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Water Treatment, Softeners, Limescale removalWater Treatment, Softeners, Limescale removal
Water Imp, the water softener alternative In depth information about the alternative to hard water softeners Products, special offers, and our unique guarantee Order the Water Imp water conditioner Frequently asked questions
Water Treatment, Softeners, Limescale removal    
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Frequently Asked Questions


This FAQ is designed to answer the questions that previous customers have asked us in the past. If you have any questions regarding either hard water or our products then please read through this page. If, however, your question is not answered here, then please feel free to contact us at the details given at the bottom of this page. We have broken the FAQ down into 5 sections:
  1. General Hard Water Related Questions
  2. Ordering / Delivery
  3. Installation / Usage
  4. Unit Diagnostics
  5. Further Information / How to contact us

GENERAL HARD WATER RELATED QUESTIONS 
I live in a hard water area, what are my options?
You have four main options:

1. Do nothing and face the consequences; Increased costs in domestic water heating, early breakdown of your boiler, your hot tank, washing machine, dishwasher and other appliances, blocked showers, need for extra detergents, skin discomfort, tough on baby's skin.
2. Purchase and install a complete traditional water softener, costs up to £2500 ($4000) + installation. Needs a constant supply of salt, which can cost as much as £200 ($300) per annum + running costs. Has to be maintained. Requires a lot of space. Usually needs a separate tap for drinking water.
3. Use an electronic water conditioner from the Water Imp range. DIY INSTALLATION, NO PLUMBING, NO FUSS. Smaller than a box of chocolates. Prevents limescale formation, breaks down existing limescale. NO MAINTAINANCE. Running costs less than £3 ($5) per annum. Environmentally friendly.
4. Spend a fortune on detergents - still wouldn't solve limescale in pipes.
I've got Sulphur, rust, discolouration or funny bits in my water will the Water Imp help?
Our units deal specifically with calcium but as calcium is a carrier there may be an effect on other elements in your water. As water is so capricious we can't make any specific promises about this except to say that we have had positive feedback from users who suffered with these problems and that you can always try one of our units and return it for a full refund if it doesn't work for you within 190 days.
How long have you been in business?
Water Improvements Limited is a well established leader in the UK water treatment market. We have been in business 10 years now and have successful on and off line businesses. Our customer retention rate is 98% and has remained steady over the nine years we have been in business.
I have a power supply with special requirements will your unit work in my country?
We have extensive experience with power supplies and your unit will always be shipped with the correct supply. If we are unsure, and have never sent a unit to your country we may write to you before shipping for further information. We have shipped to over 50 countries throughout the world including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and many others so you can be sure our unit will work in your power sockets.
I have seen more expensive units than the Water Imp. Why is yours cheaper?
We have stable production. We follow simple tenets of fulfillment and respect our purchasers. (The CEO does not have a yacht!)
Do I need more than one unit?
Normally one of our units (according to which type) is sufficient to cover all water entering your house. If after fitting, you find the hot water is precipitating then you can fit a second unit on the feed from the hot tank. This is rarely needed with our units, except in areas of extremely hard water. Just pick the right size unit for your house.
Effectiveness
For 9 years we have not had a lower customer retention rate than 98%. Even so, water is capricious. Water companies often change their source of water due to a range of reasons including unexpected demand, floods, natural disasters, our 190 day full money back guarantee covers these problems.

Our units are not softeners. They are conditioners. Conditioners protect your equipment - boiler, hot tank, valves, dishwasher and washing machines. They make the water more user friendly by improving the quality of laundry. Give a gentler feel for personal use and they often help people's tender skin.
Why do I need an electronic water conditioner?
If you live in a hard water area, limescale will build up in your water system, blocking pipes, reducing the efficiency of your boiler and hot tank. This increases the cost of domestic water heating, often by as much as 15-25%. Limescale build up may also cause the early replacement of your boiler and/or hot tank.

Electronic water conditioners contribute to the improved working, and longer lifespan of, solar heating systems, air conditioning units and many other water based applications where valves, filters & control units are used.

