Knowledge base

Can I turn my water softener off?

Let’s not put anymore salt to the environment and bypass your water softener after you install a HydroFLOW device. If you utilized a water softener for many years, turning it off might take some getting used to. Softened water tends to feel silky and after you’ve lathered it takes longer to rinse off, which uses more water. If you purchased the HydroFLOW Pearl Plus that is designed to protect an entire residential dwelling, then you should bypass the water softener altogether. This will save some dollars and reduce salt in our groundwater.

How long will it take HydroFLOW before the scale stops accumulating?

When properly installed, the HydroFLOW device will immediately begin to protect your plumbing system and/or pool; hard scale accumulation in areas with constant water flow will stop. An additional nice advantage,  this device will also start removing existing scale from your appliances, fixtures and piping. The HydroFLOW Pearl model is designed for protecting single pieces of equipment. The HydroFLOW Pearl Plus model is designed for standard homes and commercial kitchens. The HydroFLOW hs40 model is designed for residential pools but it is sometimes used to protect large homes and restaurants.

I cant get my water to lather up because of the hardness. Will I get sudsy soap if I use a HydroFLOW device?

Yes, the Hydropath technology, that powers your HydroFLOW unit, reduces the surface tension of the water. This will help your water suds up without using water softener equipment and the accompanying salt. Lack of suds in hard water is one of the biggest consumer complaints. You don’t have to worry, your soap will lather, including when you take that bubble bath. All models of the HydroFLOW devices will have the same positive effect on how sudsy your soap gets. As a general rule of thumb, the HydroFLOW Pearl Plus model is designed for standard homes and commercial kitchens. The HydroFLOW hs40 model is designed for residential pools, large homes and equipment in restaurants.

How does HydroFLOW make my water healthier?

Using HydroFLOW will mean you don’t need a water softener to prevent scale in your home’s plumbing system and fixtures. This will lead to not inducing un-healthy salt into your water, used by the water softener. The result is maintaining healthy ionic calcium and magnesium. It’s important to note that not all calcium forms are easily metabolized by your body. Hard water contains a very soluble form of calcium that is readily used by our bodies.

Ive started to notice a thin film on my dishware that wipes off. This started after installing HydroFLOW. Why is this happening?

This is a positive sign that your unit is purging your system of exsisting scale. Since it easily wipes away, its soft scale and that means the device is working properly. We recommend you use a rinse agent like lemmyshine to help alleviate this problem. This is the best way to tell if your HydroFLOW Pearl, HydroFLOW Pearl Plus  or HydroFLOW hs40 Device is working properly.

How can I tell that the HydroFLOW is protecting my water heater and pipes and fixtures?

The minute you turn on your HydroFLOW device new scale will stop forming in your system and existing scale will begin to be removed. As soon as you turn on you HydroFLOW unit, you may begin to notice small scale flakes that are being removed from your hot water tank and piping system. These small scale flakes will also accumulate on the bottom of your water heater. It is recommend that you periodically flush your water heater according to factory instructions to avoid clogging of your water heater. You will also start noticing an increase in efficiency with your water heater for example the water heater will not take as long to heat your water. 

Can HydroFLOW replace my water softener?

Yes. HydroFLOW is an alternative to a water softener and can replace your current descaling treatment. If you purchased a  HydroFLOW unit, it is designed as a whole home solution. If you have been using a water softener for many years, turning it off might take some getting used to. Softened water tends to feel silky because of the added salt, in addition lathered soap takes longer to rinse off, which uses more water. Because HydroFLOW descales your water without the addition of salt, your water will act and feel more natural, without the additives that a water softener provides.

I’m noticing a powdery residue in my showerheads and sink basins. Is that normal?

You may notice a very thin film of white or light gray powdery residue at your showerheads, sink basins and the pool’s water line. This powder is left behind when the water evaporates and will wipe off easily. This is a positive sign and tells us that the HydroFLOW device is working properly. Most important, its not hard scale and does not attach to surfaces as scale would.  You will definitely notice this powdery substance (calcite crystals) appearing as the HydroFLOW device does its job of removing the existing scale from your plumbing system.

What can I look for to tell if the HydroFLOW units are working?

The minute you turn on your HydroFLOW device new scale will stop forming in your system and existing scale will begin to be removed. You may notice small scale flakes that are being removed from your hot water tank and piping system. Keep an eye on your faucet aerators because they may collect the debris that is being purged from your pipes. You will notice the benefits of your appliances running more efficient. You also may notice your water becoming a bit cloudy. This is due to the scale being removed from your plumbing system and fixtures. It will clear up after a period of time depending on how badly scaled your existing system is.

Is my unit working? I can still see hard scale deposits on my fixtures.

If you have had your HydroFLOW unit installed in your home for more than 3 months, and are still not seeing improvement, there is likely an issue with the installation or location of your unit. Please review our installation guide on our website for the trouble shooting process. Still have questions? Give us a call (425) 497-3900 and one of our customer support representatives can assist you.

I have a swimming pool and I was looking to use something to help with reducing chlorine usage but keep my water safe? I have a water softener in my home but don’t want to use it to fill the pool.

We would recommend a HydroFLOW hs40 to help with reduction of chlorine in your pool, please see this case study or this case study. These are real world examples of chlorine reduction in swimming pools. We would not recommend using soft water to fill your pool. Swimming pools need to have hardness because if you don’t, it will begin to cause etching and deterioration of the plaster, grout, stone, concrete and tiling. You may add a HydroFLOW Pearl Plus to your home and bypass your water softener. This will maintain your pools need for harder water and render the hard water harmless to your pool pumps .

