Hard water can be a nuisance to your home and can create a myriad of problems like damaging the appliances and killing your lawn.
When I moved to my new home, I noticed that the water supply was creating some issues. My potted plants started dying while the older leaves turned yellow and fell off. And after talking with my neighbors and the district water supply agency, I discovered that the water has a rich quantity of calcium, magnesium carbonates, and salts.
That’s when I figured out having an electronic water descaler removes these heavy salts and prevents the hard water from becoming a nuisance.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I have curated this list of the best electronic water descalers you can get your hands on. I’ve also provided a detailed buyer’s guide to help you make an informed purchase decision.
So, without further ado, dive in!
Top 5 Electronic Water Descalers Reviews
1. iSpring ED2000
The ED2000 is a hard water softening system offered by iSpring, a known water softening and filtration manufacturer. Backed by its brand value, the company has delivered its customers an innovative and feature-packed descaler.
Product Highlights
The iSpring ED2000 is one of the best models to tackle high levels of water hardness. It doesn’t require chemicals, salt, or excess water to minimize the deposition of incoming limestone in pipes. Being entirely maintenance-free, this eco-friendly solution wouldn’t break a hole in your pocket. Plus, it has a small footprint, so you won’t have to spare extra space for accommodating this unit. And the best part is you don’t need plumbing professionals to install it.
Moving on, the ED200 features two antenna cables that stay wrapped around your main water pipe in the form of a coil. When water flows through the pipe, the cables release electronic waveforms. This causes the water molecules to churn and release carbon dioxide, which precipitates calcium bicarbonate (also known as cleansing lime), dissolves existing limescale, and prevents further deposition.
What's There To Like About It?
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet powerful and efficient descaler, this can be the one for you. I loved how easy it is to keep it in top-notch condition and also the fact that assembling this unit was hassle-free.
Aside from that, unlike ordinary water softeners, it doesn't alter the chemistry of water. I can cleanse my water without affecting its mineral contents and it becomes safe to use for gardening and cleaning appliances.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Using this product, some customers didn’t notice much of a difference. They felt it could only deal with a certain level, which is 10-19 GPG. I also felt the same while using this unit, which was a tad bit disappointing.
Pros and Cons of iSpring ED2000
Pros
Cons
- [Improve Water Quality] Solves hard water problems without the need for chemicals, salt, or maintenance, while keeping healthy minerals in the water by preventing scale deposits from forming and allowing existing scale to break down.
- [Reliable Descaler] Descales your entire water system and prevents scale buildup in pipes. Reduces energy consumption with an average one year payback period. Great for your home and the environment, individuals on salt-restricted diets, and those looking for healthier skin and hair.
- [Environmental Friendly] Designed for very hard water areas (10-19 grains per gallon). Saves energy and extends the life of your appliances.
2. Yarna CWD24
Designed to enhance the efficiency of appliances and plumbing systems by minimizing the scale buildup in water pipes, the Yarna CWD24 is among the most affordable options. With this unit, you get a 1-year warranty, thereby ensuring a stress-free user experience.
Product Highlights
This particular descaler generates a changing electric field that crystallizes magnesium and calcium, thereby preventing them from sticking to the inner surface of the pipe as limescale. You just need 15 minutes to install the unit, and it requires little or no maintenance there after.
Hence, you can keep enjoying mineral-rich water without it getting affected with limescale. Besides, it’s designed to work on any pipe thickness of up to 1-inch, including copper, iron, plastic, and stainless steel pipes. You can install the system on the water pipe itself or mount it on the nearby wall that has an electric outlet.
One thing to note is that the current condition of your plumbing and the number of hard ions present in water determines the time it’ll take for the descaler to deliver limescale-free water.
What's There To Like About It?
Since I started using it, I've discovered many advantages in this descaler. For one, it’s solidly built, which makes it durable and long-lasting. You can use this unit to get healthy water for a longer time.
Additionally, you don’t need to be a plumbing professional to install this unit. It comes with a 1-year warranty so that you can return it for a full refund during the period in case of any manufacturer defect.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only limitation that I found with this unit is that it can take up to 3 months to work its magic if the hard water problem has persisted for long. Until then, you need to find a temporary solution and be patient. But I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed with the results.
