The standard of washing machines is constantly improving, but they are still poorly protected from bad water. Most often, it causes the heating element that provides heating before washing to burn out. Contaminants and hardness salts cover its surface with scale, which leads to failure of the heater. To prevent its breakdown, it is necessary to use an additional filter for the washing machine when the water is bad.
Tasks of filtering water for washing
The machine has a regular mesh installed near the inlet hose, which catches coarse mechanical impurities, which is clearly not enough. This device is not intended for removing rust and small particles.
Additional filters can be installed:
- on the main line that supplies 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;
- softening water to prevent the formation of scale on heating elements, drums and other metal surfaces, as well as to improve the quality of washing things.
Operation and Maintenance
There are no specialized operating rules, except for changing cartridges or fillers according to the instructions for the equipment.
The purifier is cleaned once a year or when the filler is replaced.
When replacing sorbents, wash the flask under running water. A new portion of filler should be poured into the flask, and not topped up.
And change cartridges in the quantity specified in the manufacturer's instructions. The mesh in the main filters is also washed with water.
If leaks are detected, the water supply in the water pipeline should be turned off, the cause of their occurrence should be identified and eliminated, for example, cracks in the flasks, wear of gaskets.
Polyphosphate
Such modules are used only for technical needs (washing clothes, washing dishes), since a substance dissolves in water, making it impossible to use for drinking. Sodium polyphosphate granules are placed in the flask. When water passes through, 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 scale deposition.
If there is 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 the reagent to the flask, which is easy to do yourself.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Replacing reverse osmosis filters
Ion exchange, sorption and magnetic filters are also suitable for softening, and the last two can be used for drinking water.
Purpose
Units of this type are used in two situations: if the hardness of the aqueous medium used for washing is increased, and also if it contains a large number of impurities, rust, sand, traces of metals, and so on.
We use such a characteristic as “hard” quite often, but we don’t think about its origin. This definition means that the presence of magnesium, calcium, salts, as well as other trace elements in elevated concentrations is recorded in the water. As a result of heating, the listed substances crystallize and form a precipitate, which we observe in the form of scale. It is important to consider that the lower the quality of the water environment used, the worse the performance of household appliances will be.
Water with impurities negatively affects the operation of the device, as it clogs important parts, thereby affecting the quality of the wash. This is why it is so important to take care of your technology from the very beginning.
Trunk
The main filter is used to filter all tap water in the apartment. It can be designed for coarse filtration (mesh), fine purification (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 mesh is necessary. Often used as a pre-filter before a fine cleaning system.
- A cartridge filter can have several stages of cleaning; replaceable cartridges are selected depending on the needs and quality of the water.
- The magnetic filter creates an electromagnetic field that facilitates the dissolution of chemicals and softening of water. The advantage of a magnetic filter is that it does not need to be embedded into existing communications. Simply attach it to the top of the inlet hose.
The industry produces mesh filters similar to main ones, but with a lower capacity and 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.
What happens if the filter is not cleaned?
You risk a whole range of problems - from relatively harmless to potentially very serious:
AMETHYST - 02 M up to 2 cubic meters/day.
Aeration unit AS-1054 VO-90
Main table dispenser AquaPro 919H/RO (hot and cold water)
- Bad smell. It is possible both from the machine and from “clean” linen. Accordingly, washed clothes may be dirty.
- Slow drain. As a result, the duration of the modes changes.
- Pump failure. This is a fairly expensive element of household appliances. A foreign object, especially a metal one, can damage the impeller. Will need replacement.
Selecting a cleaning system
After a chemical analysis of tap water, you can choose one of the popular water purification filters for your washing machine from the list available on the modern market. The amount of solids and water hardness in the centralized supply system are usually known.
Geyser 1-P
offers a main filter for purifying 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 easily connected polyphosphate water filter for washing machines ensures savings in detergents, effective reduction of water hardness, and prevention of corrosion and scale. Its use also allows you to remove previously accumulated lime deposits from the heater. One backfill costs 300 rubles. enough for 300 washes. Thanks to the transparent body, you can clearly see how much reagent is left. The device can also be installed on a dishwasher.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Why does hot water flow from a cold tap?
and Atlantic also produce polyphosphate filters that deserve attention.
Aquashield Pro
The electromagnetic filter of NPI "Generation" operates on the basis of force magnetic irradiation of water. The undeniable advantage of the device is reagent-free water treatment. The device consists of a plastic case with a chip and microprocessor inside. There are buttons on the body with which you can change the frequency of electromagnetic waves within 50 kHz.
Two emitter wires extend from the body, which are wound around the pipe in opposite directions. The device itself is attached to it. Power is supplied from a 220 V network. Power consumption is no more than 5 kW per month.
Electronic flocculating device "Aquaflow"
The device, without reagents, but comparable in efficiency to chemical water purification, works using high-frequency electrical pulses. An electric field is created across the pipeline, charging suspended particles of contaminants to form large flakes, which are then filtered in a fine cleaning system. In addition, the device suppresses 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 in enterprises and among ordinary consumers who can afford to buy them.