Can I skip doing my annual maintenance of my hot water heater if I use HydroFLOW?

Kindly note the HydroFLOW device does not replace routine maintenance procedures. Please refer to your manufacturers recommendation on routine maintenance of your hot water tank. Professionally purging your water heater annually is typically recommended in order to flush out any scale debris that may have collected at the bottom of the tank. In addition, it is recommended to periodically inspect your plumbing equipment to ensure everything is operating properly.

Will HydroFLOW help make my water clearer?

Yes, since HydroFLOW kills algae and other forms of BIO it will help keep your pool water clearer. It will also help with your filters ability to filter out the material that makes the water cloudy. Giving you the benefit of safer and clearer water, We always recommend the HydroFLOW hs40 device for installation on swimming pools and spas. To learn more about how HydroFLOW kills bio Click here.

I’m noticing scale residue on the dishes in my dishwasher, is the device not working properly?

You may notice a very thin film of white or light gray powdery residue at the showerheads, the sink basins and the pool’s water line. This powder is left behind when the water evaporates and will wipe off easily. This is actually a positive sign. Since it easily wipes away, its soft scale and that means the device is working properly. We recommend you use a rinse agent like lemmyshine to help alleviate this problem. This is the best way to tell if your HydroFLOW Pearl, Pearl Plus or hs40 Device is working properly.

What should I do if the scale has not stopped accumulating?

If scale accumulation has not stopped, the device is most likely not installed in the ideal location. Give us a call and we can help you get things working properly. We will let you know if your HydroFLOW Pearl, Pearl Plus or hs40 device is providing the results it was designed for. It may also help us to determine the optimal installation point if you could provide photo’s of your existing plumbing system, including your hot water tank. A normal install point would be on the cold water line coming into your hot water tank, which would not be restricted by filter systems. It’s important to us that our devices provide value.

I hate using a water softener because it makes my water feel slimy. Does HydroFLOW make the water slimy also?

When taking a shower, you might notice that the water has a less “slimy” feel (we tend to use silky rather than slimy just cuz silky sounds nicer, even though slimy is more descriptive) and some soaps might not lather as before. Your water however will lather up better with a HydroFLOW device than just untreated hard water. Give it some time and you will enjoy the non slimy feel of your water.

Should you flush the hot water heater first before installing?

While it is not required, it would be beneficial to flush your water heater before the installation of your HydroFLOW unit, especially if you have not flushed your water heater for a long period of time. 
It is possible that the water heater has collected scale deposits that can hinder its efficiency. In addition, HydroFLOW will begin breaking down additional deposits that have been clogging your heater and pipes which may cause additional deposits to accumulate. 
After an initial flush before HydroFLOW installation, you should be okay to only flush your water heater following the water heaters user manual timeline. 

Can HydroFLOW help reduce chlorine in my pool?

The HydroFLOW is an efficient alternative for excessive chlorine usage in your pool. With HydroFLOW, Chloramine levels are lowered, the “Swimming Pool Smell” and eye irritation is also reduced. We would recommend a HydroFLOW hs40 to help with reduction of chlorine in your pool, please see this case study or this case study for additional information.

Is it very expensive to maintain and run your units?

HydroFLOW devices are very energy efficient. Whether you purchase a HydroFLOW Pearl Plus, Pearl or hs40 it will cost you less than a couple of dollars a year to operate. Additional savings will be realized from not having to purchase salt and maintenance of a water softener. Water softeners take up a bit of floor space you can use that  15 square feet to store a spare set of golf clubs.

Does HydroFLOW soften my water?

No, HydroFLOW devices do not change the chemistry of your water. Instead, you get to keep the healthy ionic calcium in your water but render it harmless to your plumbing system and appliances. Unlike salt-based water softeners trading calcium ions with sodium ions is unhealthy and isn’t necessary. To us, trading calcium for sodium is a crazy idea. Most residential homes will find the HydroFLOW Pearl Plus suitable for their needs, which is about 1/3 the cost of a water softener.

Does HydroFLOW remove impurities from my water?

No, HydroFLOW is not a filter. As we have stated in several other posts, HydroFLOW does not change the composition of your water. In other words, it doesn’t remove or put anything in your water. That is one of the major benefits of a HydroFLOW device compared to other methods of dealing with hard water. We like to simply put it as “ditch the salt, keep the calcium.”  A general rule of thumb when selecting a unit is as follows, the HydroFLOW Pearl Plus model is designed for standard homes and commercial kitchens. The HydroFLOW hs40 model is designed for residential pools, it is also used to protect large homes.

I have water that has high levels of Iron in it. Can you help?

No, HydroFLOW cannot help with iron issues. HydroFLOW does not change the make-up or composition of your water. In other words, it doesn’t remove or put anything in your water, including removing iron or other metals. When you have a problem with iron, then you will want to consult with a professional water treatment service in your area for a fix.

Are your devices waterproof?

Your HydroFLOW device is not waterproof. You should not subject your physical water conditioner to inclement weather conditions, such as high temperatures, low temperatures, or high moisture environments. Devices should be installed in a safe and protected location. The manufacturer ratings require you not to exceed 122 °F (50 °C) or get below -4 °F (-20 °C). If you plan on putting it outside, we recommend that you construct a protective cover for the unit. This will keep it safe from these conditions and physical damage.

My water smells bad. Can HydroFLOW do anything about the rotten egg smell?

Not necessarily, HydroFLOW devices do not change the chemistry or composition of your water. In other words, it doesn’t remove anything or put anything in your water. This includes removing whatever is in your water that is causing it to smell bad. We would recommend you consult with a professional water treatment service in your area on the best ways to deal with whatever is causing the rotten egg smell. Generally speaking, we would recommend you install a s38 unit in your home for prevention of scale, bio, and algae. Unfortunately not for the way your water smells.

