Anti-scale filter for water heater (boiler) and boiler

Interruptions in hot water and preventive shutdowns have led many to install water heaters in their apartments. It turned out that heating water is cheaper than using the services of public utilities. Despite this, there are also disadvantages - equipment is prone to breakdowns, which often occur due to poor quality water. Will a boiler filter help? Do I need to install it? You will find the answer in our article.

Why is it necessary to install filters?

Water contains substances such as salt, magnesium, calcium. It is because of these compounds that it becomes rigid, and plaque forms on the walls of the devices. In order to purify water from all kinds of contaminants, bacteria and viruses, filters are installed.

By installing a water purification filter, you will significantly increase the life of your water heating device.

Polyphosphate water filter

Also, one of the “enemies” of water heating devices is scale. It appears due to the fact that hard water heats up. At the initial stage of appearance, this deposit resembles a light limescale deposit; it interferes with the conduction of heat, as a result of which it takes longer to heat the liquid in the boiler.

If you do not clean at the initial stage of contamination, the layer of plaque will become thicker, and the water will heat up for an even longer time. Often at the very first stage, water with pieces of scale is released from the water heater. If you notice such formations, the device needs to be cleaned urgently.

Anti-scale filter in a kettle - which one is better?

The most common question asked at home appliance service centers is: if scale forms in the kettle, what kind of filter is needed? In everyday life, flow-type filters mounted under the sink are used for these purposes. Among them may be:

• sorption,
• reverse osmosis.

The first type involves the use of several cartridges, after which the characteristics of the liquid improve. Depending on the type of cartridge, sorption systems help:

• reduce rigidity;
• eliminate mechanical impurities;
• purify water from bacterial contaminants.

First of all, the water is purified from fine impurities, and then the sorption of metal ions and other impurities is carried out using carbon filters and ion exchange resins.

Some models install systems for treating water with silver and ultraviolet light for the purpose of disinfection.

Attention! With a high degree of water hardness, filters using ion exchange resins quickly become clogged and require frequent checking and restoration.

Reverse osmosis systems will eliminate:

• mechanical impurities;
• heavy metals;
• chlorine;
• salt impurities;
• bacteria.

They consist of several interconnected cleaning systems, each of which works to eliminate a specific type of contaminant. The output water is so pure that it is advisable to use an additional mineralization system.

Review

There are the most popular models on the market for filters against hardness salts.

Aquaphor

Aquaphor filters are positioned as devices that can soften water of any hardness. Among them are

several models:

1. Osmo crystal. The system purifies up to 375 liters of water per day. It is equipped with a tank with a capacity of up to 10 liters and operates at a water pressure of 3 atmospheres. The device is available in several configurations. All of them have replaceable modules for step-by-step water purification. At the exit, the liquid is cleared of heavy metal ions by 95%. Dimensions of the device: 34.2x37.7x9.2 cm.
2. Osmo. This filter is equipped with a replaceable filter for purifying drinking water, as well as a membrane that can eliminate viruses and bacteria. According to the stated characteristics, Osmo removes calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese by 100%. As additional equipment there is a tank with a capacity of up to 10 liters. Device dimensions: 39x42x19 cm.
3. Morion M. The peculiarity of the system is the ability to work at minimum water pressure without using a pump, and its compactness. The device is equipped with a 5-liter tank. Dimensions allow you to use Osmo-M in the kitchen under the sink, in the bathroom and any other room. Device dimensions: 37.1x42x19 cm.

Types of filters

To protect all equipment in the house, most users purchase coarse and fine filters. They do not allow mechanical contaminants to affect the walls of the device, but they are unable to deal with hardness salts, so it is recommended to install magnetic softeners. They are connected to the supply pipe to the boiler; installing the filters is not difficult thanks to the connecting nut; they can be installed in the pipeline, in which case the filtration process will be even more effective.

Let's take a closer look at the types of water filters for boilers:

• Deep cleaning. Capable of removing particles of sand, rust and various small debris, they are mounted at the starting point of the water supply, before the water meter. Such a device must be washed quarterly.
• Fine cleaning. Their main purpose is to purify water from salts, chlorine and other similar substances. There are single-functional filters (remove harmful impurities from water), and multifunctional ones (in such devices ion exchange is carried out, all compounds precipitate). For fine cleaning, a fabric filter is often used (it is equipped with a fabric winding; if it darkens, then the cartridge needs to be changed) or a mineral one (it contains mineral chips, which, when darkened, give a signal at the moment when the cartridge needs to be replaced)
• Biological treatment. This device is one of the variations of fine filters; experts recommend installing it when supplying water from a well to the water heater. With such a filter, the cleaning process is carried out in several steps: first, chlorine is removed, then iron salts and heavy metals, as well as viruses, bacteria and unpleasant odors.

The presence of scale increases the possibility of the heating element burning out; it also causes the water to acquire an unpleasant odor and taste.

