Here’s an interesting trivia: Even just 0.8mm of limescale can already decrease heating efficiency by as much as 10 percent!
Limescale can be a massive problem in hard water areas. Left unattended, it can cause blockages, decrease heat efficiency (also increasing cost as a result), and might require equipment replacement in the long run.
Using HydroFLOW HS38 has been known to reduce problematic and hard encrusted limescale from the heating surfaces. In other words, less limescale can translate to greater efficiency and less cost.
First developed in the UK in 1992, HydroFLOW HS38 epitomises the pinnacle of domestic limescale protection. With its innovative and unique design, it is suitable for installation in homes with up to four bedrooms. It can also protect vented and unvented cylinders as well as combination boilers.
Primarily, the HS38 is the best way to combat hard limescale deposits on heating surfaces and elements and domestic pipelines. It can also protect appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. It is also ideal for limescale-stained bathtubs, sinks, and taps effortless to clean.
FAQs About Limescale and HydroFlow HS38
What is limescale?
Limescale primarily consists of calcium carbonate deposits. It is a mineral residue that often adheres to heating surfaces inside the pipework. It can be likened to a hard plaque or tartar-like layer.
In homes, limescale is often noticeable in sinks, bathtubs, taps, and shower heads. They can also be found inside domestic appliances like dishwashers and kettles.
Why does limescale occur?
Water that is pumped to homes contains minerals. The level of minerals can vary and will often depend on the following:
- Geological makeup of the areas surrounding it.
- How the water is sourced (surface water or groundwater).
- How water has been filtered for human consumption.
In areas with ‘hard water,’ water contains a higher amount of minerals when it reaches homes. When heated rapidly, for instance in domestic heating systems, the minerals in the water are not dissolved. As a result, it sticks to nearby surfaces like the plates of the heat exchanger element and the insides of the pipe.
Left unattended, layers of the mineral deposits can build up and cause ‘furring’ or scaling in the plumbing system.
Why is limescale a cause for concern?
When scale covers heating surfaces, their ability to transfer heat into the water is significantly reduced. As a result, the system’s efficiency is affected dramatically. This can have a knock-on effect on your home’s domestic energy bills.
In addition, the presence of limescale in the sinks, bathtubs, and the insides of kitchen appliances will require intensive cleaning on a routine basis. Regular removal of the hard scale deposits is not only tedious and time-consuming, it can also involve the use of unpleasant and hazardous chemicals.
How do I determine if I live in a ‘hard water’ area?
Hard water leaves residual scum marks on the bathtubs, sinks, and the inside of cups. It also takes longer to create suds when you add soap to hard water. Hard water will also leave a chalky aftertaste. Limescale is very common in homes that are based in hard water areas.
How will HS38 protect my home from limescale?
HydroFLOW HS38 is an electronic water conditioner. The equipment fits around the pipework and transmits electronic signal into the water that’s contained within. The signal will propagate around the entire pipe system and will cause limescale to form into loose clusters.
When water is heated, the limescale clusters will form crystals and will be washed away with the flow so they will no longer stick to the insides of the pipe works and other surfaces. Overtime, existing limescale will also erode and will be washed away by water.
HydroFLOW is easy to install and is environmentally-friendly. It does not involve the use of any chemicals. It won’t also require rearrangement or cutting of any pipework. In addition, the HS38 unit runs off the standard power supply. All HydroFLOW units come with a 3 metre long power cable and a standard plug.
How will HydroFLOW HS38 remove limescale from water?
Unlike water softeners, HydroFLOW won’t chemically alter the water. This means the minerals are still present. However, when heated, they will form as powder. Eventually, they will be washed away as the water flows.
However, if the flow rate is low, a small amount of the powder can still build up overtime. Fortunately, the powdery residue can be easily dealt with through cleaning or occasional drain down.
Protect the Heart of Your Home!
Experiencing loss of hot water volume and reduced efficiency? Want to extend the life of your dishwasher, boiler, washing machine, and immersion heater? We can help! We have over 18 years of experience in the industry and our engineers are highly trained and Gas Safe registered.