Electronic water descalers are used by households and businesses as a solution to combating the problems associated with hard water supplies. Without altering the chemical composition of water, descalers work by changing the behaviour of minerals found in the water through electrical currents to prevent any buildup of calcium deposits. Installed onto a supply pipe, the water descaler creates an electromagnetic field to prevent the calcium and magnesium mineral content found in water building up by using a process called ion exchange. Water descalers do not remove the minerals in hard water, but simply alter the way they behave to prevent the minerals becoming adhesive to any surface. Find out more detailed information about the process of how water descalers work.
Do you need an Electronic Water Descaler?
A buildup of limescale in water systems, including pipes and water heaters, causes numerous problems. Not only does it lead to corrosion of iron & steel piping and plumbing fixtures, but hard water can also lead to:
- Higher heating costs, leading to greater inefficiency
- Higher appliance maintenance costs as appliances become more inefficient and parts need replacing due to scale buildup
- More frequent replacements for appliances as scale buildup greatly reduces the lifespan of appliances, adding greater cost to households and businesses
- Requiring additional cleaning products to remove scale buildup and treat calcium stains
Research carried out by the Carbon Trust discovered that even a small 1mm layer of scale buildup in heating systems can cause a 12% loss in efficiency. As a result, a boilers energy input increases by 7% to achieve the same heating result as a boiler without scale buildup. On average, energy costs could increase by an extra £200 due to the loss in efficiency caused by scale buildup.
Electronic water descalers can be a great solution for businesses and households in hard water areas to overcome the issues of hard water.
The issues with hard water
Hard water is extremely prevalent in the UK. It is estimated that around 60% of the UK’s water supply is classed as having hard or very hard water. Determined by the mineral content of the water, hard water is often known for causing a buildup of limescale. In particular, the South and East of England are subject to the hardest water due to the chalk and limestone most commonly found in the regions. Check the water hardness in your region of the UK.
While the problems of hard water is not found everywhere in the UK, it is a very prevalent issue in certain areas or regions. The area from where your water supply comes from will determine the extent of water hardness. Sources of water, such as rainfall, are naturally soft. But, as water percolates through rocks, minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron are dissolved into the water.
It is water with such a high mineral content that causes hard water. The greater the mineral content, the greater the extent of the water hardness. While the elements found in hard water are not harmful and can in fact be good for our health, calcium carbonate (or limescale as it more commonly known) that forms as a result of these elements can cause problems with your water systems.
When hard water is heated, the minerals found in hard water begin to attach onto the nearest hard surface and solidify, leading to a buildup of scale. Boiling water in a kettle is a prime example of showcasing a buildup of scale. The more hard water boiled in a kettle will lead to a much greater buildup of scale inside the appliance (providing it Is not treated regularly).
To prevent such issues occurring, households and businesses can use methods to overcome the problems of hard water. Water descalers are particularly advantageous for those in an area with a hard water supply and provide a wealth of benefits.
The benefits of installing a water descaler
Installing a water descaler into your water supply can provide a wealth of benefits:
- Prevents limescale deposits
- Extends the life of your appliances
- Reduces maintenance costs for appliances
- Prevents buildup around water outlets in kitchens and bathrooms
- Pipes are less likely to block, crack or leak
- Heating systems will continue to work efficiently
- People suffering from skin conditions, such as eczema, report improvements in their conditions
- Reduces water waste
- Does not add chemicals, such as sodium, to water supply
- Works without adding salts, chemicals or additives to the water
- Only requires electricity to operate
- Helps reduce water usage
- Lathering soap and shampoo is much easier
- Easy to install
- Very little maintenance
- Clothes feel softer and more comfortable
- No hard water stains are left on surfaces
- Does not use chemicals which are damaging to the environment
- Water descalers are more cost effective compared to water softeners
- Healthy minerals stay in the water
- Takes up very little room when fitted
While installing a water descaler to prevent limescale provides a wealth of benefits, an additional benefit is the ease of installation and price. Installation is simple and only requires locating the main water supply to attach the coils of wire. The descaler will need to be close to a wall to attach the unit away from any damp. A simple yet effective method to cut the problems caused by hard water that costs next to nothing to run and will provide lasting benefits.
