Types of filters for a washing machine and do-it-yourself installation rules
The inside of the washing machine is constantly exposed to water. If the water has a high hardness and contains a lot of chlorine, then after each washing the condition of the parts of the device will deteriorate. In particular, the heating element, the drain system and the drum bearings suffer from hard water. To minimize the negative impact, all washing machines are equipped with filters.
Kinds
Currently, 5 types of filters are used. They differ from each other in their configuration, mode of operation and installation procedure. It is imperative to use a filtering device, because it:
- prevents foreign particles from entering the washing machine. Dirt can clog the internal filter, which will cause the compression to decrease and the unit to stop receiving water;
- cleans water from grains of sand, rust. They can harm the drain pump, cause it to fail;
- modifies the hardness of the water (some filtering devices).
Spine
Designed for both water cleaning and for use while washing. Installed on the water inlet pipe. The main water filter treats all the water flowing through the pipes.Thanks to him, you can clean the liquid from the smallest particles (grains of sand, pieces of rust). However, the chemical composition of the water does not change. In addition, the hardness of the water does not decrease.
The price range of main filters is quite wide. So, you can buy a device for 900 and 12,000 rubles. The cost depends on the operating parameters.The filter is installed after the meter and the tap, which regulates the flow of water in the house. Before installation, it is necessary to turn off the water supply to the house, cut off the pipeline. A cleaning device is installed on the cutting area.
Water treatment
Cleans water more effectively than a primary filter. All foreign particles are removed from the water. The device does not soften water, it costs from 200 to 400 rubles. It must be mounted on a pipe that has a hole connecting the filter to the washing machine. Not a bad option if you're on a tight budget.
polyphosphate
This device looks like a bottle. It uses sodium polyphosphate. According to its characteristics, this substance resembles salt. The filter device must be installed on the washing machine itself. It is impossible to install the filter on the water supply system, since the liquid passing through it is not drinkable. This is due to the dissolving of sodium polyphosphate in purified water.
The polyphosphate device reduces the hardness of the liquid. It costs from 300 to 700 rubles.
Magnetic
Attached to the top of the pipe through which the water flows. The device generates a special magnetic field that produces radiation, thanks to which the water is purified.
In addition, the hardness of the water decreases. The average price of a magnetic device is 1.5 thousand rubles.
Coarse cleaning
Used to remove large particles from water. Most washing machines are equipped with fixed coarse filters. They should be rinsed and cleaned regularly as they often get dirty.
Manufacturers rating
Among the filtering devices that are on the market today, it is possible to note several of the most demanded models.
Presentation of Geyser 1P
Main filtering device manufactured by the Geyser company. Designed to purify water entering the house, it is mounted on a cold water pipe near the entrance. Provides cleaning of rust, plaque, grit and other debris. Thus, clean water will flow not only into the washing machine, but also into the dishwasher and the boiler.
The working element is a polypropylene cartridge which cannot be cleaned. You have to change it from time to time. The cartridge body is pressure resistant up to 30 atmospheres. This is a convincing argument in favor of choosing this device for purchase.
Aquaphor and its Styron
Polyphosphate filtration device manufactured by Aquaphor. Water purified with its help should not be drunk. The device prevents the formation of rust, removes existing scale, softens the water. One portion of the load is enough for 300 washes.
Atlantic
Filters for washing machines produced by the French company Group Atlantic are polyphosphate devices. These devices are distinguished by their average cost and effective water purification.
Aquashield Pro
This is a magnetic filter device manufactured by NPI "Generation". The operation of the device is based on the effect of a magnetic field on water. Water treatment is carried out without any chemicals. The filter housing is made of plastic.The device is equipped with a microcircuit and a processor, as well as control keys. Thanks to them, it is possible to change the frequency of waves in the range of 50 kilohertz.
2 emitter wires are connected to the body. They should be wrapped around the pipe (direct the threads in different directions). The filter itself is installed on the pipe. It operates at a voltage of 220 volts, consumes 5 kilowatts of electricity per month (maximum).
Aquaflow
Water treatment is carried out with high frequency electrical pulses. An electric field is generated across the pipeline channel. It charges the foreign particles in the water. As a result, large particles are formed, which are then destroyed by fine cleaning technology. The device is able to purify water from certain microbes.
How to install it yourself
The filter installation algorithm depends on its type:
- Trunk. Installed after a faucet that shuts off the water throughout the house. For this, a hole is made in the pipe into which the device is inserted.
- Cleaning filter. Installed directly in front of the washing machine. In the pipeline, an outlet is made under the washing machine, then a filter device is mounted. A washing machine is connected to it.
- Polyphosphate. It is mounted in the same way as the cleaning filter. Its dimensions are quite small, so installation should not cause difficulties.
- Magnetic. To install it, it is not necessary to disassemble and redo the communications. The filter is attached to the hose of the washing machine with bolts and a screwdriver.
Tips & Tricks
Before buying a filter of a specific model, study the composition of the water.If there is a lot of rust, dirt and other precipitating impurities in it, install a main filter near the front door. In most regions of Russia, water has a high hardness, so it needs to be softened.
Polyphosphate devices are best for this task. You can also use magnetic devices.
It is advisable to buy 2 filters: one to clean the water of dirt particles, debris, rust, grains of sand and the other to reduce hardness. Thus, you can increase the operating time of household appliances used in the house.