The ScaleBlaster water conditioner system is an electronic descaling device used to treat hard water in the home. The system does a good job of removing limescale deposits from your plumbing system and appliance tubing. ScaleBlaster thus helps to extend the life of your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater. But do you really need one?
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), hard water exists in 85 percent of the United States. The concentration of calcium carbonate, the hardening agent, may differ depending on where you live and the source of your water. Water from a well is typically harder than water from a municipal source.
But how exactly does ScaleBlaster work? Can it also be used to purify water? To learn more, read our ScaleBlaster water conditioner reviews below.
What Is the Process of ScaleBlaster?
ScaleBlaster is a small descaling device that must be installed on the incoming water pipeline of your home. The device generates a high-frequency oscillating electronic field, which interacts with the calcium carbonate molecules in the water.
These modulating frequency waves change the shape and size of the molecules as well as the ion charge. Limescale will no longer form inside the pipes or appliances in this manner. ScaleBlaster not only prevents limescale deposits, but it also aids in the removal of existing residues.
So, how effective are ScaleBlasters? Yes, and it works very well for the majority of people. Continue reading to find out what I discovered during my time with them.
Advantages of ScaleBlaster:
The main benefits of ScaleBlaster are its ease of installation and low maintenance. Following the instructions that come with the device, you should be able to install the device without the need for professional assistance. Other benefits include:
- ScaleBlaster has a long lifespan and requires little to no maintenance.
- Affordability: This system is less expensive than salt-based water softeners, both upfront and over time.
- Traditional water softeners use salt to soften the water. They add sodium ions as a result, increasing your sodium intake. ScaleBlaster and other water conditioners contain no sodium.
- ScaleBlaster not only prevents limescale deposits from forming on your plumbing system, but it also cleans existing deposits, increasing water flow.
- ScaleBlaster operates at a whisper-quiet level and will not disturb you.
- No wastewater: Unlike water softeners, which produce waste water, ScaleBlaster produces no wastewater and has an unlimited capacity for water treatment.
Disadvantages of ScaleBlaster:No home water softener is without flaws, and ScaleBlaster is no exception. Let's take a look at them in a nutshell:
- Minerals are not removed from water by ScaleBlaster. The device changes their chemical composition, but scaling may occur in areas where water has been sitting for more than 48 hours.
- It does not soften water as effectively as a water softener.
ScaleBlaster Water Softener vs. Water Conditionar:
As a homeowner, deciding between a ScaleBlaster and a water softener can be difficult. Which system should you get if they are supposed to do the same thing?
The primary distinction between an electronic water conditioner such as ScaleBlaster and a water softener is how they operate.
Salt is used in water softeners to replace calcium ions in water with sodium ions. Water softeners require routine maintenance due to their more complex mechanism. You must also change the salt on a regular basis, which can be costly. Furthermore, water softeners are not recommended for people who follow a low-salt diet.
Aside from maintenance, water softeners typically have a short lifespan – 5 to 10 years. After this period, the device must be replaced. Another disadvantage is the system's size. Water softeners take up a lot of room on the floor and are heavy to move.
Water softeners, on the other hand, do a better job of protecting your plumbing system and appliances by removing calcium from the water.
ScaleBlaster and other water conditioners use an electric field to change the charge, size, and shape of calcium ions. Calcium, on the other hand, remains in the water. Depending on the circumstances, this could be a good or bad thing.
According to a
Food Survey Research Group study, 42 percent of Americans do not meet the Institute of Medicine's average calcium requirements. As a result, ScaleBlaster may assist you in meeting your daily calcium requirements.
On the downside, scale may still accumulate in places where water sits for extended periods of time, such as your water heater. As a result, if you have a standard water heater and are concerned about limescale, a water softener may be your best bet. ScaleBlaster, on the other hand, is a better option if you have a tankless water heater.
ScaleBlaster Water Conditioner Reviews
The ScaleBlaster SB-75, SB-Elite, and SB-MAX Pro are three residential water conditioners. They are suitable for use with copper, PEX, PVC, and CPVC pipes. All three systems can also be used on galvanised pipes, but the area where the signal cable is wrapped must be non-magnetic (copper or PVC).