What do you mean by eco-friendly?

Simply put, eco-friendly means friendly towards our environment which we all appreciate. 
Check out these main points:
1: HydroFLOW trades the use of chemicals for a chemical-free solution to the problems that hard water causes. 
2: A HydroFLOW Pearl Plus, residential model, uses about $1.05 per year in energy use.
3: In comparison to a salt-based water softener, HydroFLOW doesn’t flush salty water into our environment. 
4: Minerals that are useful to our bodies, like calcium and magnesium, are not removed from the water. 
5: HydroFLOW has a nonexistent footprint since it mounts on the existing pipe. Giving you more usable building space or giving your kids more green space.

 

When I lived in the UK I had a HydroFLOW unit installed at our home and it worked like a dream. Now I need one of your units for a 4200 sq. foot home in Houston. What HydroFLOW unit do you recommend?

For a home over 3000 sq ft, we would generally like a little bit more information. How many bathrooms do you have? Is your plumbing all centralized? Are you on well or public water? What is your water hardness? Without a full picture, it’s hard to say what unit you would need and where the best installation point might be. Based on just the square footage, money spent and expected results you would be best suited with two Pearl Plus units or Pearl Plus Bundle. Give us a call so we can discuss where best to install the units and why…

I’m having a problem with red algae in my swimming pool. Any idea if you can help with this?

Interesting question, after researching, it sounds like you potentially have a bacteria problem. If you do, it should be addressed right away because of the potential health hazard. We would suggest getting your water tested by a professional, so you can be sure of the problem you need to deal with. 
During spring runoff, the nearby creek floods into your pool, filling it with dirty nasty water. One option is to shovel out the mud and shock your pool to quickly gain control of this serious bacteria and algae problem. Barring a runoff excursion, and with an everyday typical pool situation, HydroFLOW is very effective at controlling bacteria and algae in a pool.

What’s the basic difference between a water heater, Tankless water heater, and a hot water boiler?

Hot water heater: 
A water heater does exactly what its name implies; it heats the water. You use this water to shower, wash your hands, cook and clean. It takes cold water from a water supply pipe and heats it to a preset temperature of your choice, typically 120 – 130 degrees F. You open a tap or start your clothes washer and “shazam” hot water. 

 

Tankless water heater: 
A tankless water heater is essentially the same thing as a hot water heater but doesn’t store the water in a storage tank. Instead, it rapidly heats the water as it passes through the tankless water heaters element. (Heat exchanger).

 

Hot water boiler: 
Hot water Boilers are not typically used in residential applications. Hot water is an inexpensive and efficient way to transport heat. Not only is it easy to pump through a building, it holds heat better than just air. A boiler heats the water and pushes it throughout the building for heating purposes. The water isn’t necessarily potable but can be used to heat pipes within the buildings walls. 

So… a Hot Water Heater, a Tankless Hot Water Heater, and a Hot Water Boiler all turn the energy of BTUs into a usable source of heat. This neat little feature keeps us from having to bathe in cold water. HydroFLOW helps keep those BTUs working efficiently.

I have a water hardness of 41 grains per gallon? Can your system eliminate the need for a softener?

Yes, We recommend eliminating your softener once the HydroFLOW device is running. The main benefits being that you keep the healthy calcium and stop the hard water from damaging your plumbing system and equipment. Your water wont have that silky feeling that soft water produces. HydroFLOW treated water will lather up better than hard water without treatment.

I’m looking to purchase HydroFLOW Pearl Plus. My house is about 3000 square feet with 4 bathrooms. We are on city water/hard water. A water heater in the basement. I’m not sure about the OD of the pipe. Do you think I need one or two Pearl Plus units?

In answer to your first question, you will need to know the outside diameter of your pipes to ensure you purchase the correct HydroFLOW unit. Typically a Pearl Plus has the power to provide results and prevent scale in a 3000 sq ft house. 

It’s always best to send us some pictures of your plumbing system and the included equipment. If you could email sales@hydroflow-usa.com with your information, we can be sure to review your project and find the optimum solution for your hard water problems.

Is there a maximum level of hardness that your devices can treat?

Nope, wonderfully not  because the hydropath signal relies on the conductivity of the water to propagate the signal. We have found the harder the water the better HydroFLOW works. If you want to learn more about how HydroFLOW works, check out our technology page.

Does Hydropath Technology also descale, as well as prevent scale?

Yes, although it may be a gradual process over a period of months. From the moment you plug the HydroFLOW unit in you are protecting your system from new scale from forming.

Are all HydroFLOW water conditioners fully covered by warranty?

FIVE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

 

Five-Year Limited Warranty: HydroFLOW U.S.A., LLC (“HydroFLOW”) offers its customers (“you”) a five-year limited warranty against failure or defects in materials or workmanship in any HydroFLOW product (the “Product”) or its component parts, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below. If the Product or any of its parts fails during the first five years of operation, HydroFLOW or its representative will either (i) repair and replace the Product with a new one of the same model free of charge or (ii) refund the full purchase price of the Product. For this warranty to apply, you will need to provide proof that the Product has been installed properly and before-and-after proof that such Product is not operating as warranted. 

