The best way to protect yourself from scale is to prevent it from forming. And there is only one way to prevent this – by softening the water. All other methods involve fighting directly with scale, as a result of working with lime water. Softening means bringing the level of mineral salts back to normal.
Only in our article you will find the most complete and most objective analysis of currently existing systems and filters for cleaning and protection against scale, their advantages and critical disadvantages! Happy reading...
Iron type
When deciding which iron is best, pay attention to the steam function.
Steam
Devices that can steam vertically and horizontally are popular in the market, according to howbuysell. To operate, you need to pour water into the container and replenish it as needed.
With steam generator
Units equipped with a steam generator meet the parameters of professional devices. The quality of ironing will please the most demanding buyer.
The steam supply is uninterrupted, and the pressure regulation is automatic. The steam generator itself is located inside the device.
When buying a steam iron, keep in mind that their prices are above average.
With free-standing steam generator
The external difference from other devices is the presence of a base filled with water, which, accordingly, increases the size of the unit. The massiveness is compensated by the quality of ironing: easy, quick steaming, instant smoothing of all wrinkles.
The home assistant, notes haw-by-sell, is connected to the base by a hose through which water is supplied. The capabilities of the device allow you to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality operation for several hours.
Appearance and dimensions
All modern devices have the same shape, only the design differs. When assessing the appearance of the unit, base it on your taste preferences.
When choosing an irreplaceable assistant based on its dimensions, decide where and for what purposes you will use it.
Travel irons are small in weight and size. They are convenient to take on a trip or business trip. It is possible to use such models at home, but it is inconvenient: the low power will not allow you to cope with a mountain of laundry and heavily wrinkled, overdried items.
Steam models have a familiar appearance and weight and allow you to iron a large number of things. Such devices are suitable for all types of fabrics.
When choosing a steam generator, it is important to understand that this device takes up a lot of space. If you remove the board after ironing, you will have to find a place for the volumetric device. But the result of the work will outshine all the shortcomings.
Reliable scale protection
The gradual formation of scale on household appliances negatively affects their functionality. By settling on the heating element or walls, scale reduces the thermal conductivity of the metal, gradually reducing the quality of the equipment. As a result, this can lead to damage to household appliances.
Scale appears in electric kettles, irons, coffee makers, washing machines, water heaters, boilers and other household appliances that heat water during operation. The reason is that untreated water contains magnesium and calcium salts, which form harmful sediment. The Ecosoft Scalex anti-scale filter was developed specifically to protect large household appliances.
Handle and cord
Pay attention to the handle. The shape should be ergonomic and the surface rubberized, then use, according to Haubeysell, will be comfortable.
The optimal cord length is 2-2.5 meters. Such a wire will allow you to easily reach the opposite edge of the board and will not get under your feet.
Choose models that have a ball connection for the wire to the iron. They will prevent it from twisting.
How to open (close) a tap, valve
Sometimes home owners are faced with the problem of which way to open (close) a faucet or valve . People sometimes contact me by phone with such questions. But my explanations do not always immediately, and sometimes do not achieve the desired result at all. No offense, it is usually difficult to explain to the female gender. Conclusion: it is better to show it once in pictures than to explain the same thing many times without success.
And how to open or close it correctly.
. ball valve
A ball valve (ball valve) has in its design either a handle (handle) or a butterfly handle. The position of the handle axis determines whether the mechanism is closed or open. If the axis of the handle is parallel to the axis of the tap and the pipe on which it stands, then it is open (Photo 1). And if the axis of the handle is perpendicular (at an angle of 90 degrees) to the axis of the ball valve, then it is closed (Photo 2). And the protrusions on the body limit rotation to a certain angle for the convenience of maximum opening - “counterclockwise” or closing - “clockwise”.
People often forget in what position they have an angle ball valve installed on a water supply, for example, for a washing machine (Photos 5 and 6).
Sometimes it happens that the handle is broken or missing, and how do you understand what position the ball-type mechanism is in? By the groove(s) on the stem (Photo 7) you can recognize the position of the valve by analogy, as with the handles (Photo 8).
. valve
To open a cast iron or brass valve, you need to rotate the handwheel on the stem “counterclockwise”, and close it “clockwise” (Photo 9). Before closing, make sure that there is no rust on the rod, especially the steel one. Otherwise, you need to clean the rod and apply a little lubricant to it.
If the valve stem does not turn at all or with great difficulty, then you can loosen the packing nut a little and try again. And if there is no liquid in the pipeline, you can do this: remove the flywheel, completely unscrew the stuffing box nut, remove the bushing, then remove the old stuffing box and replace it with a new one. And assemble everything in reverse order (Photo 10).
