Best Limescale Treatment System

[Tim R]

Hi

Having just had my CH powerwashed and the heat exchanger replaced at some cost, I’d be interested to hear which is the best/cost effective limescale prevention system out there at the moment.

I am looking for something that will tackle both CH and HW – also Cold Water if possible as have just opened WC cistern to find scale on the flushing mechanism.
Also do any of the systems help to erode existing scale build up?

System is sealed and boiler is: Potterton Promax Combi HE Plus

Reading through the posts on this, there seems to be some choices: eg.

Brands: Magnaclean, Salamander, Magnetic, Combiguard, Fernox, Hydropath
Systems: Electrolytic scale reducer, Salt softners, Polyphosphate, Siliphos balls(?), Wind round electric, Deionizer

Do any of these stand out and which would forum members recommend?

Many thanks

Tim

 

[villa_tom]

If your looking for something to stop the sludge entering your system again then I would use a SpiroTech MagnaBooster - I would not get a magnaclean as they are prone to leaks and the seals breaking and if this happens it can cause a right mess. Plus the Magnabooster is more robust and easier to service. As for limescale I would go for a HydroFlow - I have one and it has worked amazingly you just fit it to the cold feed where it enters into your property and it will protect all pipework from limescale plus boilers, taps, washing machines etc

 

[Rodreguez]

as above magnabooster for CH, as for limescale the best option is to soften the water with a salt water softener! Siliphos works but doesnt actually soften the water. the others are just reducers

 

[Tim R]

Thank you both for your replies - intersesting to note I'll need two separate systems to solve these issues..
I'll have a look at the Magnabooster and in the meantime I'd be interested in any additional comments on whether salt or electric systems are the best to prevent limeascale.

Tim

 

[Rodreguez]

check this out [DLMURL="http://www.calmagltd.com/do_you_need_a_softener_or_a_scale_inhibitor_"]Calmag | Do you need a softener or a Scale Inhibitor?[/DLMURL]

scale inhibitors or reducers (electric/magnetic) will only reduce scale, the only true way to stop scale is with a water softener but is more expensive and requires maintenance

 

[Tim R]

Rodreguez - many thanks, I'll have a look at the site.

 

[Tim R]

I'm not convinced with salt water softeners. I just don't like the idea of changing the chemical composition of the water I drink. I'm a fan of the Hydroflow HS38, the water itself isn't altered, it just won't stick to internal boiler parts and pipes. It wil eventually clear the existing limescale that is in the system at present.

AdamThompson - I understand that with salt water softeners, it is recommended that the kitchen cold water tap is left unsoftened. I didn't realise that the Hydroflow and similar systems also clear existing limescale - thoughts anyone?

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

water softenerss have now also been banned in the USA

It is indeed recommended to leave the kitchen tap unsoftened as this is for drinking and cooking with

Softened water is not recommend to be drank

 

[plumberdarren]

If the heating is sealed you shouldn't have a problem with limescale unless your having to repressurise regularly and replenish with fresh water, therefore I would just ensure once it was power flushed a good inhibitor was put in afterwards? With regards to the domestic hot and colds the juries out on that as everyone has different opinions on what's the most effective , I would say a water softener with separate drinking tap is a good option but an expensive one with ongoing costs. I have a second hand water king wk2 electronic if your interested? Lol

 

[Tim R]

Thanks to all for your replies - it appears the salt softener to all hot/cold water, except the kitchen cold water tap is the preferred answer. One last follow up on this: Which would be the best salt softener manufacturer? - I am interested in a model I can vary the degree of softness as I also do not want water that is too soft. Tim R

 

[plumberdarren]

Kinetic Avionic Products - Home Page these are very good softeners, a little bit more expensive but don't require electricity to run.

 

[plumberdarren]

Sorry meant Water Filters | Water Softener | Soft Water Services

 

[Tim R]

Sorry meant Water Filters | Water Softener | Soft Water Services

plumberdarren - many thanks - I'll have a look