If you would like to see an animation of how our device works, then please click here
Does conditioned water help people with eczema or sensitive skin?
We cannot make medical claims but we have experience of cases where such people have benefited.
Is the treated water fit to drink?
Yes, no chemicals are used and calcium in the water is good for you.
Does water conditioning remove existing limescale build-up?
Yes, water conditioning remedies Limescale problems quickly where the build-up is not too serious. Slowly where the build up is heavy. But it is almost impossible if the pipes are so blocked that the flow of water is totally constricted.

 ORDERING / DELIVERY
Do you have any International agents/distributors?
We ship direct to North America, Europe and indeed anywhere overseas from our main offices in the United Kingdom. Sales and Support is dealt with through our website, by email and by phone.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery is free to anywhere in the world!
How long will delivery take?
Normally units are dispatched within two days of receipt of order. Delivery in the UK is 2-3 working days from the receipt of your order. International orders should be delivered within 7-10 working days by airmail.
The price on my credit card is different to the price shown
We charge for all our units in pounds sterling (£). Some days the rate of exchange for the US dollar varies. Sometimes your credit card company adds its own special charges. Our price remains fixed.

 INSTALLATION AND USAGE QUESTIONS 
Will the device work with my country's power supply?
When we send out your device, we will include the correct power unit for your country, so for instance US orders will receive 110 V 60hz power unit whereas UK orders will receive a 240V power unit.
What is the expected life time of the unit?
The unit is guaranteed for 5 years, the average life expectancy is at least 10 years.
Where is the unit best fitted?
On the rising main i.e. where the main water enters the house, where the main stop cock is.
Can it be fitted on any kind of pipe?
It can be fitted on copper, iron, plastic, galvanised or lead, although lead pipes will reduce its effectiveness considerably.
The illustration shows the unit fitted on a horizontal pipe, but can it be fitted on a vertical pipe?
Yes, it can be fitted on either.
What maintenance is required?
None. Fit it, switch it on, and forget about it. No fuss.
How much space is needed for the aerial (the white cable)?
Approx 2" (5 cm)
Is any plumbing required?
No, there is no plumbing whatsoever.
Is it difficult to install?
No, this is a genuine DIY job, and takes about 20 minutes.
How long is the power cable?
1.8 metres (about 6ft)
Supposing my power point is further away than 6 feet?
You can order an extension lead from our order page, 2 metres in length & specially made for this purpose.

 UNIT DIAGNOSTICS 
How will I know my unit is working?
You will see the green LED lights moving in a sequence. This sequence varies, from fast to slow. If the LED light does not move, switch the unit off, count to 10, then switch it on again. If they still do not move then please phone or email us for advice or a replacement.
Should the unit be left on at all times?
Yes, ALWAYS.
Do the units interfere with HiFi or other kinds of equipment?
No. Our experiences show this does not happen.

 FURTHER INFORMATION / CONTACT US 
Where can I get more advice?
If your questions are not answered in this FAQ then email us and we will be able to advise you.
Alternatively you can phone us on the following numbers:
 
If calling from the UK dial 01252 511882
If calling from anywhere else dial +44 1252 511882
Or write to us at:
 
Water Improvements Limited
Shieling House
Invincible Road
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 7QU
United Kingdom
WaterImp, the alternative to water softeners
 
Remember to mention you found us on the web, we look forward to hearing from you.
Summary

Imp electronic units are not magic boxes. They are specifically designed to alter the nature of calcium in water so that it cannot coagulate. This protects your home equipment and hot water tank, while also benefiting your domestic equipment, washing machine, dishwasher, kettle and coffee maker.

Water is capricious and is different in almost every supply. This is why we offer a 190 day guarantee period. Instead of speculating this helps users to determine if the unit they buy is suitable for their water supply.

98% success over 9 years must surely suggest it's worth trying in your home. Many customers tell us that they notice the benefits that our water conditioning systems provide after only 3 days of use. Others buy a second and third unit within 6 months, others tell their friends and families. See what some of our customers think by clicking here.
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