Your home may be dealing with stains and scale build-up due to hard and dirty water. ClearWave electronic water softener may provide a solution. To help you decide, we provide this deep review so you can see whether ClearWave water softener may be right for you.
Features and Benefits
Here are some of the top benefits you could enjoy from using this water conditioner:
It removes any existing scaling caused by hard water problems in your home.
It prevents continuous scale build-up, even if you don’t have hard water.
It is very simple and quick to install.
This product is virtually maintenance-free.
It consumes less water compared to other water conditioners.
ClearWave water conditioners are environmentally friendly and are a great choice if you want to help fight waste and pollution.
Great for all types of pipes, whether your home has PVC or galvanized pipes, copper or steel.
It’s salt-free which means it can crystalize any calcium that could otherwise stick to your house pipes.
CW 125 – Specifications
| Product Features | Details |
| Model: | CW-125 |
| Item Weight: | 2.6 pounds |
| Flow Rate: | 28 Gallons per Minute |
| Fitting: | Fits 1″ diameter pipes |
| Batteries required: | No |
| Manufacturer: | Smarthome Technologies |
How It Works
This water softening system reduces build-up and prevents any future instances of hardness or scaling.
Now we’ll explain how CW 125 does this with a product guide. This water conditioner utilizes electromagnetic waves to soften the hard water crystals, which are made up of magnesium and calcium. As a result, these particles do not stick together or latch onto your pipes, heaters, and other appliances and fixtures.
This works against existing scale build-up by loosening it up, breaking it down, and then dissolving it away over time. Eventually, you’ll notice that the scaly crust and stains normally visible in your toilet will reduce significantly.
One more benefit of using the CW 125 is how it makes cleaning of scale build-up simple. Wipe your surfaces and clean away any scaly crust and stains with ease, regardless if the surface is made up of plastic, ceramic, or glass. Metal surfaces that have been stained due to hard water particles for a long time will also be much easier to maintain with this product.
Field Controls designed ClearWave units to work differently than other water softeners by using electromagnetic waves. This technology is unlike other traditional hard water softener systems because it doesn’t require salt or chemicals to get the job done. This is why the product is environmentally friendly and easier on your pipes.
Why You Need One
CW 125 may not be for everyone. But it is for those who:
- Have hard water in their home.
- Observe scale buildup on their countertops, kitchen faucets, toilets, showers, and under faucets.
- Experience restricted flow.
- Have had issues with their water heating elements breaking down.
- Want to protect their hot water systems and water-using appliances from getting damaged.
Appliances That Will Benefit
- Dishwasher
- Ice maker
- Laundry Washer
- Water heater
- Coffee machines
- Boiler
- Showerhead
- Tub and toilet
These are just a few of many appliances and household systems that benefit from this product.
Drawbacks
There are a few disadvantages to using this product. We list those here below:
- Check if your tap water has a hard water rating of over 425 ppm. If yes, use an extra hard water softener together with this product.
- Check whether your water has high iron levels of over .30 ppm. If so, buy a separate iron filter to use before using ClearWave. High iron levels hinder the operation of this device and may even damage it.
- Check if your water pipe systems measure over 1″ (up to 1.5″). If so, it is recommended that you use 2 ClearWave products for optimal performance. The product is designed to perform at its best using 1″ pipe systems only.
Do You Have Hard Water?
To start off, you can determine if you have hard water in your area by calling your local health department. Representatives should be able to get you this information so that you can determine the best water conditioner for your home.
Water Hardness Testing
If you want to get a current and exact water hardness rating (as well as iron levels), you can request a water testing service from a provider near you. The results will state the mineral makeup of your tap water and give you specific concentration amounts of each.
CW 125 uses an electromagnetic field which can cause its performance to vary depending on the hardness of your water and its composition. The test results will show the performance level you need to ensure you buy the correct water conditioning device.
Total water hardness is a sum of the concentrations of calcium and magnesium. That would point to calcium carbonate in milligrams per liter.
When we talk about measuring hardness, we are referring to measuring concentrations. Knowing the concentrations of both calcium and magnesium in your tap water will help you determine which water conditioner you should purchase.
Water Hardness Levels
The Water Quality Association provided us with official figures, including the degree of water hardness.
The beneficial effects of CW 125 may not be obvious at first, especially if you only have slightly hard water conditions in your home. In high hard-level situations, the difference this water conditioning product can make is easily noticed.
Installation Location
The best spot to install the unit will be right before the split of your mainline.
You want to place it here to ensure that all of the water moving throughout your home or building will be conditioned by the product.
We should also mention that the mount must be after the water meter, as well as past any grounding cable attached to your water pipe system.
Keep the salt-free water conditioning device away from any television, and radio. This includes cordless telephones and electronic devices that may cause possible interference. Clear the distance by a minimum of 20 feet.
Installation is preferably done indoors rather than outdoors. Still, if you must place the product outside, ensure that you mount the unit securely and use a waterproof encasement to protect it.
Guided Installation Steps
It is quite simple to install this salt-free water conditioning device. Here are 3 steps of installation:
Step 1:
Mount this product onto the pipe, and keep it as close to water entry as you can.
