To prevent mineral buildup and scale on an ice machine

Water with a high mineral content is referred to as hard water. Calcium and magnesium are absorbed by water when it percolates through the soil.Water is softer in areas where the ground is made of volcanic (igneous) rock. Areas with sedimentary rock, which hardens water, are more prevalent.

Is it Possible for Hard Water to Damage Your Ice Maker?

Calcium and magnesium deposits form scale in your ice maker when you use hard water. Scale is a hard material that binds surfaces and has the consistency of chalk.When your ice machine is filled with hard water, it can cause major problems. Scale adheres to the floats, switches, and evaporator plates of an ice maker. When these components are covered in ice, it can result in costly ice machine repairs. It's best to incorporate a water treatment system when installing an ice machine or ice dispenser to avoid the formation of scale.

Hard water can wreak havoc on manufacturing processes in any industry. Calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and other minerals can be used to make hardness particles, which can react with chemicals used in the manufacturing process. This implies that colours may not be exactly the right tone, and water may be incompatible with chemicals used in finishing procedures. Furthermore, scale buildup caused by hard water can reduce the energy efficiency and lifespan of industrial and commercial water-using appliances, resulting in higher operating expenses.

In my ice machine, how do I deal with hard water?

The following solutions are designed to deal with hard water and prevent scale formation in your ice maker:

1. Water softeners based on salt

Water softeners that use salt to limit mineral concentrations in the water supply are known as salt-based water softeners. The salt replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions through an ion exchange process.Water that is low in magnesium and calcium but high in sodium is the result. Some people may prefer a different system if they want to limit their sodium intake and prefer the benefits of magnesium and calcium.

2. Water Softeners that Don't Use Salt

The term "salt-free water softeners" is a misconception. These systems treat the minerals in the water rather than reducing them.These systems crystallise calcium in the water, preventing it from adhering to surfaces. The magnesium and calcium will remain in the water, but no scale will form.

3. Filters for Phosphate

In hard water areas, phosphate filters are commonly used in ice machine water filters. These filters work in ice makers to treat hard water in the same way that salt-free systems do. This is accomplished by resolving the ionic linkages that exist between magnesium and calcium. The minerals never mix to produce scale when this happens.It's worth noting that phosphate filters don't operate well in hot water. Because ice machines use cold water, most commercial ice machines can use phosphate filters.

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Keep in mind that filters will not remove existing scale from your ice machine. If your ice machine has scale, you should have it cleaned by a skilled ice machine technician. Professional ice machine cleaning involves the use of powerful acidic cleansers that can irritate the skin and eyes.

Hard Water is a term used to describe water that is high in dissolved compounds of calcium and magnesium, and sometimes other metallic elements. It is formed when water moves through soil and rock, where very small amounts of calcium and magnesium are dissolved into the water. The degree of hardness becomes greater as calcium and magnesium content increases. The term "PPM" (parts per million) is used to measure the level of hardness in water: soft 0-17.1ppm, slightly hard 17.1-60ppm, moderately hard 60-120ppm, hard 120-180ppm and very hard 180 or more ppm.

Hard Water in Australia

According to Dr Monika Fekete (Bean Scene Magazine, February 2018), below are the measures of hardness in all major cities in Australia (GH - General Hardness):

  • Perth GH 81ppm
  • Adelaide GH 98ppm
  • Hobart GH 11ppm
  • Melbourne GH 16ppm
  • Canberra GH 22ppm
  • Sydney GH 55ppm
  • Brisbane GH 96ppm
  • Darwin GH 30ppm

These statistics show that WA, SA and QLD are the top 3 states in Australia with a moderate level of hard water.

Australia has quite a unique and diverse climate. Seasons have played a huge role in increasing the levels of calcium and magnesium in Australia's water supply. In summer when there is less rainfall, more bore water is used which adds to water hardness. Did you know, according to an article by Ecosoftwater (January, 2018), Perth uses up to 40% of underground water during the hotter months. During this time, WA residents may notice the water tastes different, can leave stains, and impact their washing and cleaning processes. 

Another give away you are in an area with hard water is the formation of limescale on your tapware or inside your kettle. The white residue (limescale) may cause your shower hear jets to block or leave a white paste-like substance at the bottom of your kettle.

Hard Water and Ice Machines

Overtime, the build-up of calcium and magnesium in your ice machine can cause your ice machine to stop producing ice. Therefore, it is crucial you understand what hard water is, how it can affect your ice machine, signs to look for and most importantly, how to prevent your ice machine from the effects of hard water. 

To prevent mineral buildup and scale on an ice machine
 
To prevent mineral buildup and scale on an ice machine

Signs Your Ice Machine May Be Affected By Hard Water

  • Scale build up in the ice machine
  • Cloudy ice 
  • Foul tasting ice
  • Softer ice
  • Chalk-like, undissolved mineral build-up
  • Brown or reddish stains in ice machine
  • Decrease in ice production

How To Prevent Your Ice Machine From Scale Build-Up

1. Make sure your ice machine has a water filter

a. Depending on the quality of the water, the water filter should be replaced every 6-12 months. In some extreme areas, the water filter may need to be changed more regularly.

b. Overtime, the mineral build-up will clog the filter and cause your ice machine to stop producing ice.

2. Organise a monthly, quarterly or yearly maintenance with a licensed professional

a. They should be able to recognise any potential signs of scale build-up and take all the necessary steps in cleaning, sanitising and de-liming the ice machine.

Water Treatment Around Australia, BeanScene Magazine, 2019 https://www.beanscenemag.com.au/water-treatment-around-australia/

Hard Water by Seasons and Regions, Ecosoftwater, January 2018, http://www.ecosoftwater.com.au/uncategorized/hard-water-by-seasons-and-regions/?v=6cc98ba2045f

How do I stop my ice maker from scaling?

There are a few treatments that can help you prevent scale buildup: Treating your water supply with a dedicated water softener. Adding a phosphate filter to the ice machine. Installing a reverse osmosis system.

What is used to remove mineral buildup in an ice machine?

Tip: If you notice hard water mineral buildup in the interior of your ice machine, use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a baking soda and water paste to remove it.

What is scale in ice machine?

Scale ice is the coldest form of ice with a residual water content of only 2% making it the ideal ice for fresh produce transportation.