Inline scale inhibitor recommendation

[Lower]

We live in a reasonably hard water area and i'm considering fitting a scale inhibitor. It would be fitted to the cold rising main so all the water used in the house (drinking, showering, bath etc) would pass through it.

We don't have separated feeds to various parts of the plumbing so softening systems for washing use is possible but not something i want to do at the moment.

There seems to be a few options on the market. Magnetic inline filters, electric strap on devices, and then much more expensive filtration type setups.

I can't find anything tangible on whether the magnetic or strap on electric devices actually work.

Does anyone have any experience of these cheaper options as to whether they are just snake oil or do actually have a tangible effect?

 

[snes]

I would start your search of scale control at the door of CombiMate in Reading. Their food grade phosphate treatment seems to have more credence regarding scale prevention than most of the other snake oil devices around.

I believe Calgon uses the same technology for their washing machine tablets.

 

[muggles]

Combimate is about the only one worth looking at, but really a softener is the way to go, and unless you're on a medically-prescribed low-sodium diet there is absolutely no reason whatsoever why you shouldn't drink softened water

 

[polesapart]

I can't find anything tangible on whether the magnetic or strap on electric devices actually work.

You won't.