 

What Is Not Covered: This warranty and guarantee do not cover damage to the Product caused by improper installation, a surge or disruption in power (however caused), a water leak resulting from limescale removal, misuse, abuse, or force majeure (i.e., a flood or earthquake, etc.). Further, this warranty and guarantee do not cover claims made if the Product has not been properly used in conjunction with areas of constant water flow or as otherwise described herein. Please be aware that water leaks from plumbing systems may result as a consequence of limescale removal. You are therefore advised and have a duty to periodically inspect your plumbing systems to ensure that compression joints remain water-tight. 

 

How To Make A Claim & Get Service: A claim under this warranty or guarantee must be submitted by email to HydroFLOW or the authorized dealer or vendor from which you purchased the Product, and such email must include: (i) a copy of the original receipt or proof of purchase of the Product, (ii) proof that the Product has been installed properly, (iii) a written explanation of the issue(s) with the Product, and (iv) one or more pictures of the Product and surrounding area that displays such issue(s). A HydroFLOW representative will then review your claim and contact you within 10 business days to coordinate the repair, replacement, or refund of the Product or to request additional information. 

 

Limitations: Warranty and guarantee claims are strictly limited to the value of the original purchase price or the repair or replacement cost. HydroFLOW shall not be responsible for water leaks or damage caused by the removal of limescale. This warranty and guarantee are not valid unless the Product is properly used with an appropriate surge protection device of adequate quality to protect the Product and its components. HydroFLOW will not be responsible for any consequential, incidental, indirect, special, punitive or other loss or damage that may result from a product defect. HydroFLOW reserves the right to determine the validity of any claim and remedy in its sole discretion. 

 

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, HYDROFLOW MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL, STATUTORY, OR ARISING BY PREVIOUS COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE), INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. HYDROFLOW MAKES NO GUARANTEE OF PERFORMANCE OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE. NO AGENT, REPRESENTATIVE, OR EMPLOYEE OF HYDROFLOW IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES WITH RESPECT TO ITS PRODUCTS. 

How State Law Applies: This warranty and guarantee is only valid in the United States of America. This warranty and guarantee supersede and modify any applicable state laws to the full extent permitted by law. You may have other rights depending on your state of residence. 

Does the Hydropath signal have an effect on sensitive electrical equipment?

No. Hydropath technology induces an electric signal of harmless AM radio waves (±150kHz) and conforms to American and international directives, including the low voltage directive. Therefore, sensitive electrical equipment, such as pacemakers, will not be affected.

Where does the dissolved scale go?

In your house, down the drain. Much of the scale is microscopic (A scale crystal may be 8-10 micron in size and the naked can only see 40 micron and above, with hair being 80-100 micron) in other words you cant see it. The dissolved scale you can see will look like a dry dusty material. You may find some of the scaling material in your faucet aerator screen. You also may see a spot on the upturned base of a wine glass in your dishwasher. This will be easily wiped off.
 

Does Hydropath Technology work on plastic and metal pipes alike?

Very much so. The Hydropath technology ensures the electric field is induced directly into the water throughout the entire water system, regardless of the type of the piping material. The high frequency signal is induced using solid-state ferrite technology.

How does HydroFLOW keep my pool water clear?

HydroFLOW helps the overall process of your pool maintenance and keeps your water clear. After installing HydroFLOW,  you will begin noticing that your filters are collecting more debris and particles. providing you with much clearer water. HydroFLOW will also work to eliminate algae and calcium, protecting your pumps and skimmers. You will also be able to significantly reduce your pool chemicals and costs on maintenance. To learn more about how HydroFLOW kills bio Click here.

Is limescale bad for one’s health?

Removing all the minerals from the water deprives your body of these naturally occurring health benefits. Limescale is made up of calcium and carbonate. Keep that healthy calcium in your water and steer away from water softeners that remove the calcium and replace it with sodium. 

Does flow rate matter? Can it treat standing water?

No, flow rate doesn’t matter. The unit works on any system. To answer your question about standing water. Yes, it is the only physical water conditioner technology that effectively treats water that isn’t moving. The signal propagates both ways throughout the plumbing system from the point of unit installation.

Do the HydroFLOW units require any special treatment or maintenance?

The device operates by means of solid-state technology and has no moving parts. The unit’s operation is ensured for years without requiring maintenance. Apart for being protected with an adequate surge protection device, HydroFLOW units do not require any special treatment. 

Will I need to have any special electrical outlets to plug your device into?

The residential units do not require any special plug ins or batteries. They simply plug into a normal wall outlet and that all there is to it. The heavy commercial and industrial units should not be plugged into a outlet. They are required to be hard wired to a dedicated circuit.

My tankless water heaters elements are being completely in-cased in scale every 3 months. Will HydroFLOW stop this from happening?

Most definitely HydroFLOW can help. We would recommend installing a Pearl unit on the cold water line going into the tankless water heater. This will prevent the scale from building up on your heating element. HydroFLOW will improve your tankless water heaters efficiency, thus saving you money and the hassle of expensive repair bills.

I don’t like the way that the water feels with my water softener. Will changing to HydroFLOW change the way that my water feels?

Salt based water softeners exchange hardness ions (calcium and magnesium) with sodium. The addition of that sodium, causes the water to have a “slimy” type feel. Because HydroFLOW water conditioners do not replace the hardness ions, the chemistry of the water stays the same. Your water will go back to having a natural feel. 

Does HydroFLOW really keep my ice machine clean of bio?

Yes, we have had good success with the ice machines in healthcare and restaurant applications. HydroFLOW helps control Biofilm, which tends to be a breeding ground for bio. If you eradicate the biofilm, this reduction of the food source will result in significantly reducing the bio counts. This, in turn, makes your ice machine safer and cleaner. Nothing is better than properly maintained equipment, especially equipment that’s being touched and utilized by lots of people, which means using effective sanitation procedures are necessary.