Functions of anti-scale filters for water heaters:

1. Clean the pipes.
2. Ensure good operation of shut-off valves.
3. Protect equipment from plaque formation.

Another famous version of anti-scale filters is using polyphosphates. Such devices are very effective, since the polyphosphate salt, in the process of passing water through itself, saturates it with sodium polyphosphate, as a result, a film is formed, due to which scale does not settle. Such devices are distinguished by their low price and wide range. However, you will have to constantly replenish the reserves of polyphosphate salt, moreover, such filters are short-lived, with an average service life of 6 months.

One of the newest and most effective devices for descaling is a filter with ion exchange resins. Inside it is a safe resin, which completely decomposes when released into the environment.

Water filter with ion exchange resin

If your water heater has been operating without a filter for a long period of time, then before installing it, the device must be washed using special products that produce non-abrasive liquids that do not damage any parts or structural elements.

You can learn how to clean a water heater yourself from this article.

Magnetic filter

The main function of a magnetic filter is to clean the liquid passing through it by changing the structure of water salts. In addition, the advantages of this device are as follows:

1. The filter prevents the appearance of scale.
2. Helps remove old scale.
3. The service life is almost unlimited.
4. Compatible with various piping systems.
5. Characterized by small size.
6. Saves the owner money on boiler maintenance.

Like all devices, the magnetic filter has its drawbacks. They consist of the following points.

1. Quite a high price.
2. The efficiency of operation directly depends on the speed of the water flow and its temperature.
3. The power can sometimes be too low.

The problem of low power of a standard magnetic filter can be solved by purchasing an electromagnetic device. But remember that such a device will cost much more and, moreover, will require large investments during use.

How to care for a boiler filter

Buying a filter is only half the battle. It is very important to install the device correctly and provide it with proper care.

Despite the fact that only 3 grams of powder is used per 1000 liters of water, it still needs to be added periodically. Otherwise, the device will cease to perform its functions over time.

In order for the filter to last for a long time, it should be regularly maintained using special products.

The fact that the polyphosphate in the flask needs to be replaced will be indicated by the fact that its amount has decreased by half. You should also think about replacing the substance if it does not decrease during prolonged use of the device. On average, one filling lasts for six months.

The filter is installed in front of the boiler or boiler. An outlet for a device with a tap must be installed in the pipe leading to it. After this, the filter is installed directly and the water heating equipment is connected. Another installation method involves installing the equipment directly into the hose through which water will flow into the boiler.

Before installation, the filter is washed so that small crystals do not clog the filters of the water heating device. You can use regular tap water to clean the filter.

Manufacturers

As you can see, a water filter can extend the service life of a water heater. Don't neglect installing it!

Cleaning the water heater

Citric acid, which does such a great job of removing scale in an electric kettle, would probably do the job here too. But putting it into a boiler or tank is much more difficult than pouring it into a kettle. And cleaning a water heater that has worked for some time without a filter or while replacing the filter is sometimes simply necessary.

Dismantling, disassembling and washing by hand means spending a lot of time and effort. But there is another way out. In specialized stores you can find a cleaning system that is easily connected to the heat exchanger. They are designed in such a way that after connecting, all that remains is to heat the reagent contained inside, which the water heater itself will do, turn on the circulation and then drain the water.

After this, you can safely install the filter and enjoy clean water at any time of the year, regardless of the preventive and emergency work of utility workers. The main thing is not to forget to periodically look at the condition of your water purifying assistant and give him preventive maintenance on time. This, in turn, will ensure long and uninterrupted operation of your boiler.

In apartments with intermittent water supply, and in private houses, boilers are installed to organize the supply of hot water. The device is becoming increasingly popular. For correct and uninterrupted operation, an anti-scale filter is installed for the boiler and boilers. The installation of the device is carried out before connecting the water heater in order to minimize the likelihood of breakdown due to unclean liquid.

What does our company offer

offers high-quality cleaning of geysers in Moscow and the Moscow region. We will remove any type of filter blockage and flush the heat exchanger from scale and soot. We will clean the main burner and ignition group, and all this is part of the annual maintenance. You can also buy spare parts and a new speaker from us. Call. Company operators will tell you in detail about working conditions.

Installation and Maintenance

The process of installing a polyphosphate filter is simple and does not require much effort or time.

Procedure:

1. Remove the appliance inlet hose.
2. Connect the filter device to the water supply pipe using the hole (located in the cover).
3. Connect the inlet hose to another threaded opening.
4. During the first start-up, you should check for leaks through the connected parts.

Finally, you need to note the installation date, or better yet, write it down on the case so that you can replace the filler in time. The potential of the cartridge is determined by its volume and water hardness.

Typically, the timing of replacement of the filler is indicated in the product data sheet. As a rule, the average is 6 months.

Types of filters and operating principle

There are three groups based on the type of cleaning:

• Deep. They are mounted up to the water meter and trap small debris: dirt, sand, pieces of rust. The part needs to be cleaned periodically.
• Thin . Purify water from harmful impurities. Can be woven or mineral. When the substance darkens, the user understands that it is time to replace the cartridge.
• Biological . These devices are multi-stage. Perform several functions simultaneously: cleanses from dirt, salts, chlorine, viruses and bacteria.