Choosing a water filter for a washing machine

Why is a filter placed in front of an automatic machine? Tap water contains impurities that are harmful to household appliances. Therefore, pre-cleaning will not hurt in most cases.

How to choose a water filter for a washing machine? Where is the device installed? Why is it so important to pre-clean the liquid entering the washing machine? Let's look into the nuances.

Is it necessary to purify water with a filter at all?

It is generally accepted that tap water fully complies with quality standards, so there is no need to additionally filter it. Moreover, install a separate filter in front of the automatic washing machine. Actually this is not true. It is worth understanding that by the time the water reaches the consumer, it will have time to:

• walk several kilometers along rusty pipes;
• accumulate additional impurities.

The minerals contained in tap water are safe for humans, but can speed up the failure of the washing machine.

Calcium and magnesium, getting into the machine, settle on the internal parts. The resulting scale damages the heating element. Over time, the heating element burns out. Also, limescale deposits accumulate on other elements of the SMA, which disrupts the normal functioning of the device.

The rust that water collects can ruin white things. Other impurities remain on clothes after washing and then get on the skin. This may cause allergies or irritation.

To prevent this from happening, it is better to place a filter in front of the washing machine in the apartment. This will allow:

• significantly improve water quality;
• save on repairing your “home assistant” (for example, replacing a heating element, inlet valve or pipes);
• prevent some health problems in your household.

Despite the advantages, there are several disadvantages of the coarse filter. Firstly, there are extra expenses for purchasing the device and installing it. Secondly, the emergence of an additional risk of leaks due to errors made during installation of the element. Thirdly, the need to periodically change the cartridge and sealing gaskets, which also brings new costs.

The disadvantages mainly come down to additional costs. However, the expenses will be insignificant compared to the benefits of the filter. It's definitely worth spending money on improving your quality of life. To avoid mistakes in installation, just turn to professionals. Then leaks can be avoided.

For many, choosing a filter becomes a problem. Usually fairly clean water gets into apartments, but it is hard, mixed with metals and minerals. In this case, a standard softening device will be sufficient.

Which filter element should I buy?

Purchasing a filter element for installation in front of the washing machine is not difficult. The choice of devices is quite large. Everything will depend on the purchase budget and the requirements for the coarse filter. For example, should it soften water, or will it be enough for it to simply retain the impurities contained in the liquid?

A universal option is the Aquabright main filter. The device provides mechanical filtration, iron removal and water purification from rust. The cost of the element is about $5.

The filter is installed in the water main. Suitable for cold water purification only.Depending on the installed cartridge, it can perform different functions. The housing is equipped with an O-ring to prevent leakage. The gasket ensures a reliable connection between the flask and the device cover.

The safety margin of modern Aquabright main filters is more than 40 atmospheres.

The operating temperature of this device is from +2 to +35 degrees. Aquabright has one cleaning stage. Capacity volume – 1.3 liters. Capacity – 10 liters per minute, connection size 1/2. The kit includes a filter housing, an installation bracket, self-tapping screws and a key for replacing the cartridge.

You can also consider the Poseidon-1R main filter. This device provides only mechanical filtration of tap water, without softening. The cost of the element is about $9.

The household water purification device retains sand, rust, and scale. Filter connection size – 3/4. Designed for cold water only. The resource of the filter module is 20 thousand liters.

Another device for “rinsing” cold water from rust, silt, sand and other insoluble impurities is Geyser-1P. The element provides mechanical filtration, without softening. The cost of the filter is about $18.

The productivity of the device is 15 liters per minute. Connection size 1/2. The filter has one cleaning stage. The maximum inlet water temperature is 40 degrees, the minimum is 4°C.

A more expensive option is Aquaphor Gross 10. The device also provides preliminary purification of household and drinking water. The filter has several important advantages:

• five times safety margin;
• protection against water hammer;
• complete with metal fittings;
• fast and convenient connection;
• suitable for installation in hard-to-reach places;
• mechanical seal.

The operating temperature of the device is from +5°C to +38°C, productivity is 57 liters per minute. The Aquaphor prefilter can be supplemented with various modules of international standard 10. The cost of the element is about 3,500 rubles.

Another option is the THERMEX ION SL10 anti-scale filter. In addition to standard mechanical filtration (removing impurities), the device:

• provides ion exchange;
• prevents the formation of limescale inside household appliances.

The resource of the filter module is 180 thousand liters. The cartridge is included. THERMEX ION SL10 uses ion exchange resin as a softener. The cost of a main filter is about $21. Designed exclusively for cold water.

The productivity of the device is 33 liters per minute. Connection size 1/2. The service life declared by the manufacturer is 5 years, but this figure largely depends on the initial quality of tap water. Product warranty – 1 year.

Filter installation

Placing the filter element in front of the washing machine is quite simple. You can cope with the task yourself. If you are afraid that it will not work, contact the service center. The wizard will connect the filter in a few minutes.

To install the coarse filter in front of the SMA, you will need a regular wrench.

No special tools are required. The coarse filter is placed directly in front of the inlet hose. If the automatic machine is connected to communications, the algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• Turn off the power to the washing machine, turn off the water supply to the apartment;
• unhook the CMA inlet hose from the pipe to which it is connected;
• Place a filter element on the pipe branch;
• connect the inlet hose to the coarse filter.

Filters are standard. 3/4 thread fits pipes and inlet hoses of washing machines. There are also devices with a connection size of 1/2. It is important to ensure the reliability and tightness of the connection.

Poor quality tap water threatens not only households, but also the washing machine itself. Therefore, it is better not to skimp on a coarse filter. Moreover, the cost of the device is not that high.

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