The failure of the heating element (PETN) in the automatic machine is a common problem. The reason for this is often the scum that forms on it due to the excessive hardness of the water. How to prevent device breakdown? The polyphosphate filter for the washing machine will help to solve the problem. Its filtering element is polyphosphate salt crystals, which purify the incoming liquid from impurities.
How is salt softener
The design of the cleaning device is simple, as is the principle of its operation. The only possible difference between one instance 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 goes through the salt load and already cleaned it 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 if used correctly. It certainly will not cause harm to health, even if after washing its particles remain on the laundry.
Principle of operation
The task of the device is to clean the liquid entering the SMA from harmful metals and salts. Sodium polyphosphate granules are the main element in this process.
How the softener works:
- The liquid from the water supply passes through the filter layer, where it interacts with salt crystals.
- The molecules of hard salts (magnesium, calcium) are coated with a "film" of polyphosphate salts. This protects the equipment from the inevitable formation of plaque on its elements (ten, tank).
The result of installing a cleaner for the automatic machine is immediately noticeable. The advantages of its use are evidenced by user reviews 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, the SMA valves;
- ability to dissolve an existing plaque.
Salt softener is definitely a useful device that will prevent your equipment from becoming unusable ahead of time.
A brief overview of what a polyphosphate filter can be found at
How to install a water filter
There are no problems with the installation of the softener. The installation procedure is simple and quick. The appliance is installed in front of the washing machine itself with a separate outlet.
It cannot be connected to the general 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, becoming ineffective. Therefore, you need to connect the softener only to cold water supply.
How to connect the device:
- Shut off the water supply.
- In the pipe, make a tap with a tap to connect the CMA inlet hose.
- Install the device, attach the equipment itself.
- Restore water supply and check the system for leaks.
Before installation, the filter should be thoroughly washed with small salt crystals to prevent the SMA valves from clogging.
The purifier can also be installed directly in the hose, from where water will flow into the machine.
How to replace the 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 pellets in the flask became half as much;
- the amount of content has not changed over a long time of use.
The cartridge (cleaning mixture) is easy to replace on its own, without the help of a technician. It is enough to dismantle the device, pour out the remains of the mixture and fill the flask with a new portion of crystals.
Polyphosphate Filter Selection
There are no special problems with the selection of a softener for a washing machine. All models are of the same type, differ from each other only in performance (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 Geyser 1PF softener:
- productivity is up to 6 l / min;
- temperature regime of the liquid being cleaned - up to 40 ° C;
- backfill service life - 6 months (depends on the hardness of the outgoing water);
- 1 year warranty.
Reliable and inexpensive (about 300-400 rubles), the cleaner copes well with its functions. Users note that it significantly improves the quality of the wash, making the laundry softer. It is possible to visually track the amount of backfill remaining, since the flask is made of transparent plastic.
Of the minuses, we note a small warranty period, as well as an unreliable threaded connection. Therefore, install the cleaner carefully so that there are no leaks.
Aquaphor Stiron
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 Stiron:
- operating temperature - from 5 to 40 ° C;
- filling resource - up to 300 washings;
- Warranty - 12 months.
Inexpensive (about 300 rubles) and an economical tool in the fight against lime deposits. Significantly improves the quality of the wash (the output is softer, without yellow lime stains).
The Aquaphor Stiron 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
A reusable cleaner made in Poland protects the equipment from settling scale and stone deposits on it.
Main features of Aquafilter FHPRA-2:
- temperature operation - from 2 to 45 ° C;
- cartridge service life - 2-3 months;
- 1 year warranty.
This filter is easy to install and operate. It comes with a silicone gasket, protecting it from water leaks as much as possible. Manufacturers took 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 filling resource, so you will have to change the cartridge more often. If compared with the two previous models, then the Aquafilter FHPRA-2 in this regard loses to them. The price of this cleaner is from 500 rubles.
The 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.