FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions we have encountered. If, however, you do not find the answers you are looking for, we invite you to contact us directly and a representative will gladly get back to you.
I have a question
FAQ – Piping System
What type of pipe material does calmat® treat?
calmat® is suitable for all pipe materials: iron, galvanized iron, copper, steel, stainless steel, plastic, PVC, PE-X, compound pipes (any material mixture) etc.
Do plastic pipes and copper pipes need scale protection at all?
Yes. Plastic and copper pipes are prone to calcifications, too. The smoother a surface is the longer it can resist the process of calcification. It may take longer until plastic or copper get a first layer of scale. However, once that first layer has built up, the scaling process proceeds just as fast as on any other surface or material.
How long does it take calmat® to sanitize the pipes?
calmat® gently removes scale and rust without negatively affecting the pipes. The treatment works within the laws of nature. Therefore, the removal process may take as long as it took the deposits to develop.
Will the scale that is cleaned out block the pipes?
No, the scale is slowly dissolved back into a solution and the calcium and magnesium is washed away in the water as a fine powder.
How long does the effect last?
When mono-crystals are created by the impulse variation, it is important that they grow as long as possible before they start their way through the piping system. The larger the crystals, the longer it takes until the crystals fall apart again and eventually “die”. In warm water, these crystals grow faster and therefore are stronger and live longer. This explains why the calmat®-effect lasts the longest in warm water (up to seven days) and shorter in cold water (approx. two days).
My copper pipes have turned green. Does calmat® help with this problem?
Green colored copper pipes are an indication to oxidized copper or copper rust – similar to rust in iron pipes. The calmat® treatment produces hydrogen dioxide (H2O2) which protects blank copper surfaces against oxidation. This way, calmat® reduces the green colorization of the water.
FAQ – Water Quality
How do I know the water hardness of my water?
Your local waterworks provides detailed information on the chemical composition of your water. It lists the calcium and magnesium content and usually provides information on hardness in gpg (grains per Gallon) or in ppm (parts per million). Read more on water hardness classifications.
Up to which degree of water hardness can calmat® be applied?
calmat® operates within a high performance frequency range and is the only unit with a 24 Volt Technology. It can thus be successfully applied to problems with a very high degree of water hardness. calmat® has successfully treated cases with a water hardness of 950 ppm (~approx. 55 GPG) or more.
Does the calmat® treatment have a softening effect on the water?
The treatment does not change the overall water hardness. Unlike in chemical water treatment systems (e.g. a water softener that uses salt) the water treated by calmat® does not lose minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. The natural composition of the elements in the water remains the same. However, due to a change of the water surface tension your skin will feel remarkably softer. You are sure to feel this effect when taking a shower or even simply washing your hands. Most importantly, scale loses its adhesive characteristic. The treatment does not, however, change the measured water hardness. So on a chemical level you have the same hardness before and after the treatment.
FAQ – Installation and Operation
Is it difficult to install calmat® in my home?
calmat® is designed as a do-it-yourself product. It sits outside the pipe and you do not need to cut into the pipe. The installation is very easy and takes approx. 10 minutes. No tools required.
How do I know which size calmat® is needed for my application?
Please check the pipe diameter in the area where you want to install calmat®. Then choose the unit that is designed for this size.
Where should I install calmat® in my home?
calmat® is mounted outside of the pipe with no need to cut the pipe. It should be installed at the point where the incoming water supply line is going into the house. Most of the time this is close to the water meter. This way, a single calmat® treats all the water pipes in the house. European homes usually have a basement, so the main water pipe sits somewhere there, inside the house.
Many homes allow access only outside the house. This again is usually where the water meter is located. calmat® is a waterproof unit suitable for outdoor installation. We also offer a range of additional features such as a solar power charger in case that there is no power supply nearby.
How do I know that the calmat® is operating efficiently?
Red pilot lights at the cable outputs indicate that the impulse generator is operating efficiently. In case these lights are not illuminated, please check the power supply voltage or contact your local distributor.
Which voltage ranges are suitable for the electronic power supply unit?
All calmat® power supply units are suitable for voltage ranges between 87 Volt – 260 Volt and 50 Hz – 60 Hz. It can therefore easily caters to all international power plugs. We are glad to supply you with the correct power supply unit in case of an international relocation.
How many units do I need?
Private homes are taken care of with one unit that treats the whole house.
In larger buildings or industrial settings it depends. Typically, one larger unit gets installed on the incoming water supply line to the building. If you have a cooling tower or closed loop systems, another smaller unit would go there.
What are the power costs of calmat® per year?
calmat® is completely maintenance-free. The cost of electric energy per year amounts to approx. 5-7 US$ (~ 4-5 €).