Magnetic Water Softeners

[Scobalob]

Do they work?

[ianmunt]

there are mixed views,mine is that they do not,based on personal and second-hand experience

[buildersmate]

No, they don't soften the water. I've answered this more than once before - surprised it didn't show when you typed in the question.
The best you can expect is that they minimise some of the scale sticking to the back of the loo and showerheads etc.
To say they soften water is definitely an exaggeration - is that what the claim is? - which product is claiming that?

[Scobalob]

Thanks for your quick responses.

I, too, am sceptical and, as I live in hard water area, I am anxious to install a water softener in this new (old) house. Unfortunately, there isn't anywhere to put the thing (honest) so I was searching the internet looking for alternatives and noticed a number of, so called, magnetic solutions. Dare I say that they drew my attention? No, ok! Also on offer is what looks like a do-it-yourself electro-magnet where you wind a coil of wire around the pipe. Is all very Doctor Whoish but I don't think you can beat salt.

Ok - I'll really have to find a place for a proper water softener somewhere....

Thanks again guys.

[buildersmate]

Winding electric wires around pipes has the same claimed impact as permanent magnets - it changes the chemical shape of the calcium carbonate (limescale) in some way so that it doesn't cling so readily to the sides of porcelain. It doesn't change the calcium carbonate to sodium carbonate as proper water softeners do.
A native Scots neighbour of mine some years ago, fed up of hard water in S England. found enough space for a water softener in the garage, then ran the supply and return pipes from below the kitchen window (where most houses have their rising main under the kitchen sink) along the outside wall of the house to the garage (and back). Had to insulate them, of course, to avoid winter freezing, but it was the only solution for him.

[Steviegb]

I have a Hydraflo hs38 fitted, great piece of kit. It puts a small electric current into your water pipes which stops the limescale sticking to anything. Its not a water softner but it protects my combi, washing machine etc. from limescale.Really does work. HS38 keep your home limescale free (copy /paste and c what u think)