How long does the HydroFLOW treated water remain treated after its out of the signal? Does it transform back to hard scale?

HydroFLOW treated water means the Hydropath signal is actively assisting in creating clusters of ions. The ionic bond holding these clusters together will be maintained for 2-3 minutes if the clusters move outside of the Hydropath signal. This could be as a result of the Hydropath signal which weakens as the distance from the installation point increases and the clusters moving outside of its available range.

In answer to your second question, the ions will continue to remain as total dissolved solids(TDS). The hard scale would be the result of ions precipitating out of your water and attaching to pipes or equipment as hard scale and no longer in an ionic state.

What is the difference between temporary hardness and permanent hardness in water?

The difference between the temporary hardness and permanent hardness in water is that the temporary hardness is caused due to the bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium ions, characterized as dissolved solids. 

An example of temporary hardness is the dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. When they are exposed to an increase or decrease in temperature, decrease in pressure or high pH, some of the ions will come out of solution. These ions look to attach to the walls of your pipes and equipment. Now you’ve developed a waste of energy scenario. Not good.

Whereas, permanent hardness in the water is caused due to the sulfates and chlorides. Under normal circumstances, change in pressure or temperature will not cause these ions to come out of solution. HydroFLOW can help with temporary hardness by keeping the calcium and magnesium that precipitate out of solution from adhering to the walls of your plumbing system.

Do you know anything about reverse Osmosis? Is it a good option for solving hard water problems?

Reverse Osmosis is a method of water treatment that uses high pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane. This action allows the impurities to be separated from the water and only the very pure water to pass through. It will solve the problems you’re having with hard water. 

RO membranes are used to remove dissolved ions in a process that does not rely on distinct pores for filtration. Contemporary membranes have published rejection rates up to 99.8 percent, meaning that only 0.2 percent of feedwater impurities will pass through the RO barrier layer, creating highly purified water.

You should note the World Health Organization recommends avoiding distilled and RO water for consumption. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/nutrientschap12.pdf Some researchers claim that drinking demineralized water can leach minerals out of your body.

I heard your HydroFLOW device will make my ice machine produce clear ice cubes?

Yes, it definitely makes your ice clearer. For those who do ice carvings and other artistic things with ice, a HydroFLOW device will help you achieve ice that appears more like crystal. Perfect for using with ice sculptures and for that dinner party.

My water tastes terrible. Does your product help with the way my water tastes?

HydroFLOW does not change the composition of your water. In other words, it doesn’t take anything out or put anything into your water. If your water has a funny taste, we would suggest that you have a sample professionally tested to find out exactly what is causing it. Once you find out what is causing the funny taste then you can address that problem specifically. Typically the solution would involve some kind of filtration system.

What is the hardness limit your product works on? I have 600 ppm of hardness at my home in Odessa, Texas.

Using our HydroFLOW devices, we have successfully prevented scale formation with a water hardness in excess of 1900 ppm (parts per million). That being said, hard water is not a challenge. That’s what makes HydroFLOW unique. It uses the hardness/minerals in the water to send the Hydropath signal throughout the pipe. This happens because the hardness/minerals in your water also act as a conductor. Our signal relies on those conductors to travel. The harder the water, the better our signal travels throughout your piping system.

Whats the difference between a water heater, Tankless water heater, and a hot water boiler?

Hot water heater: 
A water heater does exactly what its name implies; it heats water. You use this water to shower, wash your hands, cook and clean. It takes cold water from a water supply pipe and heats it up to a preset temperature of your choice, typically 120 – 130 degrees F. You open a tap or start your clothes washer and “shazam” hot water. 

Tankless water heater: 
A tankless water heater is essentially the same thing as a hot water heater but doesn’t store the water in a storage tank. Instead, it rapidly heats the water as it passes through the tankless water heaters element. (Heat exchanger).

Hot water boiler: 
Hot water Boilers are not typically used in residential applications. don’t necessarily just boil the water but it does turn water into steam. Steam is an inexpensive and efficient way to transport heat. Not only is it easy to pump through a home (water weighs more and requires more effort to push throughout a home) it holds heat better than just air. A boiler heats up the water, turns it into steam and pushes it throughout the home for heating purposes. The water isn’t necessarily potable, but can be used to heat pipes within the home’s walls, or heat a radiant heat system.

 

They all do the same thing, they just do it differently. It really depends on what your hot water needs are. Regardless of what method of heating water you use, HydroFLOW devices will protect them all.

 

What does cooling tower bleed/blowdown mean and why is it important?

Cooling tower bleed/blowdown uses unnecessary water resources. Tower water is typically flushed to the sewer to remove a portion of high mineral concentrations in the cooling tower recirculating water. The bleed water is simultaneously replaced with fresh water. With this dilution of mineral concentrations, the cooling tower is able to maintain the manufacturer’s conductivity recomendation.

 

HydroFLOW can help you decrease the amount of blowdown (ie water usage) required by allowing increased cycles of concentration (COC) and not worrying about scaling issues. Give us a call for more information about our I-range line of products and how we can help save you some water and the related money.

What is meant by COC in cooling tower?

COC is an abbreviation for Cycles of Concentration, used when talking about cooling tower water.

The COC specifies how often freshwater is added to the cooling tower recirculating water sump. The cooling tower sump water conductivity is measured with a conductivity meter that reads out in micro siemens (µS). Manufacturers recommend a conductivity setting, usually around 2000 µS, to not allow excessive mineral build-up. If the mineral concentration is not controlled, scaling and resulting reduction of heat transfer will occur.  Using HydroFLOW as an alternative to chemical water conditioning will allow increased cycles of concentration without the risk of scaling and allows for reduction of water usage.

