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The failure of the heating element (heating element) in an automatic machine is a common problem. The reason for this is often the scale that forms on it due to excessive water hardness. How to prevent damage to the device? A polyphosphate filter for a washing machine will help solve the problem. Its filter element is polyphosphate salt crystals, which purify the incoming liquid from impurities.
How does a salt softener work?
The design of the cleaning device is simple, as is the principle of its operation. The only possible difference between one copy and another is the volume of the flask (salt mixture).
The softener consists of the following elements:
- transparent plastic flask;
- cap;
- filter media in the form of food grade sodium polyphosphate granules;
- drain.
Water enters through the top opening of the flask. Then it passes through the salt load and, already cleaned, enters the washing machine.
A device of this type is used exclusively for domestic purposes; it is impossible to soften drinking water with it.
The filter medium is completely non-toxic provided it is used correctly. It will definitely not cause harm to health, even if particles remain on the linen after washing.
Principle of operation
The task of the device is to purify the liquid entering the SMA from harmful metals and salts. Sodium polyphosphate granules are the main element in this process.
How softener works:
- The liquid from the water supply passes through the filter layer, where it interacts with salt crystals.
- Molecules of hard salts (magnesium, calcium) are covered with a “film” of polyphosphate salts. This protects the equipment from the inevitable formation of plaque on its elements (heating element, tank).
The result of installing a cleaner for an automatic machine is immediately noticeable. The advantages of its use are evidenced by the reviews of users who noted its reliability, namely:
- improving the quality of washing with less consumption of washing powder;
- there is no need to clean the heating element, CMA valves;
- the ability to dissolve existing plaque.
A salt softener is a uniquely useful device that will prevent your equipment from becoming unusable ahead of time.
A brief overview of what a polyphosphate filter is can be viewed at the link
How to install a water filter
There are no problems with the installation of the softener. The installation procedure is simple and fast. The device is installed in front of the washing machine itself with a separate outlet.
It cannot be connected to a common mixer, as it is intended exclusively for the purification of process water.
The temperature of the liquid to be cleaned for the device is from 4 to 40 °C. At temperatures above 40 °C, sodium polyphosphate crystals are destroyed and become ineffective. Therefore, you need to connect the softener only to cold water supply.
How to connect the device correctly:
- Shut off the water supply.
- In the pipe, make a tap with a tap to connect the SMA inlet hose.
- Install the device, connect the equipment itself.
- Restore the water supply and check the system for leaks.
Before installation, the filter should be thoroughly rinsed from small salt crystals to protect the CMA valves from clogging.
The cleaner can also be installed directly into the hose, from where water will flow into the automatic machine.
How to replace backfill
Polyphosphate cleaners – reusable. The consumption of granules is very economical (about 3 grams of substance per 100 liters of liquid). The volume of the filled flask is enough for about six months.
Manufacturers also recommend replacing backfill when:
- the granules in the flask were halved;
- the amount of content has not changed over a long period of use.
The cartridge (cleaning mixture) is easy to replace on your own, without the help of a maintenance technician. It is enough to dismantle the device, pour out the rest of the mixture and fill the flask with a new portion of crystals.
Choosing a polyphosphate filter
There are no particular problems with the selection of a softener for a washing machine. All models are of the same type, differing from each other only in performance (the volume of the flask with the mixture). Below is an overview of the most purchased and effective (based on reviews) salt cleaners.
“Geyser” 1PF
Russian-made polyphosphate softener is designed to protect household appliances from scale and iron. It significantly reduces the consumption of washing powder and energy consumption.
The main characteristics of the softener “Geyser” 1PF:
- productivity is up to 6 l / min;
- temperature regime of the liquid to be purified — up to 40 °C;
- backfill service life – 6 months (depending on the hardness of the outgoing water);
- warranty – 1 year.
Reliable and inexpensive (about 300–400 rubles), the cleaner does its job well. Users note that it significantly improves the quality of washing, making the laundry softer. It is possible to visually monitor the amount of remaining filling, since the flask is made of transparent plastic.
Of the minuses, we note a short warranty period, as well as an unreliable threaded connection. Therefore, install the cleaner carefully so that there are no leaks.
“Aquaphor Styron”
The device prevents the formation of scale and corrosion on the heating elements of household appliances. It also effectively removes already formed limescale, prolonging the life of the devices.
Characteristics of “Aquaphor Styron”:
- operating temperature – from 5 to 40 ° C;
- backfill resource – up to 300 washes;
- warranty – 12 months.
Inexpensive (about 300 rubles) and economical tool in the fight against lime deposits. Significantly improves the quality of washing (the output of the laundry is softer, without yellow lime stains).
“Aquaphor Styron” is easy to install, but compared to the “Geyser” filter, it has large dimensions (in length). If there is not enough space for installation, this should be taken into account when choosing.
Aquafilter FHPRA-2
Polish-made reusable cleaner protects equipment from scale and stone deposits.
Main characteristics of Aquafilter FHPRA-2:
- operating temperature — from 2 to 45 °C;
- cartridge life – 2-3 months;
- warranty – 1 year.
This filter is easy to install and operate. Included with it is a silicone gasket, maximally protecting against water leaks. Manufacturers have taken care of the quality of the material from which it is made. This is a big plus, as buyers often complain about the flimsy plastic of polyphosphate filters. Of the minuses, we note a small backfill resource, so you will have to change the cartridge more often. When compared with the two previous models, the Aquafilter FHPRA-2 loses to them in this regard. The price of this cleaner is from 500 rubles.
A polyphosphate filter is a simple solution to serious problems with household appliances. The effect of its use is confirmed by many users. See for yourself.