How to choose a filter for a washing machine?

Poor-quality water from the water supply system, in fact, throughout the entire territory of the Russian Federation, is the worst enemy of washing machines. The content in it of a large volume of magnesium and calcium salts, as well as other mechanical impurities (rust, sand) favors the clogging of internal elements and the formation of limescale on the main mechanisms of the automatic washing machine. In order to prevent wear and tear of the equipment coming before the due date, it is necessary to eliminate the problem in time. A rather sensible question arises: how to soften water and how to purify it? In this case the use of a specialized household filter for softening water in a washing machine will be an indispensable option for a cleaning device.

The designers have developed a specialized device that cleans water from inclusions and reduces the content of dissolved hardness salts in it. This is a water filter, which is a reasonable cost to use. The device, although it costs decent in some cases, is a significant benefit - it makes the service life of equipment used in everyday life with poor water longer. The main tasks for which this device is used are as follows.

1. Cleaning from inclusions. Accumulating in internal communications, they clog the hoses, reducing water flow.
2. Elimination of rust and sand. Abrasive mechanical particles, which is a mass in ordinary water from a city water supply, quickly render the drain pump of a washing machine unusable.
3. Softening from dissolved salts. This not only counteracts the appearance of scale on the thermoelectric heater (TEN), but also raises the quality of the very removal of contaminants in the machine.

In accordance with the purpose and design, such water filtering devices are classified according to the place of installation.

• Water supply system designed to supply water to the apartment. In this case, the entire watercourse entering the dwelling is subjected to purification, which excludes certain methods of purification (for example, chemical treatment with polyphosphates).

• Local treatment facilities installed on a hose connected to a washing machine. In such a filter, the water undergoes specialized preparation (including the participation of chemical compounds), which makes it unfit for drinking.

In accordance with the place of installation and the functions performed, the devices used for water purification are divided into these types.

The principle of operation of the magnetic filter is based on on the effect of the force field on the structure of water in the water supply system through which it flows. Simply put, the fixture dissolves the lime spar. Actually, it makes the water more hard and, in accordance with this, activates the formation of scale when the heating element is heated. Particles of lime spar in their natural state stick together, thereby forming chains, in this regard, a compound precipitate is formed on the parts of the machine.

The magnetic (force) field breaks these interconnections, thanks to which the water, which has been purified with such a filter, actually becomes softer. And the plaque that has already formed on the walls of the unit disintegrates. Its particles, once in the water, lose the ability to land on the surface again.

A polyphosphate (salt) filter is a flask with large, colorless, salt-like particles. This device acts directly on the biochemical structure of water. Water, as a result of purification with such a filter, turns into technical water. A full flask of this component is sufficient for 10,000 liters of liquid.

The principle of operation is based on the unhurried passage of water through sodium polyphosphate. While its active component reacts with the liquid, it binds carbonates (the base of hardness salts) and blocks their way to the thermoelectric heater and the rest of the washing machine.

Such filtering devices are connected to the cold water pipeline, since at temperatures above +50 C, the salt itself begins to disintegrate - in this case, there will not be the slightest result from this filter element. Occasionally it will be necessary to add polyphosphate to the flask of the filter device, because its constituents dissolve. Manufacturers advise replacing the replaceable filler when the content of the flask has decreased by 50%, or the contents of the reservoir have not changed over a long period of time.

The polyphosphate material itself can be produced in various forms. As a rule, these are translucent granules. Less popular is the powder version, which is made in the form of compressed white tablets. Experts advise to practice the first option for washing machines, since it dissolves more efficiently and more rapidly, spreading over a larger area. Sometimes sodium polyphosphate is hidden under the name "Graham's salt".

Devices of this type are installed on the water pipe serving the dwelling, in connection with this, all the water in the house is subject to purification. Such a device is as follows.

• Mesh (or prefilter, prefilter). Designed for coarse cleaning. It removes large impurities and rust from the water (this is especially true for structures where pipes have not been changed for a long time). The service life is not limited, provided that the mesh is regularly washed. It is not used very often by itself, as a rule - in combination with the following type of filtering device.

• Cartridge. Practiced for fine cleaning. The filter allows the use of various replaceable cartridges in accordance with the specific task and water quality. In combination with a mesh design, it guarantees a suitable level of water preparation for food and household needs.

