Which electrostatic anti-limescale device should you choose? 

Practical guide & comparison

Which electrostatic limescale inhibitor should I choose?

As an alternative to salt-based water softeners, the electrostatic limescale inhibitor helps to minimise the effects of limescale without the need for extensive maintenance, without using salt, and without chemically altering the water.

Comparing different technologies helps you choose the solution best suited to your home.

Hard water can cause a build-up of limescale throughout the home: limescale-covered taps, white deposits on shower walls, a clogged water heater, or household appliances that are less efficient.

To minimise these effects, several technologies are available: salt-based water softeners, magnetic limescale inhibitors, electronic limescale inhibitors and electrostatic limescale inhibitors.

What is an electrostatic limescale inhibitor?

An electrostatic limescale inhibitor is a device fitted to the main water pipe in the house. It generates an electrostatic field when water flows through the unit, thereby acting on the mineral ions responsible for limescale.

This technology alters the structure of limescale so that it is less likely to build up in domestic plumbing systems.

Treating and preventing limescale

Not all anti-limescale technologies work in the same way. Some are purely preventative, whilst others also have a curative effect.

A corrective action means that the system can:

• to tackle limescale that has already built up in the pipes
• help reduce existing deposits
• gradually remove the thin layers of limescale that form when water sits in the pipes

How it works

Electrostatic technology acts on the mineral ions present in the water to alter their behaviour. As a result, limescale crystals tend to remain in suspension rather than settling on surfaces.

Comparison of limescale prevention technologies

Electronic limescale inhibitor

Electronic limescale inhibitors perform just as well as electrostatic ones. It is therefore an effective system, whose only drawback is that it runs on electricity and is more susceptible to power surges. You should also be careful with the electronic components, as they do not fare well in damp conditions.

Salt-based water softener

Although this older technology has proven its worth, it remains expensive, bulky and requires a great deal of maintenance. Nor is it environmentally friendly, due to the salt water it discharges into the environment.

Contrary to what one might think, the water produced by this system tastes bad and is not good for your health.

It is even not recommended for people with high blood pressure, those on a salt-free diet, or those in poor health.

Please note that a TH level below 10°TH is not recommended by water safety authorities.

Magnetic limescale inhibitor: primarily a preventative solution

Magnetic systems use magnets to generate a magnetic field around the pipe. This technology is primarily used as a preventative measure to limit the formation of new deposits.

It is recommended that a filter be installed upstream of magnetic limescale inhibitors for one simple reason: over the course of many years, it is quite possible that iron oxides or metal filings may accumulate on the magnet.

Discover magnetic limescale removers

Electrostatic limescale inhibitor: reliable, maintenance-free treatment and prevention

Unlike purely magnetic systems, the electrostatic limescale inhibitor has both a preventive and a curative effect. It can therefore tackle existing deposits whilst limiting the formation of new ones.

When should you choose an electrostatic limescale inhibitor?

• if your water is very hard
• if you want to reduce limescale build-up in your pipes
• if you're looking for a salt-free option
• if you’re looking for a simpler alternative to a traditional water softener

Installation on the main water supply

In most cases, the device is fitted to the main water supply to protect the entire domestic plumbing system: bathroom, kitchen, water heater and household appliances.

Proven technology

Manufactured in Japan for over 20 years, it is already being used successfully by major brands and organisations such as Toyota, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, the University of Tokyo, Ashiya Municipal Hospital…

But many individuals in Japan and around the world already trust in the effectiveness of Suprion technology.

Other water treatment solutions

• electronic limescale inhibitor
• water filters
• limescale filter and water purifier kits

FAQ – Electrostatic limescale inhibitor