Installing a filter for a washing machine

Hard water with a large number of different impurities is the worst enemy of automatic washing machines. It is this that causes the failure of heating elements and the formation of scale on the parts and surfaces of the unit. Dirty water containing sand and dirt particles reduces the service life of the drain pump and worsens the quality of the wash overall. The washing machine is protected by a special filter that purifies the water drawn into the system. We will tell you how to install a filter for a washing machine yourself below.

What filter element should I install?

It is often difficult to determine which cleaner to choose from all the variety offered. Let's figure out what the different options for filter elements are.

1. Main filters are not intended specifically for SMA, but for installation on water pipes at the entrance to the apartment. The principle of their operation is to completely purify the water when it enters the apartment. The element removes grains of sand and rust impurities, while maintaining the chemical composition of the water.
2. The coarse cleaning device for the washing machine should be mounted in front of the machine; it allows you to remove large objects from the water. It is necessary to frequently clean and rinse the element due to its rapid clogging.
3. A polyphosphate filter element is used to soften the incoming water. After purification with sodium polyphosphate, the liquid will be unfit for drinking, so the device can only be used for treating water for industrial purposes.
4. The magnetic filter is designed to soften the water. It is installed directly on the inlet hose.Manufacturers claim that the magnetic field has a beneficial effect on the liquid. However, this effect does not have any scientific validity, so the opinions of experts on such a filter vary greatly.

The range of filter elements offered for sale is quite wide, and it’s up to you to choose which filter to connect. The available variety allows you to find a cleansing device that is suitable for your case and will prolong the performance of the SMA.

Installation process

To connect a filter to an automatic machine, it is not necessary to have special knowledge and skills. The algorithm for installing the cleaning element will vary depending on the type of device:

• when installing a main filter, it is necessary to cut the water pipe immediately after the valve that shuts off the flow of water into the apartment and install the device in this area;
• to install a deep cleaning element, you should provide a separate outlet from the pipe with a tap, install a filter there and only then connect the washing machine;
• installation of the polyphosphate cleaning element is carried out by analogy with the previous option; before starting work, you should carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions;
• Installation of the filter magnet is very simple, there is no need to integrate it into the communication system, it is simply attached to the inlet hose of the washing machine.

To mount the filter device directly for the SMA, you will need a regular wrench. The cleaning element is installed in front of the water intake hose. When the automatic machine is already installed, to connect the filter, follow these steps:

• turn off the valve responsible for supplying water to the apartment;
• remove the inlet hose from the special branch from the water supply pipe to which it was attached;
• screw the filter element to the branch;
• Attach the water intake hose to the filter.

Most cleaning devices have standard threads to fit the pipes. Identical threads on the filling hoses of automatic machines. Therefore, no difficulties should arise during the installation procedure.

Let's choose a manufacturer

Of the assortment of filters that serve to protect washing machines from heavy impurities, plaque and dirt, two options deserve special attention. So, these are the models: Main Geyser 1P; Aquaphor Styron.

The first option is installed directly into the water pipe after the valve that shuts off the supply. It allows you to remove harmful impurities and will protect not just an automatic machine, but also other household appliances, such as a dishwasher, boiler, heating boilers, from plaque and corrosion.

The main element of the filter is a PP-series cartridge, made of polypropylene, foamed in a special way; it cannot be restored after contamination; a complete replacement of the cartridge will be required.

Second place goes to Aquaphor Styron. The special chemical composition of the purifier allows you to soften the water and improve its quality. The chemical is designed for three hundred washing cycles; after the specified amount, it is better to replace the filter. This filter element is applicable exclusively for industrial water.

Polyphosphate cleaners “Geyser” and “Atlantic” can also be noted. They have also proven themselves to be reliable and high-quality devices.

Which manufacturer should you prefer? Before selecting a cleaning element, you should analyze the water entering the apartment to understand what the main problems the liquid has. For example, if there is a large amount of dirt and other impurities that form sediment, you should think about installing a general main filter, which will improve the quality of water immediately when it enters the house. If installing such a device is not possible, be sure to connect the cleaner in front of the washer’s inlet hose.

Why do they use different filters?

The opinions of most experts agree on one thing: one filter device cannot 100% protect the SMA from contamination, and if you install two filters at once, the likelihood of protecting the unit will be much higher. Financial costs will not increase much, but there will certainly be a guarantee of a positive result.

The best solution would be to install one element to soften the incoming water and a second to retain debris, dirt particles, rust and sand impurities. Multi-stage protection will allow you to maintain long-term and trouble-free operation of the washing machine in normal mode.

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