SMA manufacturers are constantly improving their technologies, but they cannot create complete security for the devices they produce. One of the most common causes of breakdowns is the failure of the water heating element that heats the water to the specified temperature. This is facilitated by the poor quality of water used for washing. An installed polyphosphate filter for a washing machine helps soften the water entering the machine from the plumbing system.
Operating principle of the polyphosphate device
First, let's look at what elements it consists of. filter and how it works. The device has a simple design and includes:
- flask with lid;
- elements for draining water;
- filling component.
The device works as follows: water coming from the network penetrates through polyphosphate salt crystals, becoming saturated with them. This promotes the formation of a special film on the hard salt that is initially in the liquid. The film “envelops” them and prevents deposits from accumulating.
If the water is not softened, scale will quickly appear on the internal parts of the washing machine, and the heating element will fail. Due to scale, the control unit will no longer accurately control the amount of water taken.In addition, the water heating time will increase, which will entail additional costs for paying for electrical energy. A polyphosphate filter device will help avoid such problems and eliminate the need to clean the valves of the washing unit.
How to install a filter device
A polyphosphate filter that purifies tap water is used exclusively for technical liquids. The problem is that polyphosphate is considered toxic and poses some health risks. And the water entering through the filter device must have a temperature not exceeding forty degrees. Otherwise, the salts will be destroyed and lose their effectiveness. Because of this, connecting the filter to the mixer is not permitted.
The device is installed directly in front of washing machine water intake hose. When connecting the unit to the water supply network, install an additional tap to connect the water intake hose. The filter device is mounted between the water outlet point and the fill valve. There is another installation option - the filter is placed directly into the water intake pipe.
Validity period of one cartridge
Many consumers are concerned about one question - how often do they change the polyphosphate filter? Note that the consumption of polyphosphate filler is minimal - within three grams per thousand liters of liquid.
Manufacturers recommend a complete change of the filler in the flask in the case when its quantity has decreased by half, or when the contents of the filter have retained their original volume during prolonged use. As a rule, the average operational period of one polyphosphate device is about six months.
Rating of the best devices
As follows from customer reviews, preference should be given to the following products:
- Geyser 1 PF
– a device from a domestic manufacturer, designed to soften water entering boilers, washing And dishwashing units. With its help, the amount of limescale deposits is reduced, the service life of household appliances is increased, and the consumption of washing powder is reduced. The flask is transparent, which makes it easy to control the level of its contents; - Aquafon Styron
– filter from the Russian company “Aquaphor”. It has excellent recommendations for protecting household appliances from scale and can completely replace various anti-scale agents. Installed between the water supply point and the unit. It has standard connection dimensions; no additional adapters are required during installation. The volume of filler is enough for three hundred washing cycles; - Filter doser WFST, BEST-2
– produced in Poland, protects water heating elements from blockages and scale. Installation is recommended between the tap and the water intake hose. The flask holds one hundred grams of filler, which allows you to purify up to twenty thousand liters of incoming water; - ATMOR ATR
- product from Israel. It is simple and reliable, filled with high-quality polyphosphate sodium crystals.Users note the high-quality assembly and materials used for production.
Advantages and disadvantages of a polyphosphate filter device
The filter perfectly protects against the appearance of scale. The range of models is large, the price category is quite affordable. Installation work is carried out independently.
But there are still certain disadvantages. The operating life of the cartridge leaves much to be desired; the contents of the flask must be periodically replenished.
The resulting film from excessively hot water quickly breaks down.
When heated, the polyphosphate salt forms calcium and polyphosphate, which are very difficult to remove. The use of such a filter for water in contact with the skin is strictly prohibited - an increased number of tumors will cause irritation and even allergies.
Such a filter is also not used for wastewater - polyphosphate salts cause blooming of wastewater.
Conclusion
Whether there is any point in installing such a filter is up to you to decide. We can confidently say that with its help washing machine service life will increase significantly.
