to get rid of salt deposits and improve the effectiveness of detergents;

filtering abrasive particles (small debris, rust, etc.);

cleaning from dirt that can clog the machine’s own protection and impede the flow.

Expert opinion

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Achieving these goals leads to an increase in the life of the washing machine.

Choosing for a dacha

If you are in a summer cottage outside the city from spring to late autumn or all year round, it doesn’t hurt to take care of purifying the water that is used for water supply, heating and watering plants. Each category requires its own level of cleaning.

Having determined, using chemical analysis, which impurities are higher in H2O from the dacha, salt filters with appropriate fillers and reagents are selected. They can be used in combination with other coarser or finer cleaning devices. The most expensive are salt filters for geysers with a reagent dispenser.

Types of filters and their installation

There are several types of flow filters. They differ in the method of water treatment, installation method, as well as size and shape.

Polyphosphate (saline)

Made in the form of a flask with sodium polyphosphate crystals placed inside. This substance reacts with salts dissolved in tap water and neutralizes their harmful effects.

Polyphosphate filters can only be installed on the supply line to the washing machine, after the shut-off valve. Such devices cannot be connected to a common riser in an apartment.

After contact with sodium polyphosphate, water turns into technical water; its use for cooking is unacceptable. The price range for salt utensils is from 350 to 650 rubles.

polyphosphate filter

Trunk

The purpose of main filters is to purify water both for washing and for general household needs. It is installed on the inlet pipe, after the meter and the general tap.

There are two types of such devices:

Mesh. Designed for rough cleaning. By using a coarse mesh as a filter element, washing is possible. This gives an unlimited service life.

Cartridge. The flask of such models houses a filter cartridge. The materials used to make the cartridge may vary. This makes it possible to achieve the degree of purification required in a particular case.

Trunk filter systems are unable to eliminate increased hardness. Therefore, to combat high salt concentrations, it is necessary to use additional devices. The cost of such systems varies depending on their throughput, volume and number of flasks. The approximate price range is 900-1200 rubles.

Do you turn off the water tap after washing?

Oh yes! No.

Deep cleaning

The operating principle is similar to the mainline options. However, filter elements for deep cleaning have very small cells and are not able to filter large volumes of water without the need to replace the cartridge.

Their purpose is to protect the machine from all types of mechanical contamination. No softening occurs. The installation location of the deep cleaning filter is before water enters the SMA. The average price is 200-400 rubles.

Magnetic

The installation location of the magnetic filter is on the supply hose of the washing machine. Such devices operate due to the intense influence of a magnetic field on water. As a result, the dissolved chemical elements change their properties and lose their ability to cause damage to the device.

Price - about 1500 rubles. Such devices are attractive due to their ease of installation, which does not require intervention in the installed communications.

magnetic filter

Principle of operation

The purpose of the device is to purify the fluid entering the SMA from harmful metals and salts. Sodium polyphosphate granules are the main element in this process.

How does a softener work:

Liquid from the water supply passes through the filter layer, where it interacts with salt crystals.
Molecules of hard salts (magnesium, calcium) are covered with a “film” of polyphosphate salts. This protects the equipment from the inevitable formation of plaque on its elements (heating element, tank).

The result of installing a cleaner for an automatic machine is noticeable immediately. The advantages of its use are evidenced by reviews from users who noted its reliability, namely:

improving the quality of washing with less washing powder consumption;
there is no need to clean the heating element or SMA valves;
the ability to dissolve existing plaque.

A salt softener is definitely a useful device that will prevent your equipment from becoming unusable ahead of time.

A brief overview of what a polyphosphate filter is can be found at the link

General principles of selection

Before purchasing a flow filter, it is advisable to analyze your tap water. Its purpose is to establish the level of hardness and degree of contamination.

If the hardness is at an acceptable value, but the water is heavily polluted, then the best option is a main filter. If you lack finances, you can get by with a deep cleaning device.

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If the water is very hard, it is recommended to install a magnetic or polyphosphate filter at the entrance to the machine.

How to clean the water inlet filter in a washing machine

Has your washing machine taken a long time to fill with water? The reason may be in the intake valve mesh filter. It is clogged and does not allow water to flow well. Additionally, the problem may be accompanied by a water filling error.

Note! A long intake of water can be associated not only with the valve inlet filter. There are other possible reasons. For example, low pressure in the water supply or a stop valve that is not fully open. For a complete list of possible problems, see the article “Why is the washing machine taking on water slowly.”

The clogged filter must be removed and cleaned. But first, let's determine its location.

How to choose

You need to select a device based on its purpose, labeling, and throughput. Depending on whether it will be used for autonomous or centralized water supply, for which electrical appliance it will be installed and how often it is used.

If the label indicates that the salt filter is intended for a washing machine, it can be installed on a heating boiler or boiler. It is not suitable for installation into a general water supply system. What to consider when purchasing:

on the material from which the thread is made - it is better if it is copper, brass;
capacity of the glass for filling - the larger, the higher the productivity;
filler consumption per 1 cubic meter of water - the less, the less often they are filled;
operating temperature – no less than +38-+45 degrees.

Take into account the manufacturer and model, whether it is possible to purchase the required backfill in the future, its cost, and also inquire about certificates and guarantees.

Consumer Reviews

I needed a transparent case! How will the filler behave in it? Yes, this is actually a consumable material and the properties of these salts are generally identical for everyone. I had a softener, but it was not transparent, it was not convenient - you couldn’t see the salt consumption. In my case, I had to buy an additional 3/4-inch nipple, since males were required on both sides. But this is a particular thing.

Softener Aquaphor StironPetr

I've been using it for a month. The quality of washing did not change, although I expected the towels to become soft when rinsed in softened water. The water in our house is very hard and chlorinated, but with a low amount of rust. I will also install a main filter for mechanical particles to protect the washing machine.

Softener Aquaphor StironeRoma

I installed it on the cold water main, change it every 1.5-2 months, remove the yellow filter, washing in the bathroom has become much more pleasant. For drinking water, it is better to take a complex of 3 parts, but for technical use, of course, it is better to use this option. Disadvantages: They write that it is leaking, I am fine with this, perhaps it was overtightened or there was too much pressure.

Main filter Geyser 1P transparent 1/2Alexey

I am not a plumber, perhaps my negative opinion about this filter is wrong. But, after installing the system, during the first leak test, the system leaked. The leak was precisely from under the fitting, it dripped slightly, but in any case the leak test was failed. After dismantling the filter and examining the leak site, I discovered all the disadvantages that I classified as shortcomings. I replaced the tow, applied Unipack, screwed it in and stripped the thread! Yes, my mistake, I overdid it with the tightening torque, but this would not have happened if the manufacturer had taken care of a reliable and durable connection of this filter to the main line.

Main filter Geyser 1P transparent 1/2 Dmitry

Polyphosphate mixture dosage and frequency of filling

When replacing polyphosphates yourself, you need to know how much filler needs to be poured into the flask and how long it lasts. The correct dosage guarantees the effective operation of salt filters without causing harm to health. Dose and frequency in grams per 1000 liters:

prevents corrosion;
neutralization of potassium and magnesium;
eliminating excess chlorine;
scale does not form;
elimination of deposits on heating and other electrical components.

According to the last point, 5 grams is the right amount to effectively combat crystalline compounds of magnesium and calcium salts. The frequency of filling with filler depends on the size of the flask, the frequency of use of the water supply or the equipment on which the salt filter is installed.

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.

Choosing a filter for a washing machine with poor water quality and for softening it