. plug valve
Anyone else have plug valves on their old various piping systems or gas lines. A particularly pressing question is in what position should the plug valve be open or closed if there is no handle on it (Photo 11). So, usually at the top of the end of the rod (plug), even during manufacturing, a slot (notch) is made to visually determine the through hole in the plug (Fig. 1).
As in the case of ball valves, if the slot in the position across (perpendicular) to the plug valve is closed, the slot along (parallel) is open.
Power and energy consumption
All devices can be divided into three groups:
- Power up to 1000 W. This group includes small travel irons.
- Power 1000-2000 W. Heating rate is low. Ironing quality is average.
- Power more than 2000 W. They heat up quickly, handle all types of fabrics, and smooth out any wrinkles.
When answering the question of how to choose the right iron for your home, remember that the higher the power, the more electricity it consumes. Manufacturers, as far as howbuysellРу knows, equip new models with energy-saving equipment, which allows saving up to 20% of the electricity consumed by the iron.
Outsole material
When choosing, pay attention to the sole material. Manufacturers use:
- Stainless steel . Practical stainless steel material with a long service life. The main advantage is the low price.
- Aluminum . It has good heating capabilities, but a short service life. Over time, damage and burrs appear on the surface.
- Ceramics and metal ceramics . Provides perfect glide and smoothing. Ceramic iron has a significant drawback - fragility.
- Teflon, glass ceramics, titanium . They are characterized by high strength and service life.
Pay attention to the shape of the sole. The wide surface will reduce ironing time, and the narrow spout will cope with hard-to-reach places.
Temperature conditions
We figured out which sole is better to choose a unit with, but temperature conditions also play an important role. New generation units allow you to iron a variety of fabrics: from unpretentious cotton to delicate silk. The correctly selected mode will allow you to smooth the item without damaging it. For natural fabrics, choose 200-2300C. For Synthetics – within 1200C. For silk – 1300C.
Modern technologies allow you to iron all types of fabrics in one mode. Such home irons, notes Havbaysel, maintain a constant temperature of 1300C. The built-in cyclonic chamber generates powerful condensation and steam, ensuring the smoothing of the most wrinkled items and the integrity of delicate ones.
Functions
When deciding how to choose an iron for your home, pay attention to additional features.
Spray (spray function)
Water from the reservoir is sprayed through a small spray bottle on the surface of the unit, usually at the front. Designed to moisturize dry fabrics.
Continuous steam function
Hot steam is supplied at a constant frequency through holes on the sole. The volume is adjusted manually, using a lever or automatically, so the steamer, notes how-by-sel, will independently determine the amount of steam for the selected mode.
Steam boost
To iron wrinkled, hard, unruly fabrics, it is better to choose a device with a steam boost function. When you press a button, hot steam with a volume of up to 200 g/min is released from the holes in the sole.
Vertical steaming
It will allow you to better steam curtains without removing clothes from the curtain rod or clothes on the hanger. Convenient to use when you need to quickly put things in order.
Anti-drip system
When operating at low temperatures, water may leak out of the holes in the soleplate. The anti-drip system, reports howbuysellРу, eliminates this.
Automatic shutdown
When heated to a temperature corresponding to the selected mode, it automatically turns off.
When standing still for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the model, the device turns off automatically.
Anti-scale system
Every housewife is interested in how to extend the service life. Choose irons with an additional water purification system. Special rods or cassettes soften hard liquids. Depending on the model, they require regular replacement or cleaning.
Wireless connection
Cordless irons do not hinder movement, heat up well and are charged (heated) through a special stand. The disadvantage is the high price.
How to open (close) a tap, valve
Ball valves are the most effective shut-off devices for cold and hot water pipelines. They are simple in design, do not require special maintenance, and perform their function for a long time.
Ball Valves
But sometimes some difficulties arise. One of them is when the ball valve does not turn when trying to turn off the water. The solution to this problem is described in this article.
Why the ball valve does not turn and what to do in such a situation
Let's look at the problems one by one. Firstly, why is this happening. Secondly, what to do in such a situation. Thirdly, what to pay attention to in the future.
Why is this happening
A feature of the operation of a ball valve is that it must always be open or completely closed. It is not designed to regulate fluid flow.
Sectional view of ball valve
There are cases when the shutdown device is not fully open, or remains in the closed position for a long time. Then the entire ball or part of it has constant contact with water.
Over time, this leads to its damage due to the formation of salt deposits. Overlapping becomes impossible or difficult to achieve.
It often happens that the tap is left in the open position for a long time. Then the exit of the ball, when turning to the “closed” position, may encounter resistance from the same salt deposits.
They form on the inner surface of the product. This will also make it difficult to shut off the flow of water and lead to a situation where the ball valve does not turn.
Therefore, in order for it to work normally, it is necessary to periodically turn the handle - open/close. This will prevent the accumulation of harmful deposits. The surface of the ball will be cleaned and the disconnect device will perform its function normally.
