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How to Make a Magnetic Water Softener

Christopher Donahue

Hardness in water is a result of dissolved minerals, usually calcium with components of magnesium, iron and others.
Unlike other softeners, magnetic softeners do not remove or replace these minerals, but are sometimes reported to reduce the scaling effect of hard water. Magnetic softeners are relatively cheap and easy to install and have not been proved to be harmful.

  1. Locate the water line at a point near your home's foundation.

  2. Use your shovel to carefully clear an area around the incoming line (at least 6 inches clearance around the pipe when done) to allow complete access to an 8-inch or larger length of exposed pipe.

  3. Clean the pipe using water and sandpaper for a tight fit.

  4. Clamp the magnet (using straps, carriage bolts or epoxy as included with the clamp housing) tightly around the pipe.

  5. Refill the excavation, being careful to pack earth tightly under the pipe, so the water line is not stressed in the future.