What is drift loss as it pertains to a cooling tower?

Drift loss is the water that leaves the cooling tower as droplets of water and typically equates to .3 gallons of water per ton of cooling capacity in a tower without drift eliminators. Additional water is used in a tower through evaporation. The rule of thumb being 3 gallons of water per ton of cooling capacity is used. Visit our website or give us a call for a better understanding of how HydroFLOW can help your cooling tower run more efficiently and use less water. 

What is a cooling tower?

A cooling tower is a heat rejection device that rejects waste heat to the atmosphere through the cooling of a water stream to a lower temperature. HydroFLOW can help your cooling tower run more efficiently please contact us for more information about our I-range products.

What is difference between chiller and cooling tower?

Chillers utilize compressors, evaporator heat exchangers and condenser heat exchangers. The condenser heat exchanger is the major component that rejects heat from the chillers to air. Cooling towers are generally used to provide cooled water to mechanical processes to help control heat in a large buildings. If your looking for ways to help your cooling tower and chiller run at an optimized level, check out the I-range line of products.

Do tower fans actually cool the air?

Tower fans oscillate on a stationary base. Yes, these quiet fans cool the air in the room at a 90-degree angle.

How long will I have to wait to see results from my HydroFLOW s38?

When appropriately installed, the s38 device will instantly protect your plumbing system from new scale accumulation in areas with constant water flow. Another instant benefit is the HydroFLOW Pearl Plus will also begin breaking down existing scale from your appliances, fixtures and piping. The complete removal of your pipes existing scale deposits is dependent on how much accumulation has developed over time. The average time expectancy for this to happen is around 6 months.

My wine glasses have started to show spots after washing in the dishwasher. Is this normal?

This is normal and a good sign that your unit is descaling your plumbing system. These spots soft scale deposits and are easily removable with a quick rinse or wipe. This will continue for a short term until your system has been descaled. We recommend you use a rinse agent like Lemi Shine to help alleviate this problem. 

What comes out of a cooling tower?

Windage or Drift — Water droplets that are carried out of the cooling tower with the exhaust air. Drift droplets have the same concentration of impurities as the water entering the tower.

What is the function of cooling tower?

A cooling tower is a heat rejection device, which extracts waste heat to the atmosphere though the cooling of a water stream to a lower temperature. Common applications for cooling towers are providing cooled water for air-conditioning, manufacturing and electric power generation.

Does a chiller need a cooling tower?

Air cooled chillers will use fans to blow cool ambient air over their condenser to remove heat from the system, this type does not use a cooling tower. The water cooled chiller has two large cylinders, one is called the evaporator and the other is called the condenser.

Is cooling tower a heat exchanger?

A cooling tower is a specialized heat exchanger in which air and water are brought into direct contact with each other in order to reduce the water’s temperature. As this occurs, a small volume of water is evaporated, reducing the temperature of the water being circulated through the tower.

What is chilled water used for?

It is used as a refrigerant to remove heat from the building. The chilled water circulates through a chilled water loop and through coils located in air handlers. Chilled water systems include other HVAC equipment designed to exchange heat such as computer room air conditioners.

What is wet bulb temperature in cooling tower?

Since cooling tower cells cool water by evaporation, the wet bulb temperature is the critical design variable. That means that if the wet bulb temperature is 78°F, then the cooling tower will most likely provide cooling water between 83° – 85°F, no lower.

I have recently transitioned from a salt water softener to the HydroFLOW conditioner. Why does my water feel differently?

HydroFLOW does not change the chemistry of your water. If you have been using salt water softeners for many years, this may take some getting used to. However, the feeling that you are experiening now is water at its natural state.  

How can we increase the efficiency of a cooling tower?
You can improve water efficiency in your water cooling towers and subsequently preserve energy and save you money.
Piping Change. Simple repairs like a change to the water piping can help you mange your energy consumption. 
Focus on Recycling. 
Periodically Inspect all Equipment.
Increase Cooling Cycles.
What is cooling tower cell?

Cooling towers maybe split into smaller sections called cells. Many cells will have a common sump.

What is blowdown cooling tower?

Cooling tower bleed-off/blowdown is the flushing of a portion of high mineral concentration cooling tower system water down the drain, while simultaneously replacing it with fresh water. This process dilutes the system water mineral concentrations that steadily increase due to water evaporation.

Is a cooling tower a condenser?

Cooling towers are used to cool water by bringing air and water into direct contact to eliminate heat lost to the atmosphere. … A Condenser is a Device that Facilitates condensation or returns to the Liquid State, hot gas or steam in a piping system using the evaporation of the water flowing on the pipes.

Do cooling towers pollute?

Pollutants in cooling tower water The main problems that are caused, are fouling, limestone formation, corrosion and biological growth. The pollutants that are present depend on cooling tower building material, as well. Cooling towers are build of concrete, wood, plastic or metal.

Do I still need my water softener after installing HydroFLOW?

No. HydroFLOW can be used as an alternative to a water softener. This patented water conditioner is designed to stop new scale  from forming and break down existing scale in your plumbing system. Unlike a water softener HydroFLOW uses an electrical field and does not change the composition of the water. This means that your water will remain hard but will no longer leave hard scale deposits on your heating elements and fixtures. 

Why are cooling towers so tall?

Because they are “natural draft” towers. A natural draft tower is very large (tall) and shaped like a nozzle. This allows for cool, dense air from the environment to naturally flow up through the bottom of the tower and out through the top. That flow of air is what drives the evaporation of the fluid being cooled.