Pros and Cons of Yarna CWD24
Pros
Cons
- HOW IT WORKS: Yarna CWD24 is a Patented alternative water softner for homes that treats water with electric pulses generated within the electronic unit and controlled by a micro-chip! These pulses are transmitted via our Ultra Flat Impulse Bands which breakdown crystals that would otherwise buildup into limescale, which can break appliances.
- WHO BENEFITS FROM YARNA: Our customers report cleaner pipes and faucets, lower costs for descaling and heating, and better overall water quality using our whole house water softener system alternative. Depending on the current condition of your plumbing, it may take up to three months to observe a significant improvement
- EASY INSTALLATION: All you need is access to a minimum of 10" of free pipe space with a maximum pipe diameter of 1". Yarna whole house water descaler is completely DIY with no need for any tools or specialized help. Our whole house water descaler works with any type of piping up to 1" thick
3. Eddy ED6002P-US
The Eddy ED6002P-US is probably the most well-known electronic descaler on my list. It comes with a lifetime repair or replacement warranty and a 1-year money-back guarantee. Plus, this unit is easily installable on plastic and metal pipes with a diameter of up to 1.5-inch.
Product Highlights
This water descaler by Eddy is one of the better performing electronic descalers that tackles hardness levels up to 20 GPG. As a result, you can be confident about getting rid of excessive hardness in the water.
Moreover, you don’t need salt to operate this unit. It does not affect the mineral content of the water and allows you to enjoy the goodness of natural minerals without worrying about limescale.
You can easily set up this unit, as it doesn’t require any major installation or plumbing expertise. Besides, it comes with a lifetime replace or repair guarantee, so you won’t have to worry much about spending extra bucks on its repair.
And lastly, you need to connect the descaler with electricity to run, so ensure you have a power outlet near the waterline.
What's There To Like About It?
My neighbor introduced me to this descaler after being impressed with it. And upon using it, I liked many things about the unit. Perhaps, its best feature is that it can remove higher hardness levels in the water while retaining its mineral content. Many descalers tamper with water minerals during the process, which you might not want.
Also, being a novice, I prefer easily installable and lower maintenance units like these.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although the product description mentions that it prevents minerals from bonding and building up, it doesn't eliminate the limescale completely. Upon testing the water, I found small quantities of scale still existed. Sure, a small amount isn’t dangerous for your health, but large quantities of scale buildup in water can be concerning.
Pros and Cons of Eddy ED6002P-US
Pros
Cons
- WHAT EDDY DOES: Eddy is a NO-SALT household electronic water descaler, far healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to a water softener. Uses our unique micro-chip generated true magnetic pulse waveform. Eddy is BRITISH built, refined and perfected over 25 YEARS in the water treatment business and comes with our renowned customer service
- WHO EDDY IS FOR: Eddy is for anyone who wants to reduce or eliminate the effects of costly limescale from their whole house water system. Makes water heaters more efficient. Increases lifespan of appliances. Stops clogging of faucets and showers. Makes hair and skin feel softer. Trial for at least 60 days to see full benefits
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Simple step-by-step guide supplied with Eddy whole house water descaler shows how to fit Eddy yourself. No need for a plumber. Extra-length cables available in our Amazon store for pipes larger than 1” diameter. Treats the whole house. Eddy can be fitted to any pipe, copper or plastic, iron or steel
4. HQUA 5000E
HQUA5000E is one of the best affordable options for people looking for a high-quality water descaler to deal with hard water issues. Be its ability to remove high levels of hardness levels perform rust-removal; it delivers everything you want. Aside from that, setting up this machine is a breeze.
Product Highlights
This particular unit prevents limescale formation in your water supply and maintains the mineral content of water, which is not the case with most traditional descalers. The latter replaces magnesium and calcium with salt, whose excess amount can affect your body negatively.
It also promotes rust removal and prevention, so you won’t have to stress about frequent repairs and making unwanted investments for the same. Additionally, it's capable of treating hardness levels up to 25-GPG, and you can mount it on pipes with a maximum diameter of 1.5-inch.