To make this step easier, use the supplied tie-wraps for a tight fit. You can position the device in any direction, on any pipe.
Step 2:
Next, proceed to wrap the red antenna in a tight coil around the pipe on the left side of the product. Do this in a counter-clockwise fashion and then do the same on the right side of the product, but wrap the antenna in a clockwise direction instead.
Once complete, fasten them with the provided tie wraps or use electrical tape. It is important to keep the antenna on a tight coil so the CW 125 functions effectively. For better security, wrap a minimum of 7 coils on each side.
Step 3:
Finally, plug your CW 125 water softener at your selected power outlet using the 15-feet 18-gauge power cord (including the transformer) that came with the product. You can also extend the length up to 100 feet.
When the water conditioning device is powered, you will see indicator lights start to flash in sequence. This indicates that your CW 125 is functioning properly.
Few FAQ’s
How Long Does It Take for the ClearWave Conditioner to Work After Installing?
Conditioning your home pipes with this ClearWave product is a process. As time goes by, you’ll see more and more improvement.
To give you a better idea, we’ve constructed a timeline to show when you should notice the effectiveness of this product in treating hard water issues:
Day 1
Scales already in your hot and cold water systems immediately start to loosen. You will likely find it easier to lather soap and shampoo.
From day 5
Scales start breaking down in your water heater (immersion heater types) elements, as well as tanks. These particles are microscopic so you won’t likely see them, though some may be big enough to see with your bare eye.
From day 10 to 16
You’re starting to experience an easier time cleaning and wiping surfaces, including plastic, ceramic, metal and glass. By this time you will probably be using less laundry detergent when washing your clothes.
In addition to laundry, your dishes should be easily cleaned using less soap, and you are probably are using less shampoo during your shower. Scales should now have started to come off of your showerheads, faucets, and other regularly used appliances that rely on the tap (kettles, coffee makers, etc.).
From day 16
Scales continue breaking down loosening from your faucet, showerhead, and house pipes. As you experience this reduction in the scale build-up, you’ll notice that the water heater works quicker. As a result, less energy is consumed and you save money. That means lower power costs on your next utility bill.
In 1 to 2 months
Toilet and under faucet stains and scaly crusts should have reduced significantly. And no new staining should form. Molds that formed on the scales should start disappearing.
The full effects of using this product may take up to 12 weeks depending on the conditions in your area. It also depends on how long your home pipe systems have been subjected to a heavy scale build-up.
What Is the Warranty?
The manufacturer provides an 18-month guarantee starting on the day of your purchase, which covers defects in the workmanship and materials used.
Does This Salt-Free Electronic Water Conditioner Work on All Types of Hard Water?
You can count on your ClearWave to do its wonders with hard water ratings as high as 25 grains (425 ppm). If your water is harder than this level, you may need to choose a traditional water softener (salt-based) instead or in conjunction with your ClearWave unit. If you go this route, mount the CW 125 device before the traditional water softener.
Is One ClearWave Unit Enough for My Home?
One device is ideal for most households because most use 1″ pipes or smaller. Should your house pipes measure over 1″, then you’d be best off using two units of ClearWave conditioner. Just remember to install the units side-by-side.
Does ClearWave CW 125 Influence Water Pressure?
Yes, but in a positive way. Because of its de-scaling activity, you will notice an improvement in the flow. This observation is common among homeowners with well pumps because they experience pressure changes more noticeably.
Can I Mount CW 125 Vertically?
Yes. Feel free to position the salt-free water conditioning unit in any which way you prefer because the position does not affect the performance in any way. You should also know that the unit’s performance will in no way be affected by the direction of water flow.
Can I Install the Unit Only on a Pipe?
No. You can mount the unit on the wall if you are unable to directly install it on the pipe. Just remember to wrap the antennas around the pipe.
Does the Unit work on All Types of Pipes?
Yes. You can use this water conditioner for hard water problems on plastic, galvanized, copper, or metal pipes.
Can I Still Take the Unit and Re-Use When I Relocate to Another House?
Yes. Just unwrap the antenna, then unplug the unit. Because there is no plumbing work required, you can install it anywhere. You’ll continue enjoying the benefits of this water conditioner and make hard water problems a thing of the past.
Does ClearWave Work Against High Levels of Iron in Hard Water?
No. High iron levels will likely dampen the performance of your CW softener or even destroy it. The safe limit is 30 ppm and any rating above that is not good. You should use an iron filter if your home water records a rating higher than .30 ppm. The company recommends the Automatic Backwash Iron/Sulfur filter. It is being sold by the company McMaster-Carr. The part number is 984K13.
Conclusion
The CW 125 will benefit you if you have hard water in your home. It clears and keeps your pipes from clogs, removes and prevents scale buildup on surfaces and fixtures, and increases the functionality and lifespan of appliances that interact with water.
The ClearWave water softener has a limit of 425 ppm water hardness level and .30 ppm iron content level. If needed, complement your water conditioning unit with a traditional softener and use an iron filter if levels exceed .30 ppm.