What is drift loss?

Drift loss is the water that leaves the cooling tower as droplets of water, in some towers it like being rained on, unlike evaporated water that leaves the tower with the discharged air, when water evaporates it drops out all minerals and dissolved solids that are left behind causing the TDS, (total dissolved solids).

What is the temperature of cooling tower water?
 95.0ºF (35.0ºC).
Maximum Entering Water Temperature.
As previously stated, typical HVAC conditions call for an entering water temperature of approximately 95ºF (35.0ºC). All BAC Cooling Towers are capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 120ºF (48.9ºC) with standard fill materials.
Can you help with Legionella problems in a Cooling Tower?

Yes, we have a fantastic kill rate of nearly 99.9% so it is recommended to be safe that when using HydroFLOW you maintain a minimal amount of biocide to kill the remailing .001% of legionella. Saving you money on chemical, maintenance and protecting people from legionella.

What is a boiler?

A boiler is a closed vessel in which fluid is heated. The fluid does not necessarily boil. The heated or vaporized fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications, including water heating, central heating, boiler-based power generation, cooking, and sanitation.

What is the purpose of the boiler?

Boiler is an enclosed vessel in which water is heated and circulated, either as hot water, steam, or superheated steam for the purpose of heating, powering, and/or producing electricity.

Are boilers dangerous?

A dangerous boiler can kill. However, In many cases, a faulty boiler may just need reset. Most modern, room-sealed boilers have safety precautions such as thermostats, overheat stats, pressure relief valves and oxygen depletion sensors already fitted to make them less dangerous. Explosions are another big danger when it comes to boilers. There are many causes for boiler explosions such as poor water treatment causing scaling and over heating of the plates, low water level, a stuck safety valve, or even a furnace explosion that in turn, if severe enough, can cause a boiler explosion.

What are the main parts of boiler?

The hot water or steam produced by a boiler is then used in heating systems. Although designs vary, a boiler has four main parts: the burner, the combustion chamber, the heat exchanger and the pluming apparatus.

What is boiler efficiency?

Boiler efficiency is a measure of how effectively chemical energy in fuel is converted into heat energy in steam going to the turbines.

how hot does a boiler make water?

Hot water boilers don’t actually “boil” water. They heat water to 140-180 degrees Fahrenheit. An electrical pump is needed to push that hot water throughout the home. Steam boilers, on the other hand, heat water past the boiling point to produce steam.

Whats the difference between a steam boiler and a hot water boiler?

The main difference between a steam boiler and a hot water boiler is the amount of energy each uses. A steam boiler must burn more fuel (gas or oil) to raise the temperature of its water to boiling level, and this makes hot water boilers more energy efficient, using approximately 25% less energy than steam boilers.

How long does it take for a boiler to heat water?

The average gas heater takes between 30 and 40 minutes to fully heat up the water in its tank approximately 50 gallons of water. The average electric heater takes about twice as long as the average gas heater to fully heat up the same amount of water in its tank, so you can expect it to take between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes to heat up.

Are boilers used to heat my building?

Yes, commercial boilers are pressurized systems that burn combustible fuel or use electricity to heat water that is used to provide heating in your building. Some types of boilers use the hot water itself, while others rely on water that has been turned to steam.

Do boilers really boil water?

Most boilers do not boil water. Ironically, if your boiler is boiling water then you have a very big problem. There are some boilers, called “steam boilers,” that are specially designed to boil water and utilize the steam to provide heat.

Whats the largest known boiler?
The largest built boiler is in a 460-MW plant it has the world’s largest CFB boiler in it, which is also the world’s first once-through unit (OTU) supercritical CFB boiler. The Å agisza plant, owned by PoÅ‚udniowy Koncern Energetyczny SA (PKE), is located in the Katowice area of southern Poland
 
The biggest, most powerful boiler in the world that’s available for industrial and commercial uses was designed and developed by Nationwide Boiler Inc. and is currently being manufactured by Babcock and Wilcox. This record-breaking piece of equipment is designed at 750 pounds per square inch, 750 degrees fahrenheit superheat, and can produce up to 110,000 pounds of heat per hour at a pressure of 400–650 pounds per square inch when connected to a feedwater supply of 227 degrees Fahrenheit. This boiler will deliver tremendous amounts of power to help facilities maintain operations during planned or unplanned outages, or supply a huge amount of heat quickly for high capacity, high need industrial and commercial spaces.
Are boilers pressurized?

Commercial boilers are pressurized systems that burn combustible fuel or use electricity to heat water that is used to provide heating in your building. Some types of boilers use the hot water itself, while others rely on water that has been turned to steam.

Do boilers require chemical water treatment?

Water Treatment for Boiler Systems. Boiler system components, and the mechanisms by which deposits form and corrosion occurs, are varied and complex. Boiler systems require effective chemical treatment and accurate monitoring and control. Alternatively you can use a water conditioning device like HydroFLOW to reduce or discontinue using chemicals. 

How long does a boiler last?

Ideally, boilers should last up to 15 years. If yours is approaching that age, then think about saving for a new one. If you want to keep your boiler in tip-top condition for longer, install a HydroFLOW device . This will help to keep your boilers efficient and lower the risk of having to replace it early.

I own a commercial kitchen and we’ve been having problems with scale build up. We don’t want to use a water softener because the sodium in the water alters our baked products. Will HydroFLOW help my situation out?

Yes, we can definitely help with salt reduction. We would recommend a HydroFLOW hs40 for a commercial kitchen. You will no longer need a water softener and the scale will immediately stop accumulating. We appreciate your question because it’s not something we had considered as a positive benefit with our product. Obviously extra salt may impact your baking recipes and a HydroFLOW device can help with that by giving you the ability to not go the water softener route.