Besides, installing this unit feels like a breeze. You won’t need any special plumbing tools or professional help to set it up. Once it’s installed and connected to a power source, it starts working for removing limescale from the water.
What's There To Like About It?
I found this product a reliable and effective alternative to traditional descalers. It doesn’t rust as quickly, so it’s pretty durable and doesn’t burn a hole in my pocket for frequent and costly repairs. This unit would be suitable for people who want a high-capacity descaler and start treating the hardness in water as soon as it’s installed.
Not only that, but I also liked that the installation was very easy, which is a great advantage at my age!
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only problem with this product is quality control issues. Many customers complained that they didn’t get the service as anticipated and that the package came with some missing parts. Nonetheless, the company has a responsive customer service team, which quickly resolves buyer complaints, so that’s a relief.
Pros and Cons of HQUA 5000E
Pros
Cons
- Efficient Water Softening: The HQUA 5000E electronic water descaler effectively removes limescale and rust without using salt.
- Long Lasting and Durable: The descaler's durable construction ensures long lasting performance and maintenance free operation.
- Easy Installation: The descaler comes with a tube container for easy installation and maintenance.
5. Scalesweeper SW-17
The Scalesweeper descaler is yet another quality hard water treating alternative for you. It has a maintenance-free design, so all you have to do is install the unit and let it do its work. Also, it consumes less electricity than the traditional descalers available on the market.
Product Highlights
The Scalesweeper 4604206 is a pretty cost-effective solution for removing hardness from home water. Hence, it limits the damages caused to your appliances, plumbing system, and other metal surfaces. Apart from that, it enhances the overall water quality, leading to soft and smooth hair and healthy skin.
Besides, it improves the lathering ability of soap and cuts your laundry time. It also prevents rust formation, which can otherwise reduce the efficiency of faucets. As a result, you don’t have to make any unnecessary repairs.
This unit treats water hardness levels up to 25 GPG, and it doesn’t need to undergo frequent maintenance. Also, it comes with a high capacity of 1680 gallons per hour, which I think is more than enough for most households.
Last but not least, it’s a DIY unit, so you can install it within minutes. Long story short, it’s a good option if you want an easy-to-use high-capacity and efficient descaler for your home.
What's There To Like About It?
I’m impressed by the ability of the unit to protect water-using appliances like heaters, boilers, water dispensers, and others. Because of its ability to prevent rust, you can keep it running efficiently without making frequent repairs. Also, no rust means your plumbing fixtures and faucets last long.
Lastly, its stress-free installation and high capacity make it easier to deal with hard water.
What's There Not To Like About It?
On the downside, this unit might not be suitable for people who’re looking to install a descaler on water pipes. It needs to be in contact with water to prevent scale formation and avoid further deposition, which makes its installation difficult. So, I had to call professional help for the purpose.
Pros and Cons of Scalesweeper SW-17
Pros
Cons
- BENEFITS OF SCALE PROTECTION: Prevents new scale formation, over time it helps break down existing scale, and because the Scalesweeper is installed where the water enters the home, virtually anything that comes into contact with water throughout the home will be protected from the effects of lime scale build-up
- NO SALT OR CHEMICALS: Works without the expense and hassle of salt or chemicals used in traditional hard water systems. The Scalesweeper helps break down existing scale, protecting the water heater, pipes, shower heads, and appliances.
- MAINTENANCE FREE & ENVIRONMENTALY FRIENDLY: Does not treat water like traditional water softeners and works on all types of pipes including copper, PVC, PEX, galvanized, and stainless steel. A truly revolutionary product that conditions hard water.
Buyers Guide
Selecting an electronic descaler can be challenging, especially with so many brands offering numerous options. But since you’ve gone through my reviews of the best electronic water descalers, you might have some idea about what to look for.
That said, there are a few factors that you need to consider for making the right purchase. So, here are those.
1. Installation
Almost all descalers are easily installable, but it’s understandable if you feel challenged by the process, especially if you’re a non-techie like me. So, I’d recommend going for a descaler that comes with simple instructions that you can easily comprehend. Also, look for a brand that provides necessary support and instructions as and when needed.
2. Water Hardness Levels
Before deciding on a particular model, it’s important to gauge the water hardness level in your area.
