Electronic Water Descalers
Water Descaler FAQ
Water Descaler FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Water Wizard, Water Magic, Water Heavy Duty, Water Heavy Duty +
How soon will I experience benefits?
The unit will immediately start the descaling process and inhibit further
build-up of hard limescale deposits. A build-up period of up to 20 years or more makes removing existing deposits difficult.
The water conditioner will slowly eliminate existing limescale as descaled water passes through the system. Still, this process can take months, especially if water consumption is low (it may have taken years for the scale deposits to build up).
Installing a water conditioning system sooner rather than later helps counteract existing damage.
Are there alternatives?
By taking no action, you will likely replace appliances earlier than you should. Appliances such as pipework, boilers, heating elements, radiators, showers, washing machines, kettles, etc., are all affected.
Failing to act also means using more environmentally damaging cleaning materials and fuel to drive the system.
Another option is to use a chemical-based softener, such as a water softener. However, such systems are more expensive to buy, install, and run.
Which water descaler is best for me?
The Water Wizard is perfect for a regular home. However, the Water Magic is suitable for larger houses. This depends on the water's degree of hardness.
The Water Heavy Duty is still more powerful for more severe applications. It has dual antennas to provide a 2-stage action. This is particularly so for hard water areas or larger installations.
Finally, the Heavy Duty + combines 2 Heavy Duty conditioners into 1 unit. This helps to condition two separate water feeds and would be the ideal choice for applications such as hotels.
See which water descaler system is best for you.
Is it suitable for Commercial or Industrial premises?
Heavy-duty versions are even more powerful for premises larger than an average house. In the case of the “Heavy Duty +,” it will protect two separate pipes (it is essentially two complete units in 1 unit).
Where do I install the device?
Fitting the conditioning system around the incoming water supply before it branches out. For example, next to a water meter, main stop taps, or where it enters the property. Make sure to wrap the antenna(s) around the pipe and mount the electronic unit nearby.
Can I install it myself?
The device is easy to fit and is a quick and straightforward D.I.Y job. There is no plumbing involved. The system fits around and next to the existing pipe(s). The supplied adapter plugs into a standard power outlet socket.
Does it require chemicals or other items to operate?
Operating the device will not require chemicals or other items like water softeners. After fitting and switching on, the device only requires electricity to produce the magnetic field neccessary for water conditioning. Unlike other water treatments, using the device is maintenance-free.
How do I know if it is working?
The electronic unit monitors the output current to ensure the descaler works correctly. For example, if there is a broken connection in a pipe antenna, the unit will indicate the fault on its LED display.
Is the treated water good to drink?
Yes. The conditioning only affects the structure of the limescale to prevent it from building up on surfaces. The device does not diminish the desirable minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium. The suspended calcium is good for you.
There are a variety of positive benefits attributed to softer water, which you may benefit from. An example is the reduced effects on skin and hair. Also, the water is suitable for watering plants as the pH is unaffected, unlike treatment using electronic water softeners.
Discover more about the effects of hard water on skin and hair.
What is water hardness, and what causes it?
Hard water is not ice or solid water. Instead, hard water is high in minerals. Water hardness is categorised by the presence of magnesium and calcium ions. The greater the number of ions, the harder the water.
Is tap water hard or soft?
Around 60% of the UK’s water supply is hard. Most of England’s water supply is hard. Cities and towns in the southeast and London areas have the highest hard water levels. As a result, tap water in these areas is hard.
Wales, and Scotland, alongside the north (Yorkshire) and south-west (Devon and Cornwall) of England all have soft water supplies. Tap water in these areas is soft.
What is the effect of hard water on water heaters?
When hard water is heated, mineral deposits form limescale that combines and stick to hard surfaces. In the case of water heaters, limescale will insulate the inside of your water heater. Over time, as the limescale builds, the efficiency of your heater is reduced and raising operating costs.
What are the problems caused by hard water at home?
There are many everyday problems that hard water can cause in your home. These include:
- - Dry skin and hair
- - Stubborn and lingering stains on surfaces
- - Increased cost of running appliances and heating systems
- - Decreased efficiency and lifespan of appliances
- - Clothes can appear faded after washing and wear out quicker
- - Limescale build-up around water outlets
- - Difficulty lathering soap and other detergents
Does boiling reduce the hardness of water?
