Descaling system yes/no, experiences?

Hello everyone,

I have to disagree with Hertweck a bit, BG Uster was clear in its explanations. Surely there is also a (side) benefit to wear parts like pumps, etc. but the main benefit arises from the special rights of the condominium owners and increases convenience and luxury. As long as this ruling is not overturned, it is relevant for my work and I will continue to have the related resolutions adopted unanimously. I know that many do not agree with the ruling, nevertheless it is still a precedent at the moment.

It is also clear to me that pipes and pumps will possibly show fewer defects due to softer water. However, in my opinion, the statement somehow implies that the lifespan is significantly increased and from experience that is not always the case. Furthermore, investment, replacement, and operating costs must be taken into account and these could easily replace one or the other pump!

The replacement of parts of the building technology can at best be postponed. To assume that a water softening system makes the annual reserves for building maintenance in this area obsolete would, in my humble opinion, be negligent.

Sunny regards

Markus Scholdei

I am somewhat surprised, I am reading something about descaler - conversion systems are based on conversion processes (nanotechnology) that have not been researched over a long period. Can one really be obligated to install a system that carries out such dangerous conversions into the water supply?

Dear Mr. Scholdei,
my administrator is asking for a reference - i.e. a citation of the judgment ([Urteilsnummer] or similar). Do you have this available?

Thank you very much for your efforts,
Lt12

Hello everyone,

since I do not know the content and reasoning of the cited judgment of the BG Uster (it cannot be found using the search function on their homepage either), I cannot discuss this matter.

What is important, however: limescale deposits deteriorate water hygiene; the rough surface of the limescale layer can lead to an increase of microorganisms in the pipes. Since the operator (e.g. homeowner association) of house water installations is responsible for drinking water quality, regular inspections are recommended.

Of course, as a condominium owner, one can insist that softening of lime-containing water is generally a luxury and that one does not want to pay for it. Then the community (with him) will later pay the consequences. But as said, first check whether a softening system is technically even necessary, then plan further (or have it planned). This also benefits water hygiene.

Hello everyone,

BG Uster, judgment of January 28, 2003, case no. FO010146. However, a written request to the court is necessary to obtain access to the judgment.

Sunny regards
Markus Scholdei

I am somewhat surprised, I am reading something about descalers - conversion systems are based on conversion processes that have not been researched for a long time (nanotechnology). Can one really be obligated to install a system that performs such dangerous conversions into the water supply?

Hello Lt12

There have always been meters, millimeters, micrometers, nanometers... So the description of the function of the CoralFor.. lime conversion system is merely an estimated size indication of the lime particles as they come from the public water network. It certainly has nothing to do with nanotechnology as it made headlines. I trust this system much more because it is kept clean through regular thermal disinfection. It is different with ion exchange descaling systems (salt systems), where very well dangerous conversion processes could take place... be glad they don’t want to install one of those at your place!! In Switzerland it is required that a certain amount of silver is deposited in the resins of these salt-based systems to at least guarantee somewhat acceptable hygiene. However, silver is, after mercury, one of the most toxic heavy metals for water organisms, so just 10 NANOgrams (one hundredth of a millionth of a gram) lead to the death of certain organisms. Through the silver, non-resistant bacteria are killed in these salt-based descaling systems, but this automatically promotes the growth of multi-resistant bacteria. In the worst assumed case, these multi-resistant bacteria might nest in the body of an unsuspecting shower user through a small injury, causing them to have to go to the hospital later, where no effective antibiotics are available anymore against the multi-resistant bacteria...