A filter of this type carries out the same measures as the main one, in other words, it is a purifier. Basically, such a filter retains only large particles of any kind of debris (rust, sand, etc.). It is mounted directly in front of the washing machine. Some modifications of washing units have a permanent filter, which is included in the delivery set. Despite the low price and easy installation, the filter has a significant drawback - it clogs up very quickly. As a result, it needs to be cleaned frequently.

Upon completion of the chemical analysis of water in the water supply system, you can pick up one of the most popular water purification filters for the washing machine from the range available on the market today. Among the popular manufacturers of filtering devices for protecting washing units, 2 samples should be distinguished separately.

• "Geyser 1P" is a main filter for removing impurities from cold water. Installed on a cold water pipe at the entrance to the dwelling. Protects from blockages, rust and scale not only washing units, but also heating boilers, dishwashers, water heaters and other equipment. The device contains a PP-series cartridge made of thermoplastic propylene polymer with a porosity of 5 microns. The cartridge cannot be recovered, it is subject to rotation after contamination. The body is able to withstand up to 25-30 atmospheres, which is considered the best indicator among all modern filtering devices.

• "Aquaphor Stiron" is a prefilter, worthily occupying the second position. It is used to protect equipment from scale, enhances the effectiveness of detergents, and reduces the need for their amount. The filling inside the device is provided for 300 washes. The special chemical composition contributes to the softening of water and prevents the formation of rust. It is used exclusively for industrial water.

From polyphosphate devices, it is also necessary to highlight brand products. Geyser and Atlantic. However, before purchasing products from any manufacturer, it is advisable to analyze the water and find out what its key disadvantages are. As a result, a cleaning device is chosen.

So, in the presence of dirt, rust and other precipitated inclusions it is preferable to install a main-type filter at the entrance to the dwelling. When this is not feasible, it is imperative to use a filter device directly in front of the washing machine. In the bulk of the Russian regions, the water is quite hard, which means that one cannot do without a softener, in particular, without a polyphosphate device. Anyone who relies on the miraculous characteristics of a magnetic sample can install it.

Experts believe that installation of 2 filtering devices will be optimal:

• for protection from litter, sand, rust and dirt;
• for water softening.

Such protection guarantees long-term and uninterrupted operation of expensive equipment, regardless of the quality of water in the water supply system or in a well, when the machine is operated in a house outside the city.

As we already know, water filtering devices for a washing machine can be installed separately on a pipe suitable only for the washing machine. They have the opportunity to pay for the entire living space and process all the water that enters it from the water supply system. Before proceeding with the installation of the main filtering device, you should make sure that it is used in particular:

• for hot or cold water - it directly depends on which of the pipes the device will be mounted on;
• dimensions, because large-sized devices are usually located in separate technical rooms, while small-sized and lightweight filtering devices can be installed under the sink.

Then you need to prepare the installation tools:

• dry rags;
• sealing tape;
• electric screwdriver or screwdriver;
• electric drill.

The stages of installation of main filtering devices will be as follows. Before installing the main filter, it is necessary to stop the flow of water by shutting off the main valve. After that, it is required to relieve the pressure in the plumbing system. To do this, you will need to open any tap.

The fixation points of the filtering device should be marked directly above the section where the track joins.Using an electric drill, you need to drill holes and install the dowels that come with the filter. Using couplings, and, if necessary, elastic liner, the filter is cut into the water main. External valves must be thoroughly sealed with sealing tape.

During installation, you must watch the direction of the water flow. The input must be marked with an IN label. Then it is necessary to adjust the holes for the fastening material located in the upper part of the filter element, and screw the screws with a screwdriver or screwdriver. The filter must be fixed to the wall without fail; in case of a different development of events, it will exert significant pressure on the line.

Functional test of the filtering device: you need to put water into the system (open the valve). After that, all connections should be examined for leaks. Then you can open the water tap. It is required to drain the water within 5 minutes. At this time, the cartridges are flushed and air is removed from the water supply system.

It is mounted directly in front of the washing machine, from the opposite side, the filter is mounted to a pipe in which a hole has been drilled to connect it to the machine.

The salt filter is installed according to the same procedure as the deep cleaning filter device. The device is mounted directly on the inlet hose in front of the washing unit. Installing and changing the active filter preparation can be handled without the assistance of a professional.

Most magnetic filters contain 2 components. For this design, there is no need to carry out any actions regarding its partial or complete disassembly, in addition, additionally redo the water pipes. The magnetic filter is fixed to the top of the washing machine inlet hose with a screwdriver and screws.

For information on how to install a coarse filter in front of the washing machine, see the next video.