I own a restaurant with well water. I have a lot of problem with lime and rust. My ice machines above my soda stations get limed up and have caused a lot of issues. What would you recommend we do?

The issues you’re experiencing with rust isn’t something we can help you with. We can, however, protect your restaurant from hard water and biofouling in your ice machines. Please see these case studies to get a good idea of exactly how we can help your restaurant with the various problems you’re experiencing with hard water. We would recommend using a HydroFLOW Pearl Plus to protect your ice machines/soda station. To protect the entire restaurant we would recommend you install a HydroFLOW hs40.

We own a small apple farm and our irrigation water is very hard about 400 PPM of hardness. While the apples are still on the tree the water evaporates it leaves hard scale on the apple. Can you help with this problem?

Yes, we can definetly help with the issue you describe. We happen to have a case study on this exact problem. Hard water can have a very negative impact on the farmers bottom line. Most times the problems that a farmer faces are purely aessthetics but the cost and time to make the product market ready and get  premium label is too expensive. Just like the issue you describe. Consumers will not like to purchase an apple that is all cloudy looking from scale coating the outsipe of the apple. Eye appleal is what gets you premium prices for your product. We can help you achieve that and make it cost effective. 

I own a small farm in Oregon and we use holding ponds for irigation. The problem is that these holding ponds end up full of algae and often clog the irrigation system. Can HydroFLOW help with this problem?

Yes, we can help solve your problem and make the irrigation water safer. HydroFLOW will kill the algae and biofilm in your holding ponds making it safer. Inititally when you apply the Hydropath signal to the pond and the algae dies it will need to be filtered out. Otherwise the dead algae could possibley clog your irrigation system further. Once its been cleared ot of algae it wont have a chance to continue producing more and will alleviate this problem for good.

I heard a rumor that your product can increase product yields?

Hi, yes we are investigating this benefit further. Initial testing has shown very positive results that even surprised us, you can read  more about how HydroFLOW can increase crop yield in the our case study. If you have more questions you can contact us using this link

What’s the timeframe for HydroFLOW to remove scale from my plumbing system?

The timeframe for complete scale removal can vary based on; water hardness of your area, size of home, age of plumbing system/pipes. The HydroFLOW unit immediately stop new scale accumulation and begins the descaling process of your plumbing system. For detailed explanation of the expected timeframe please click here.

Is my unit working? I can still see hard scale deposits on my fixtures.

If your HydroFLOW has been installed for a few weeks and you have not noticed visible changes to your scale accumulation, there are simple trouble shooting things that you can do to ensure that your unit is installed correctly. The first, would be to check that your unit does not have a pin inserted in the bottom piece of your unit (This is exclusive to the Pearl and Pearl Plus models). Check to insure that the power cord is fully plugged into your HydroFLOW unit, it could require slight force to ensure that the jack is plugged in fully. You should also check the red LED light, located on the side of your unit.  The light should be lit up if it is plugged in and working properly, you may also hear a slight humming, which is normal.  If you have followed all trouble shooting steps and you still feel that there is an issue, the device is most likely not installed in the ideal location. Give us a call and we can help you get things working properly. We will let you know if your HydroFLOW Pearl, Pearl Plus or hs40 device is providing the results it was designed for.  It’s important to us that our devices provide value.

Will my pool look less cloudy with HydroFLOW?

With the installation of a HydroFLOW unit, your filter will work more efficiently, helping it to filter out the calcium, algae and debris that creates cloudy water. In addition HydroFLOW kills algae and other forms of bio it will help keep your pool water clearer. We always recommend the HydroFLOW hs40 device for installation on swimming pools and spas. 

What kind of maintenance should I do for my hot water heater after installing HydroFLOW?

Professionally purging your water heater annually is typically recommended in order to flush out any scale debris that may have collected at the bottom of the tank. Please refer to your manufacturers recommendation on routine maintenance of your hot water tank. The HydroFLOW device does not replace routine maintenance procedures. 

Can I stop using chlorine altogether if I use the HydroFLOW unit?

You can not completely eliminate chlorine from your pool system. Chlorine is a necessary component to keep your pool clean and safe for use. HydroFLOW can be used to reduce your chlorine usage by around 50-70%. HydroFLOW helps to make chlorine more efficient, which allows the amount of chlorine needed to be cut down dramatically. You will also notice that the ‘Swimming pool smell” and eye irritant will be dramatically reduced as a secondary result. In addition, the hs40 uses non-chemical flocculation to help existing filters work more efficiently. 

How do I know that my s38 is working?

After installing your HydroFLOW unit, removing the pin and plugging the Pearl Plus into the included power supply and surge protector, you will immediately see a bright red light indicating power from the side of your unit. You may also hear as slight humming noise.  Once the unit has been powered on, it will immediately begin descaling existing scale from your plumbing system and stop new scale from sticking. Within a few weeks, you may begin to notice a white powdery residue and cloudy water for a short term while the unit works to remove the existing scale from your pipes. 

After installing HydroFLOW will I stop seeing scale right away?

It may take a couple of months to see the full results of your HydroFLOW unit. The time that it may take to fully purge your plumbing system of scale build-up can depend on the amount of buildup your home has, how hard your water is and the size of your home. The HydroFLOW unit will immediately begin breaking down built-up hard water deposits, this will result in a powdery white residue that will be noticeable on your shower heads and sink basins. This white residue is a soft form of scale which can be easily removed with a cleaning cloth. Please click here for a timeline of scale home scale removal.