And water testing is a straightforward and affordable process. I’d suggest purchasing a water testing kit and following the instructions provided to determine water hardness in GPG. Or, if you’re not a DIYer, call upon an agency that will do it for you. These agencies, with their efficient and powerful tools, deliver accurate results.
Soft water has a value less than 3.5GPG rating, while mid-hard water is found to be around 3.5-GPG. Hard water measures between 7 and 10 GPG, and the value can even reach 17.5 GPG in extreme cases.
Measuring the hardness will help you determine which electronic descaler will best suit your purpose.
3. Water Supply Capacity
A single descaler is adequate for a smaller household like mine. But if you have more people or a bigger house, then I’d recommend going for at least two of these units for handling your water supply. Also, it’s essential to consider that electronic descalers work only when water is flowing through pipes- it can’t treat stagnant or stored water.
4. Required Maintenance
As compared to other water treatment systems, electronic descalers require less maintenance. However, you still need to focus on its reliability and longevity. Some of them don’t have a rust protection or removal system, which turns out to be a nightmare if not maintained well.
As rust keeps on depositing through reaction with limescale, it breaks down the system after a few months of use, which you wouldn’t want. So, I’d recommend staying away from these and reading the product description and instructions thoroughly before purchasing one. Otherwise, it’s just money going down the drain!
5. Warranty
For additional security, I’d advise going for a descaler that comes with FCC and CE certification for EU, US and UK standards. When a manufacturer provides a warranty on its products, you can purchase them without stress. You’d know for sure that the company will provide you with compensation if the machine stops working or there’s a manufacturer’s defect.
6. Compact Design
Your ideal descaler shouldn’t be massive to need a large space allocation. It ought to be extremely lightweight and space-saving for your convenience.
7. Hardness Removal Capacity
Effectiveness of an electronic descaler depends on several factors. But the more hard minerals it’s capable of removing, the more effective it is. And the best ones can remove up to 25 GPG of hardness from your water supply.
An excess amount of salt in the body or clothes is terrible. So, go through the product description carefully to ensure that the descaler keeps the minerals present in water intact and does not replace them with harmful salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you drink and use water full of minerals, then electronic descalers are a good option. Although they don’t make the water soft, they can prevent the buildup of limescale.
The investment would vary according to the type of water softener you’re opting for. That being said, most models are not very expensive, especially if you consider their longevity and benefits.
Yes. These descalers work well with all water sources that contain magnesium and calcium. Just keep in mind that well water wouldn’t be filtered in any way, so you’d need an alternative filtration tool to make it safe to drink. Plus, well water generally contains higher levels of hardness, and these descalers can only remove hardness up to 25 GPG.
Once a descaler starts working, you’ll see a significant reduction in the limescale buildup. The water tastes different, plus your skin and hair will also feel better and healthier.
Additionally, water-based appliances like heaters, washing machines, and others perform better, and water travels faster through the pipes- all these without any change in the taste or smell.
The installation varies from one model to another, but for most models, you’ll need to mount the unit on the wall behind your water supply. As per the manufacturer's instructions, you might need to install your descaler several feet above the ground. And make sure that the magnets or wires are rounded uprightly.
Furthermore, you need to have an electrical outlet near the unit to provide the required power supply. After that, you can plug in the system, switch it on, and wait for the limescale buildup to get eliminated. Once done, you can enjoy clean and healthy water.
Well, it varies from one unit to another. So, you need to go through the product description to get an idea about that. However, on average, these units consume 4W of electricity annually.
My Final Recommendation
I’ve finally reached the end of my guide to the best electronic water descalers, and it’s time to wrap up. But before I leave, it’d be unfair not to mention some of my favorites.
My top favorite is the iSpring ED2000. Its functionality, ease of installation, efficiency, and size makes it suitable for any household, small, medium, or big. The Eddy ED6002P-US also offers similar functionality and features, as well as a lifetime repair and replacement warranty.
Now, remember that you only need a descaler if you need to prevent mineral scale buildup. But for high-quality and purified water, I’d suggest opting for a filtration system alongside it.
Keep an eye on more informative content in this space. Till then, take care!