Maintenance – Water Ionizer Cleaning

08/06/2011 , by Admin No Comments News & Updates

The most important thing you can do to ensure long term optimal performance from your water ionizer is regular maintenance.  Most water ionizer companies now offer some sort of cleaning cartridge designed to remove any scale buildup that occurs in the unseen recesses of your water ionizer.  Other companies will have a recommended cleaning protocol that you perform manually using products available at local stores.

Here are the basics on cleaning methods for maintaining your water ionizer…

Cleaning Cartridges

These products are usually cartridges containing citric acid crystals.  They are designed to be run through your water ionizer for about 30 minutes.  Much like running vinegar through a coffee maker, the citric acid crystals in the cleaning cartridge dissolve in the water and flush scale buildup off the plates and inside surfaces of the hoses.

Water ionizer companies that do not have a cleaning cartridge available will usually have some sort of cleaning protocol available for a true “manual clean.”  Usually these manual cleaning procedures will take about an hour out of your weekend – you don’t have to sit with your water ionizer the entire time.  Set it up, walk away and check on it every few minutes.  Some protocols require repeating several times.

Regardless of your source water, it is a good idea to clean your water ionizer at least once a year.  If you are in a hard water area you should consider using a cleaning cartridge or cleaning protocol at least twice a year.

Different Types of Cleaning Cartridges

All cleaning cartridges are not the same.  Well, not exactly the same.  Some you can just install, turn the unit on and walk away – returning to check on the unit about every 15 minutes.  When the cleaning procedure is over, replace the cartridge with the regular filter and you’re done.

Other cleaning cartridges require you to start and top the unit, and move the hoses around.  The cleaning cartridge is put in place, water is allowed to flow through the unit for a few seconds, then the water flow is stopped, all external hoses/tubing are placed into a bowl or cup and the unit is left to soak.   After soaking you will flush the unit and replace the regular filter cartridge.  Depending on your source water you may need to repeat this process several times for an effective clean.

Professional Cleaning Service

Most water ionizer companies also offer a cleaning service.  This will run you $35 to $45 dollars for the service plus the cost of shipping the unit.  It is much easier to just run a cleaning cartridge – and you don’t have to live without your water ionizer for any length of time.

If you are in a hard water area you should focus on water ionizers that have cleaning cartridges available.  This is a simple maintenance procedure that can be done in about 30 minutes.  Taking the time to properly maintain your water ionizer by performing regular cleanings will protect your investment and save you the time, trouble and expense of shipping it back for repairs related to hard water issues.

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