The level of washing machines is constantly rising, but they are still poorly protected from bad water. Most often, because of it, the heating element burns out, which provides heating before washing. Pollution and hardness salts cover its surface with scale, which leads to the failure of the heater. To prevent it from breaking, it is necessary to use an additional filter for the washing machine in case of bad water.
Laundry Water Filtration Tasks
In the machine, a conventional mesh is installed near the inlet hose, which traps coarse mechanical impurities, which is clearly not enough. Such a device is not intended for removing rust and small particles.
Additional filters can be installed:
- on the highway supplying water to the entire apartment;
- on the water supply pipe to the washing machine.
The water filter is used for the following purposes:
- cleaning from impurities that clog the mesh in the machine and block the supply of incoming water;
- removal of rust, sand and other abrasive particles that cause rapid wear of the drain pump;
- water softening to prevent the formation of scale on the heating elements, drum and other metal surfaces, as well as to improve the quality of washing things.
Types of cleaning systems
Household treatment systems differ in form, cleaning methods and type of installation. Before purchasing them, it is necessary to find out the main problems with water and select the appropriate filter material. In the event of the formation of sediment from mechanical impurities and rust, a main filter should be installed for the entire apartment. For hard water, a softener is needed before the washing machine.
Polyphosphate
Such modules are used only for technical needs (washing clothes, washing dishes), since a substance dissolves in water, making it impossible to drink it. Granules of sodium polyphosphate are placed in the flask. With the passage of water, they gradually dissolve and form complexes with hardness salts and rust, making them water-soluble. In addition, a film is formed on metal surfaces that prevents the deposition of scale.
With a sufficient amount of softeners in the washing powder, a polyphosphate filter is not needed, although with very hard water it will always be useful in terms of reducing the consumption of detergents.
The system is installed after the tap in front of the machine, and all incoming water passes through it. Maintenance consists of periodically adding reagent to the flask, which is easy to do yourself.
Ion-exchange, sorption and magnetic filters are also suitable for softening, the latter two being suitable for drinking water.
Trunk
Main filter used to filter all tap water in the apartment. It can be designed for coarse filtration (mesh), fine cleaning (cartridge), for water softening (magnetic). The device is installed after the water meter with a tap.
- The mesh filter traps large particles, thereby extending the life of many household appliances. Its service life is unlimited, only periodic washing of the grid is necessary. It is often used as a pre-filter before a fine purification system.
- The cartridge filter can have several stages of cleaning, replaceable cartridges are selected depending on the needs and water quality.
- Magnetic filter creates an electromagnetic field, facilitating the dissolution of chemicals and water softening. The advantage of the magnetic filter is that it does not need to be cut into existing communications.It is enough to fix it on top of the inlet hose.
The industry produces mesh filters, similar to the main ones, but with a small capacity and with smaller dimensions. Such a device can be placed directly in front of the machine. The ideal option would be to install a softening filter after it. The fine filter is not installed separately for the washing machine, since this is not necessary.
Choice of cleaning system
After a chemical analysis of tap water, you can choose one of the popular water purification filters for a washing machine from the list on the market today. The amount of solids and water hardness in a centralized supply system is usually known.
Geyser 1-P
Firm "Geyser" offers the main filter for purification of cold tap water. It separates large and small impurities. The device is equipped with a replaceable cartridge made of foamed polypropylene that can withstand pressure up to 30 atm. After the resource is exhausted, the element is replaced.
Aquaphor Styron
The use of a compact and easy-to-connect polyphosphate water filter for washing machines saves detergents, effectively reduces water hardness, and prevents corrosion and scale. Its use also allows you to remove previously accumulated lime deposits from the heater. One backfill costing 300 rubles. enough for 300 washes. Thanks to the transparent case, you can clearly see how much reagent is left. The device can also be installed on a dishwasher.
Manufacturers "Geyser" and "Atlantic" also produce polyphosphate filters that deserve attention.
Aquashield Pro
Electromagnetic filter NPI "Generation" works on the basis of power magnetic irradiation of water. The indisputable advantage of the device is the chemical-free water treatment. The device consists of a plastic case with a microcircuit and a microprocessor inside. On the case there are buttons with which you can change the frequency of electromagnetic waves within 50 kHz.
Two emitter wires depart from the body, which are wound on the pipe in opposite directions. The device itself is attached to it. Power is supplied from the mains 220 V. Power consumption is not more than 5 kW per month.
Electronic flocculating device "Aquaflow"
A device without reagents, but comparable in efficiency to chemical water treatment, works using high-frequency electrical impulses. An electric field is created across the pipeline, charging the suspended particles of contaminants to form large flakes, which are then filtered out in the fine cleaning system. In addition, the device inhibits certain types of microorganisms and bacteria.
Maximum efficiency is achieved if an additional fine filter is installed in the system, which is not included in the kit. The devices are used both by enterprises and by ordinary consumers who can afford to buy them.
Installation
Installing the filter in front of the washing machine is easy. All you need is a wrench of the appropriate size. The device is mounted in front of the inlet hose as follows.
- The water supply is shut off.
- The inlet hose is unscrewed from the water pipe with a 3/4″ thread.
- The filter is screwed to the pipe.
- An inlet hose is screwed onto the filter.
- The water supply is opened and the system is checked for leaks.
Conclusion
When installing a washing machine, keep in mind that bad tap water can quickly destroy it. In order for the machine to work for a long time, you need a suitable water filter that brings it to condition. For washing, it is advisable to install two filters: for cleaning from mechanical impurities and softening.In order not to spend extra money on the purchase and maintenance of water purification products, its sample must first be submitted for chemical analysis, on the basis of which the right choice should then be made.