How and how to install water purification filters for a washing machine
Installing a water filter on a washing machine is not difficult and can be done without the help of specialists.
Main: installation is carried out after the tap that shuts off the water supply to the apartment. The pipe will have to be cut to install the device.
Coarse filter: make a separate outlet from the pipe with a tap, then install the filter, then connect the washing machine.
Polyphosphate: installation is similar to a coarse filter. Before starting installation, read the manufacturer's instructions.
Magnetic: does not require any interference in communications; it is attached to the hose with a screwdriver and bolts.
Washing machine filter for water softening - manufacturer rating
Among the manufacturers of filters for protecting washing machines on the market, two models are especially worth highlighting.
1. Geyser 1P. This is a main filter for removing impurities from cold water. Installed on the cold water pipeline at the entrance to the apartment. Protects not only washing machines, but also water heaters, dishwashers, heating boilers and other equipment from clogging, plaque and corrosion.
The device is equipped with a PP-series cartridge made of foamed polypropylene with a porosity of 5 microns. The cartridge cannot be restored; it must be replaced after contamination.
The housing can withstand up to 25-30 atmospheres, which is the best indicator among all modern filter elements.
Filters Geyser 1P and Aquaphor Stirone
2. Aquaphor Styron. This prefilter deservedly takes second place. It is used to protect equipment from scale, improves the effectiveness of detergents, and reduces the need for their quantity.
The filling inside the device is designed for 300 washing cycles. The special chemical composition ensures both water softening and corrosion prevention. Used only for process water.
3. Among polyphosphate devices, Atlantic products are also worth noting.
But before choosing products from one manufacturer or another, it is recommended to conduct a water analysis and understand what its main “problems” are. Based on this, a filter device is selected.
So, if there is rust, dirt and other precipitated impurities, it is best to install a main filter at the entrance to the house. If this is not possible, then it is imperative to use a filter element directly in front of the washing machine.
In most Russian regions, the water is very hard, which means that you cannot do without a softener, for example, a polyphosphate device. Those who believe in the miraculous properties of the magnetic option can try it.
Experts believe that it would be ideal to have two filters:
- to remove dirt, rust, litter and sand,
- to soften water.
Such protection will ensure long and uninterrupted operation of your expensive equipment, regardless of the quality of the water in the water supply or in the well, if the machine is used in a country house.
Based on a water analysis, employees of specialized stores selling filters can help with choosing a device.
Installation
Installing a 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 cut off.
- The inlet hose is unscrewed from the water supply 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.
Consumer Reviews
I needed a transparent case! How will the filler behave in it? Yes, this is actually a consumable material and the properties of these salts are generally identical for everyone. I had a softener, but it was not transparent, it was not convenient - you couldn’t see the salt consumption. In my case, I had to buy an additional 3/4-inch nipple, since males were required on both sides. But this is a particular thing.
Softener Aquaphor StironPetr
I've been using it for a month. The quality of washing did not change, although I expected the towels to become soft when rinsed in softened water. The water in our house is very hard and chlorinated, but with a low amount of rust. I will also install a main filter for mechanical particles to protect the washing machine.
Softener Aquaphor StironeRoma
I installed it on the cold water main, change it every 1.5-2 months, remove the yellow filter, washing in the bathroom has become much more pleasant. For drinking water, it is better to take a complex of 3 parts, but for technical use, of course, it is better to use this option. Disadvantages: They write that it is leaking, I am fine with this, perhaps it was overtightened or there was too much pressure.
Main filter Geyser 1P transparent 1/2Alexey
I am not a plumber, perhaps my negative opinion about this filter is wrong. But, after installing the system, during the first leak test, the system leaked. The leak was precisely from under the fitting, it dripped slightly, but in any case the leak test was failed. After dismantling the filter and examining the leak site, I discovered all the disadvantages that I classified as shortcomings. I replaced the tow, applied Unipack, screwed it in and stripped the thread! Yes, my mistake, I overdid it with the tightening torque, but this would not have happened if the manufacturer had taken care of a reliable and durable connection of this filter to the main line.
Main filter Geyser 1P transparent 1/2 Dmitry
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What to do if the filter is leaking
The cause of the leak must be eliminated. And there can be three of them:
- Incorrectly installed mechanism. It can be screwed in crookedly (not threaded) or not screwed in tightly enough.
- Defective, dried out gasket. The rubber seal can become damaged over time or due to careless handling.
- Damaged threads or broken walls of filtration equipment.
What to do when the filter does not unscrew
This indicates a fairly large layer of scale and means that you have not dismantled the drainage unit for a long time. You can try the following methods:
- Start the machine at 90 degrees with an empty drum or some unnecessary rag, placing citric acid in the powder compartment instead of detergent.
- “Push” the snail with pliers. But do not pull too hard on the handle so as not to twist the thread.
- If soft methods do not help, you will have to disassemble the unit from the inside and clean it from the pump side.
