HydroFLOW Water Conditioner
So you have hard water, but want to be conscious about water conservation? If so, a softener is not right for you. They waste thousands of gallons of water a year in backflow! This just isn't ok when conserving water.
Instead, Cactus Rain offers the HydroFLOW Water Conditioner.
The HydroFLOW water conditioner provides a chemical-free solution for the harmful effects of of scale, corrosion, bacteria and algae in both residential and small commercial applications. In addition, the HydroFLOW increases filtration efficiency via flocculation.
Hydroflow operates on all types of pipes (iron, copper, stainless steel, Galva, PVC, PE, etc.).
The manufacturer's warranty is 3 years. The average duration of use observed before failure (MTBF) is 36 years.
No, no plumbing work is necessary. he device is attached to the pipe using collars, and plugs into a standard outlet with surge protector.
No, HydroFLOW technology is based on the use of an electric field acting on water.
No, the generated electric field induces a signal in the water that allows a reaction from an ion point of view only, no significant electrical current is measurable in the water.
Not really.
Limescale (aka scale, lime) forms when the calcium and magnesium ions in water crystallize on the surfaces of pipes and equipment. One of the coarsest ways to prevent scale formation is to simply remove these ions from the water. This is the principle of a softener. It replaces calcium ions with something else that does not cause limescale, usually sodium (i.e. table salt) or potassium. This is done by passing the water on a resin that contains some replacement ions, which will change place with the calcium ions in the water.
The resulting water containing sodium or potassium ions that replace the calcium and carbonate ions. By crossing the resin, the softener changes the chemical composition of the water. This is why Hydroflow technology is not compatible with a softener for the prevention of scale.
The minerals that cause limescale are always present in your water supply. Limescale, also known as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), is a hard, chalky white deposit that gets left behind on surfaces when hard water evaporates. However, this condition afflicts more than tap water—even soft water can form calcium carbonate deposits when highly concentrated.
Limescale deposits build up in facility plumbing systems, heat exchangers, evaporative coolers, boilers, and chillers and are difficult to remove. When allowed to build up, the chalky deposits reduce water flow, destroy equipment efficiency, and can cause equipment to consume more energy.
Limescale deposits happen as hard water contacts solid surfaces. Mineral scale deposits occur from heat transfer or pressure changes.
Hard water is water with high mineral content. It forms when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk, or gypsum, minerals comprised mainly of calcium and magnesium carbonates, soluble calcium bicarbonates, and sulfates.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that around 85% of the U.S. has moderate to very hard water. Humans can drink hard water, but it can damage plumbing systems and mechanical equipment.
Average water hardness for New Mexico = 205 PPM (yep, that's pretty high!)
The dissolved Co2 and HCO3 ions in water form a compound of calcium and magnesium carbonate ions. This chalky residue builds over time, leaving limescale stains and buildup behind. The more layers that build, the more it can damage equipment function, longevity, and appearance.
Water temperature matters too. Limescale loves hot water. The hotter the water, the quicker limescale builds up. However, chilled water can experience scale buildup as well.
Hard water is ok for people and animals*, but terrible for your pipes and appliances.
*Bacteria can thrive in limescale buildup, creating water quality issues that can present a health hazard to building occupants.
- Damage within water-cooled or heated equipment.
- It can make plumbing fixtures appear dirty, especially in restrooms where it builds up in toilets, sinks, and showerheads, giving bathrooms used by building occupants and the public a dingy and cloudy appearance.
- Buildup causes pumps and water heaters to use more energy.
- Reduces flow
- Leaks
Limescale builds layers in pipework, where the scale reduces water flow area and increases pipe wall friction.
One-quarter inch of limescale buildup on a heat exchange surface reduces heat transfer and can increase energy use by up to 40%. Limescale build can potentially shorten equipment lifespans and lead to unplanned shutdowns, costing a significant amount of money.
Also, limescale buildup can corrode steel and copper surfaces, leading to fluid leaks and equipment failure, which is costly and dangerous.
The HydroFLOW actually helps reduce sulphur smell, since the most common culprit is hydrogen sulfide gas produced by sulfur-reducing bacteria (common in wells), and the device can reduce or eliminate those bacteria in your hot water tank and pipes. I initially didn't know it was going to do this, so I was pleasantly surprised that putting in the HydroFLOW reduced the sulphur smell in my water a LOT. I'd say it was maybe 80% better in my house after the first month.
Another sure treatment for taste + odor is a carbon filter and Clairify disinfection system.
I would recommend starting with the HydroFLOW to see how much it improves after 1-3 months. You can decide then if you want to take further steps.
Hydroflow will both prevent new Calcium Carbonate scale from forming on the pipe, and also remove existing Calcium Carbonate scale. Hydroflow will also prevent Silicate based scale from forming on the pipe, but cannot remove existing scale.