No, hard water is not softened by hard water. Boiling water will only temporarily soften the water, making the minerals more soluble. As the temperature of the water drops, the water becomes hard once more.
How is hard water formed?
Hard water is formed as calcium and magnesium ions are dissolved into the water. As water percolates limestone rocks, the minerals are dissolved into the water as the rocks dissolve. The minerals are then present once that water enters our water supply from reservoirs.
How can I tell if the water is hard or soft?
You cannot tell hard water through sight. To test the hardness of water, consider adding a small amount of washing-up liquid to a clear bottle of water. Shake the bottle, and then unscrew the cap. If the soap bubbles over the bottle top, you likely have soft water.
What is the permissible limit of hard water for drinking?
In the UK, there is no set standard or guideline for the permissible limit of hard water for drinking. However, it is recommended you should not drink very hard water consisting of more than 200mg/l CaCO3 (calcium carbonate).
Water hardness can be split into categories of hardness:
- Soft – up to 50mg/l CaCO3
- Slightly hard – between 100-150 mg/l CaCO3
- Moderately hard – between 150-200 mg/l CaCO3
- Hard – between 200-300 mg/l CaCO3
- Very hard – more than 300 mg/l CaCO3
Why can hard water not form a lather with soap?
Hard water reacts badly with soap and struggles to form a lather due to the chemical composition of hard water. The mineral and calcium ions present in hard water react with the fatty acids in soap to form a scum precipitate. Only once precipitation of the ions is finished will a lather form.
Is drinking a lot of water high in minerals bad?
There is no risk of drinking mineral water. However, you should take care to not over-consume the recommended mineral levels. Consuming over the recommended daily intake of calcium and magnesium could cause stomach pain or diarrhoea.
The recommended calcium intake for adults between 19 and 64 is 700mg per day. The recommended magnesium intake for adults between 19 and 64 is 300mg per day for men and 270mg for women.
What does it get power from?
The system draws power from a standard power outlet. Check that you get the correct version for 230 (220/240) or 115 (110/120) volts AC (50/60Hz). Power consumption is very small, comparable with an alarm clock or video product on standby.
Can I extend the power lead?
Yes, we supply a 5.0m extension lead.
Can I extend the Aerial lead?
Yes, we supply a 5.0m extended lead.
How much does it cost to run?
Very little, the products have low power consumption. Wattage varies from 2.5W to 10W depending on your model (such as Water Wizard) and voltage.
The actual cost varies from country to country, but as an indication, the cost starts from £0.18 (or US$0.28) per month.
Is it safe?
Yes. It complies with the required safety standards. The water system needs no alteration, reducing the risk of water leaks. The water conditioner output signals are safe at low voltages. As with all electronic products, keep the device away from water. No, sodium or potassium is added to the water, either.
How many pipes or appliances will one unit protect?
The unit intends to protect the incoming water flow via a single pipe. For example, it can protect a whole house from limescale build-up. Instead, fitting to a branch where a particular part of your water system requires special attention.
In the case of the Water Heavy Duty +, there are outputs for two separate pipes, each being dual action.
What type of pipes will it work on?
Both regular copper, iron, and all types of plastic of any age are effective. We recommend using a heavy-duty version for smaller pipe diameters than unusual (about 25mm).
You can also use the device for lead piping systems. However, using a copper or plastic pipe length for the antenna section would be best.
We generally do not recommend installation on lead pipes. Lead piping can expose your water to direct contact with lead after descaling. It works equally in any orientation, horizontal or vertical.
Can it interact with any other equipment?
No, there are no drawbacks. It will work in any plumbing system without difficulties. Note that boiling the conditioned water can remove the effect.
Boiling water left inside a kettle may still result in limescale build-up. Replace hot water with fresh cold water (subject to manufacturer’s guidelines) if this is unacceptable.
How long will it last?
The device is purely electronic and has no moving parts or chemical processes. Therefore, there is nothing to wear out. It should last as long as any regular electronic product. You can forget about it as it requires no attention after switching on.
How long have you been successfully making water conditioners?
We have been manufacturing and supplying electronic water conditioners since 2001.