Such actions must be performed at least once every three months. Do this even if there are no problems with the water supply.
The ball valve does not turn - what to do in such a situation
So, you try to turn off the water, but the handle does not rotate, or turns at a small angle. This does not stop the flow of fluid.
Correct position of the ball valve
What not to do
You should not use pliers or other improvised means to apply more force when gripping the handle. This almost always leads to the handle breaking off and the problem remaining unsolved.
What to do
In this situation, proceed as follows:
- Use a wrench to unscrew the nut securing the ball valve handle;
- remove the handle;
- Use a wrench to slightly loosen the oil seal clamping nut (for products where such a device is provided). At the same time, the fluoroplastic seal will weaken, and it will be possible to rotate the ball;
- Use an open-end or spanner wrench to grasp the spline of the valve stem. Start rotating it left and right several times at a small angle. At the same time, the ball, weakened by the seal, will begin to rotate little by little. With each movement of the key (without applying much force), the angle of rotation will become larger. As a result, the ball will rotate at an angle of 90°, which will ensure complete closure;
- After replacing the handle, make sure that it points to the “closed” position of the ball. If this is not the case, repeat the steps above until the result is achieved. The situation when the ball valve does not turn should disappear.
Major iron manufacturers
A large assortment of models makes buyers think about which iron to choose. A rating of popular manufacturing companies will help you choose the right unit.
Philips
A reliable company with a lot of positive reviews and an above-average rating. Distinctive features:
- the company produces both irons and steam generators;
- on average, devices have a power of 2000 W;
- simple models with a minimum of additional functions cost from 2000 rubles;
- units of the middle and high price categories have automatic shut-off, an anti-drip system and are cleaned at the touch of a button;
- the price of steam generators starts from 15,000 rubles.
Tefal
The manufacturer, according to Нowbuysell.ru, has earned the recognition of customers. Irons of this brand have many positive reviews and their own characteristics:
- There are irons and steam generators of this brand on the market;
- Economy class irons have a power of 1500 W and a price of 1500 rubles;
- steam generators cost from 13,000 rubles, and their power is 2500 W;
- Almost all models over 5,000 rubles are equipped with automatic shut-off, anti-scale protection and self-cleaning.
Bosch
German quality is highly appreciated by customers. Peculiarities:
- The company's production produces irons and steam generators;
- the power of the devices depends on the price category and is in the range of 1800-2500 W;
- steaming in a vertical position, automatic shutdown and a self-cleaning system are present in more expensive devices;
- prices start from 1,300 rubles for irons and from 15,000 for steam generators.
Braun
Units of this brand, according to HowByCellRu, have above average ratings. General characteristics of devices:
- The line includes both irons and steam generators;
- all devices with a power of more than 2000 W;
- mid- and high-price models are equipped with the latest technology: vertical steaming, automatic shut-off, self-cleaning and anti-drip system;
- A wide range of prices from 2,000 to 15,000 rubles will allow you to choose the right iron.
Scarlett
Budget and reliable brand. Distinctive features:
- produces only irons;
- specializes in economy class devices, prices from 700 rubles;
- despite the price, the models from this manufacturer are powerful: from 2000 W;
- the units are equipped with all modern functions: they turn off automatically, have an anti-drip system and the ability to self-clean.
Membrane
The purpose of the membrane is to allow H2O molecules to pass through while retaining other chemical compounds. The list of “cut off” elements and connections is huge. This includes removing salts that form scale. This method of post-purification is ideal for domestic purposes.
For the proper functioning of a system with a reverse osmosis membrane, it is important what the pressure is in the pipes. If this indicator is lower than the required norm, then an additional pump is installed to increase the pressure.
"Aquaphor Osmo 5"
One of the leaders in cleaning from a variety of contaminants is Aquaphor Osmo 50 (5). With it, you are not afraid of water hardness and any impurities contained in it, including bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Five stages of purification bring the water to perfection, it tastes like the best bottled brands. Advantages for consumers - simple installation instructions, storage tank, replacement of consumable parts no more often than once every six months.
"Barrier Profi Osmo 100"
The reverse osmosis method underlies the operation of the Profi Osmo system. Drinking water of ideal purity is the result of reverse osmosis filtration. If the consumer is interested in achieving bottled quality, then he installs such a membrane option. Several modifications allow you to supplement the main function with additional parameters:
- enrichment of water with useful minerals;
- pump to increase pressure.
"Geyser Prestige"
Models with reverse osmosis eliminate heavy contaminants and prevent scale formation. They are equipped with a pump to increase pressure, as well as a tap for selecting the quality of water - with mineralization or simply purified. The water storage tank that comes with models from this company is a good help for a large family.
