We spend the majority of our time talking about water quality issues affecting drinking water and sometimes we get sidetracked and discuss water quality issues pertaining to swimming pools. Today we would like to discuss a water quality issue dealing with… washing machines.
Believe it or not, a water quality issue, in this case sediment in the water, can cause some serious washing machine woes.
Sediment in Water Lines Can Cost You Money
The point of entry on most washing machines comes equipped with an ‘inlet valve screen’ which filters out any sediment and solids carried in the water going into the machine. Over time these screens can get clogged and when they do, the flow of water gets impeded causing slower than normal fill times for the machine. Slower fill times mean the washing machine will run longer and use more electricity.
Clogged inlet valve filters on a washing machine can also result in unwanted temperature variances during the wash load… meaning that although the machine received instructions from its user to wash with ‘warm’ water, a blocked water line on either side will prevent the machine from granting that request. Shrinkage of clothing and/or ruining of colors may result.
Sediment in Water Lines Can Cause You Headaches
In some cases sediment can make its way into places it ought not go and result in flooding. Example: Sediment getting lodged between the solenoid responsible for shutting off water flow can cause the solenoid to not operate correctly… so the water never shuts off. Have fun mopping.
Once the inlet valve filters become clogged, which some washing machine manufacturers say can happen every 3 to 12 months for people on well water, the homeowner must pull the machine out from the wall, disconnect the hoses, carefully remove the screen, clean the screen, carefully install the screen, reconnect all the hoses, and push the washing machine back into place — all the while taking great care not to unseat various washers and not spill too much water along the way.
With the Washing Machine Inline Water Filter, changing the filter will not require disconnecting of hoses or risking damage to the delicate screen. Simply unscrew the middle of the filter housing, remove the old filter, replace with a new filter, and tighten the screw in the middle of the filter housing.
Can’t Use Inline Filters on Hot Water Lines?
While some inline filter manufacturers may caution against using their products on hot water lines, the Washing Machine Inline Water Filter pictured above has the ability to operate properly with water temperatures up to as high as 320 degrees Fahrenheit, or 160 degrees Celsius.
Who Should Use an Inline Washing Machine Filter?
In theory pretty much anyone with a washing machine could potentially get value from a unit like the Washing Machine Inline Water Filter, but well owners stand to gain the most since their water comes from an unfiltered source.