All three water conditioners function similarly, but some are only appropriate for smaller homes. To put it succinctly:
- The ScaleBlaster SB-75 is suitable for homes up to 4,000 square feet in size and has a calcium hardness level of up to 19 grains per gallon (GPG). It should only be used indoors or under cover.
- SB-Elite ScaleBlaster: (Check Current Price) It is suitable for homes up to 5,000 square feet in size and has a calcium hardness level of up to 35 GPG. Indoor and outdoor installations are both possible.
- ScaleBlaster SB-MAX Pro: This model is also suitable for homes up to 5,000 square feet, but it is more powerful than Elite. It can handle calcium hardness levels of up to 40 GPG. Indoor and outdoor installation is possible.
Why I Love ScaleBlaster Products
Straightforward to Install and Maintain
All ScaleBlaster models are elementary to install and come with comprehensive instructions. Once installed, they require little to no maintenance.
ScaleBlaster's compact size is one of its best features. When mounted on a wall, all three units take up very little space. If you choose the Elite or Max Pro model, you can install them in the basement, garage, or even outside.
ScaleBlaster devices, unlike water softeners, require no programming or maintenance – other than a regular checkup to ensure the device is connected to an outlet and working properly, especially if installed outdoors where wildlife may interfere.
Warranty & Support
All ScaleBlaster models are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. The SB-75 and SB-Elite are covered by a 3-year warranty, while the SB-MAX Pro is covered by a 10-year warranty. As a result, you can buy any of the three systems with complete confidence.
Another advantage over other water conditioners and softeners is the quick customer service. ScaleBlaster is made in the United States and is UL and cUL-listed.
ScaleBlaster is less expensive to buy and operate than most water softeners on the market. The system does not use salt, generates no wastewater, and consumes little energy. You will not only be able to save money up front, but you will also not have to worry about salt replacement costs or utility bills.
Keep in Mind
ScaleBlaster may not be as effective as a water softener in softening water. Limescale may still accumulate in the water heater tank. In addition, the water conditioner may fail to remove thick limescale deposits from your pipes.
FAQ’s of ScaleBlaster
Will ScaleBlaster remove buildup inside old pipes?
ScaleBlaster affects all water entering your main water pipeline, regardless of its composition. The device is capable of removing buildup inside old pipes. The thicker the scale deposit, however, the longer it will take to remove.
Do I Need A Plumber To Hookup the ScaleBlaster?
ScaleBlaster is very simple to install and does not require the services of a plumber. Locate the main water line leading to your home and install the power unit on a wall (near a wall outlet). Wrap the signal cable around the pipe, away from the elbows, and then connect the ScaleBlaster. That's all.
Can you use ScaleBlaster along with a water softener?
Yes. ScaleBlaster can be used in conjunction with a water softener or water purification system. Except for under-the-counter filtration systems, install the ScaleBlaster after any filtration or purification equipment.
How much energy does ScaleBlaster use?
Around 15 watts; roughly equivalent to a nightlight. You can expect to spend less than $10 per year to keep it running continuously, depending on the cost per kWh.
Will the ScaleBlaster get rid of the lime that has already clogged the pipeline and also the dishwater?
ScaleBlaster can help you remove limescale that has built up in your pipes, but it will not clear a clogged dishwasher. Install ScaleBlaster before hard water damages any of your appliances to avoid clogging your dishwasher in the first place.
What pipe materials does the ScaleBlaster work on?
ScaleBlaster is compatible with copper, PEX, PVC, and CPVC pipes. The system can be used on galvanised pipes as long as it is installed on pipe sections made of one of the materials listed.
Can ScaleBlaster be used with well water?
Yes. ScaleBlaster works with well and municipal water with hardness levels ranging from 19 gpg to 40 gpg, depending on the device model.
Conclusion:
If you're concerned about hard water but don't want to invest in and maintain a water softening system, ScaleBlaster is an excellent option. This water conditioner could be the best solution for most homes, with a "set it and forget it" setup, three or more years of warranty, and simple installation.
