PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2024 36 Water& System Treatment


Who needs salt when there is a polyphosphate solution?


Limescale from hard water damages household appliances and can cripple central heating systems. Richard Braid at Cistermiser highlights the importance of addressing this issue to prevent costly damage.


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n many regions across the UK, particularly in the south and east, homeowners face big challenges posed by hard


water. This common water condition, characterised by high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium, as well as other elements such as iron, can signifi cantly impact both the effi ciency and longevity of household appliances and systems, including central heating systems. With around 70% of the UK population aff ected by hard water and as areas like Bath, Bristol, Guildford and Oxford continue to report some of the highest measures of water hardness, it’s crucial for residents to understand its eff ects and for installers to fi nd eff ective solutions that protect heating systems.


Everyday issues Hard water frequently leads to dry skin and hair, and can prevent soaps and shampoos from lathering properly. It can cause spotting on glasses and silverware, fading of clothes and even discolouration of baths and sinks. It can also lower the lifespan of appliances that use water such as kettles, shower


heads or washing machines. However, these issues only scratch the surface. The hidden build-up within a plumbing system can lead to various problems, including decreased water fl ow and blockages which places excessive strain on pipes and fi xtures.


Richard Braid MD at Cistermiser


It is important that the indicators of hard water serve as early warning for homeowners to take preventive measures before damage occurs to their heating system


Heating systems For central heating systems, the primary concern is the build-up of limescale. Limescale acts as an insulator on heating elements, reducing their eff ectiveness and requiring more energy to achieve desired temperatures, leading to increased energy costs. Over time, this build-up can obstruct water fl ow, diminishing heat output and causing uneven heating throughout the home. If left unchecked, these


deposits can solidify and cause blockages, leading to premature system breakdowns and costly repairs. In fact, every 1.6mm, or 1/16" of scale in a heating system causes a 12% loss in heating effi ciency. Energy waste is only part of the equation. Scaling can cause premature failure of the boiler heat exchanger. If left untreated, as limescale builds up it creates an insulating layer, inhibiting heat transfer to the water. When this occurs, this component will then need to be replaced and in some instances the scale of the damage can be so severe it leaves entire boilers beyond repair, leaving homeowners requiring a new boiler.


 The ugly eff ects of living in a hard water household


Early action It is important that the indicators of hard water serve as early warnings for homeowners to take preventive measures before substantial damage occurs to their heating systems. To combat the eff ects of hard water, people have traditionally turned to water softeners. These systems replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, eff ectively reducing limescale formation. However, as sodium is consumed in the process of softening the water, it is necessary to consistently add salt to the product to maintain its eff ectiveness.


Another way An alternative to conventional water softening devices is the use of solutions like Combimate, which uses a food-grade polyphosphate, Combiphos, to inhibit scale deposition. This solution does not use electricity or magnets and it requires minimal maintenance. It maintains a boiler’s effi ciency, prevents limescale build-up in appliances like kettles and shower heads and keeps energy costs down. As it doesn’t fi lter out any minerals, it retains all the health benefi ts of natural tap water. Combimate doesn’t only


help limescale prevention – it also reduces the eff ects of the less well-known soft water corrosion. This ‘pure’ water contains very few natural minerals and has a low pH, making it slightly acidic. This acidity can be aggressive toward metals, leading to corrosion. If not managed, this corrosion


 Use of


polyphosphate prevents scale build-up without the sodium


can cause pinholes in pipes, potentially resulting in leaks. One sign of this corrosion is when oxidation of the metal pipes causes the residue to turn tap water brown.


Easy does it Installing a Combimate unit could not be simpler and it typically requires very little space. It can be plumbed directly onto the cold water supply to the property, protecting the whole hot water system, or to an individual appliance. The unit off ers multiple confi guration options, with the inlet and outlet clearly marked, and the plumbing connections are achieved using compression fi ttings, typically to 15 or 22mm copper pipe.


Applications Combimate’s compact size and simple design mean that it can be installed quickly and effi ciently in a variety of applications, including residential homes, commercial buildings and industrial settings. It’s low maintenance too – the Combiphos takes just minutes to refi ll and there’s no need for cumbersome salt sacks or heavy lifting. Residents of hard water


areas in the UK need to be proactive in managing the impact of limescale on their central heating systems. By understanding the challenges posed by hard water and implementing eff ective treatment solutions, homeowners can ensure optimal system performance, prolong the lifespan of their heating components and enjoy signifi cant cost and energy savings. Providing customers with solutions to this common household problem will lead to happier clients who appreciate the added value you bring to your services. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/624/31


CUT TO THE CHASE


 The majority of households in the UK are located in hard water supply areas


 Typical water softeners must be topped up with sodium by the householder


 Combimate is an alternative to other water softeners and uses food-grade polyphosphate to inhibit scale instead of salt


 Cistermiser’s solution prevents limescale build-up without fi ltering out any of the healthy minerals


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