Anti-limescale filter for washing machines and dishwashers: fitting and care
Many people get a shock when they see the heating element: white crusts everywhere. Limescale is the secret enemy of washing machines and dishwashers. A small filter right at the tap can help stop it getting that far.
How does the filter work?
The Smarald® anti-limescale filter is filled with polyphosphate crystals. Polyphosphate binds the hardness minerals in the water and so helps reduce limescale deposits on heating elements, the drum and water-carrying parts. The filter screws in between the tap and the inlet hose.
Does it fit my appliance?
The filter has 3/4" connections with female and male threads – the usual connection for washing machines and dishwashers. It is designed for cold water at 2–20 °C and a pressure of 2–6 bar. Allow a little space: it is 130 mm high and 70 mm in diameter.
Cold water only: if your appliance is connected to hot water, the temperature is outside the intended range.
Fitting without tools
- Close the tap.
- Unscrew the inlet hose from the tap.
- Screw the filter onto the tap with a washer.
- Connect the inlet hose to the filter with a washer.
- Open the tap and check all joints for leaks.
Tighten all joints hand-tight only, and check again the next day that everything is dry.
When does the filling need renewing?
The polyphosphate is used up over time. We recommend renewing the filling about every 6 months. Ask us about suitable refill material: kontakt@smarald.com.
The most common mistakes
- Connected to hot water. The filter is designed for 2–20 °C.
- Washer forgotten. Then it drips behind the machine – often unnoticed for a long time.
- Filling not renewed for years. An empty filter no longer protects.
Good to know: the filter replaces neither a water softening system nor descaling an appliance that is already scaled up. It helps reduce new deposits.
In short: screw the filter between tap and inlet hose, do not forget the washers, use it on cold water only, renew the filling about every 6 months.