mains water supply
Michael B.: Which connection method to the water pipe do you recommend?
- I have yet to see a flow ionizer that cannot be connected to the water connection as standard with a diverter valve (diverter aerator) supplied.
This is therefore the standard method. In just a few minutes, a layperson can connect the supply hose (feed water) of the water ionizer.
All you have to do is turn the lever and instead of coming out of the tap, the water flows through the water ionizer via the feed water hose.
- Disadvantages of the diverter aerator: It cannot be connected when a low pressure water heater is connected. Regulating the flow rate requires a certain degree of sensitivity. The feed water hose on the tap is a nuisance when working in the kitchen and is aesthetically unsatisfactory for Western tastes.
- Advantage of the diverter aerator: If you have a faucet with a mixer tap, you can not only produce cold active water, but also lukewarm. Caution: Since most flow ionizers are sensitive to hot water (—> Diaphragm melts), there is a risk of overheating and damage. Therefore, always let the water run through the tap first and test the temperature. The water should not be warmer than lukewarm (37° C). The manufacturers specify different maximum temperatures that must be strictly observed.
- For some devices that I call low-pressure ionizers, the deflection aerator is the only connection option. These devices do not have a built-in valve, so the water flows through unhindered. That's why you can't connect them directly to the water pipe, but you have to connect a tap in between so that the water doesn't flow continuously. These low-pressure devices can usually be recognized by their soft supply hoses with a diameter of more than 7 mm.
- For such devices, which are hardly on the market in Europe anymore, there are special alternative taps as accessories if you don't want to or can't use a deflection aerator. The alternative tap is positioned next to the ionizer on the edge of the sink with a hole through the kitchen countertop and the ionizer is connected to it.
- The alternative tap gets its cold water from the cold water angle valve at the bottom, from where it is branched off using a T-piece. The water supply can be regulated using the rotary knob at the top. The hose with the draining sour water is also connected and the sour water flows neatly from a stainless steel tap without a hose hanging into the sink. This is a good solution aesthetically and technically, but requires an installer due to the work required on the pressure line.
- Since around 2006, there have also been pressure-resistant water ionizers that have a built-in valve so that they can be connected directly to the cold water angle valve using a T-piece. The water supply to these devices is via a thin high-pressure hose. Devices with a solenoid valve initially came onto the market, but they had some problems.
- A solenoid valve only ever switches the water flow off or on, but cannot regulate its quantity. If there are pressure fluctuations in the water pipe, which can occur constantly throughout the day, there is no way to regulate the flow in the ionizer. However, since the flow rate is crucial for achieving a specific pH value, this method is aesthetically pleasing but technically unsatisfactory. In addition, a solenoid valve, which is operated electromechanically, is a wearing part. This technology is therefore usually found in devices that only have a 2-year guarantee. After extensive experience with this type of device, I advise against it.
- Pressure-resistant devices with a built-in mechanical rotary control of the water flow are preferable. As with standard water fittings, this enables guarantee periods of 5 to 15 years. Pressure fluctuations can be easily compensated for in conjunction with a flow display. This is also a good solution aesthetically and technically and is currently the cutting edge of technology. Some manufacturers also supply a small ball valve that is integrated into the water supply line to the device. This allows the water flow to be regulated even more precisely.
- This is also a good solution aesthetically and technically and is currently the cutting edge of technology. Some manufacturers also supply a small ball valve that is integrated into the water supply line to the device. This allows the water flow to be regulated even more precisely.
- —> Under-sink water ionizers usually have solenoid valve technology. Once the flow rate has been set, even if the water pressure fluctuates, it can only be regulated by crawling under the sink. Luxury sometimes has its limits.
Excerpt from the book by Karl Heinz Asenbaum: “Electro-activated water – An invention with extraordinary potential. Water ionizers from A – Z”
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