Electronic Water Softeners

[Damian Glasfurd-Brown]

Hi folks

My traditional salt-eating water softener (protecting a family household supply) has broken. I am looking at about £500 to replace it.

I note that a number of suppliers offer electronic water softeners (sometimes referred to as descalers) which consist of coils of wire wrapped around your water mains inlet pipe, which are supplied a current by a small mains-attached box. The principle is that the crystalline structure of the "hard" components of the water is altered in such a way as to prevent it aggregating.

It is claimed that these are just as effective. They are certainly a great deal cheaper to buy and run, easier to install, and would seem to be a no-brainer decision. But it seems to good to be true.

Has anyone got direct experience of these devices, and advice to offer on whether they work as advertised?

Thanks in advance :-)

Damian

[Dave]

Damian Glasfurd-Brown wrote: [electronic water softeners]

If it seems it, it usually is. Google this group!

[Alan]

In message , Damian Glasfurd-Brown wrote

Has the price of snake oil fallen recently?

[Christian McArdle]

This question comes up about 3 times a day.

They're completely useless, except to provide obscene profits to those who peddle them.

Christian.

[hammy1967]

[Ian_m]

Why not get it repaired ? My Dads was 10years old when timer stopped, got fixed by local water softnener installer company for about £80.

[The Wanderer]

Err, in what way? Mine is about 20 years old, and I had it overhauled a couple of years ago. I've also had a new clock, a new set of washers in the valve chest, and a new resin cyclinder fitted.

Nooooo! Not again.......

[Andy Hall]

Mmmm.... they would be a decision for those of no brain.....

[John Anderton]

Where is he btw ? Has he changed name again ? I'd hate to think I'm missing his posts.

Cheers,

John

[Andy Hall]

He has a stand-in at present....

[DJC]

as time goes by...

[Doctor Drivel]

Strange. Mine actually works.

[Damian Glasfurd-Brown]

Thanks for the comments. And apologies for not researching this topic more fully by googling this group before posting. Here's the results of my few days' research.

1. Most people think these devices are ineffective and a scam
2. A few people argue that they are effective at preventing limescale formation (yes, even from experience)
3. There is a dearth of real-world testing to prove the point either way. Whatever they do achieve, though, they certainly do not soften the water.
4. Whilst it is quite possible to get an electronic unit with a full money-back guarantee, I would be concerned that any damage to my plumbing (by way of scale build-up) would not be covered, if I ever had to return one of them.
5. My conclusion FWIW: these devices (if you get the right one) *may* be some aid to the prevention of limescale build-up, but are definitely not a substitute for genuine water softeners. I will be replacing my old ion-exchange model with a similar unit.

Cheers D

[PeTe33]

Well acording to the bloke on QVC or wherever who was selling the "Scalewizard" he was extremely convincing about how it would remove virtually all limescale deposits within a month of fitting.

[Andy Hall]

Oh well.... it must be OK then.

[Alan]

31 days before you get results. QVC only offer a 30 day money back guarantee!

[Dave Plowman (News)]

He's an actor. And not to be trusted. ;-)

[PeTe33]

LOL. :¬)

[Doctor Drivel]

Mine did, an Aqua Dial.

[Doctor Drivel]

I think Scalewatcher is one year. Most are a year.