Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if there is scale in my water?

Hard to remove white spots or crusts on fixtures are the first visible signs of untreated water hardness. Reduced water pressure is the next common sign. As scale forms over time, it reduces the inner diameter of pipes and elbows, ultimately leading to restrictions in flow rate and pressure loss. Malfunctioning appliances can also be a warning sign. Scale often becomes encrusted on internal moving parts of valves and components, affecting their intended purpose or worse, causing safety failures. Increased energy costs is another clue that your plumbing and heating systems may have scale. Heating elements in a boiler or hot water tank can become coated with scale, reducing the system efficiency and increasing operating costs.

How does OneFlow technology differ from a Water Softener?

OneFlow technology uses a specially designed media to combine the dissolved primary hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate) into a relatively insoluble microscopic crystals that can not cause harm downstream. A water softener, on the other hand, uses the principles of “ion exchange” to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water while replacing them with sodium ions. A water softener requires a control valve, backwashing, drain line, regeneration and a brine tank to store salt. OneFlow technology requires nothing but an inlet and outlet connection. Learn more

How do OneFlow system operating costs compare with water softeners?

Based on a 4-person home using 75 gallons per person daily, OneFlow can save the average household up to $300 annually because there’s no need for the salt replacement and electricity.

Does OneFlow technology remove important minerals in water?  

No. OneFlow technology preserves the beneficial mineral content while preventing the possible negative scale formation associated with these minerals. By rendering the hardness minerals harmless while keeping them present, you truly get the best of both worlds. Other treatment methods fall short. In a 2005, a report on Nutrients in Drinking Water, the World Health Organization writes…“We conclude that hard water is good because it contains nutrients valuable in themselves…To minimize heart disease risk, the ideal water should contain sufficient calcium and magnesium to be moderately hard.”

Does OneFlow technology remove other chemicals found in city water, such as Fluoride and Chlorine?

No. We all know the important role that chlorine (or chloramine) plays in a public water system. It assures the delivery of safe potable water to every customer. Fluoride is commonly added to municipal water systems because of the proven benefits it possesses in helping to develop children’s teeth and to prevent tooth decay. OneFlow media, by itself, does not remove either of these additives from water. However, some OneFlow cartridge systems contain carbon-based media to remove and reduce chlorine in Food Service and other Point-Of-Use applications.

Does the media in OneFlow+ or a OneFlow System need to be replaced?

Yes. Systems should be installed with this in mind. Isolation valves with a by-pass loop are recommended for commercial applications so the tank(s) can be taken off-line for media replacement. Please refer to and follow the instructions in the Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual included with your selected type of OneFlow system. Most OneFlow systems require media or cartridge change every 3 years.

What are the ongoing maintenance costs and considerations for OneFlow technology?

One of the great benefits of the OneFlow technology is the dramatically reduced maintenance requirements. Other than the planned media replacement (drinking water filters and cartridges), there is nothing else required.

What are some of the ideal applications for OneFlow technology?

Professional applications include: Hotels, Restaurants, Apartments, Office Buildings, Condo Complexes, Irrigation Systems, Humidifiers, Distillers, Residential/Light Commercial Blow Down Type Steam Generators, Tankless Water Heaters, RO Pre-Treatment, Misting Systems, and Laundromats. OneFlow is not suitable for closed loop systems.

What factors may effect OneFlow’s system performance?

Water chemistry and peak flow rate are the guidelines used to assure optimal system performance. Most municipally treated (city) water falls well within our performance guidelines to ensure scale control results. However, there are chemistry limitations related to possible foulants and interference ions. Water known to contain visible dirt and debris must be strained using a wye-pattern strainer or equivalent (100 mesh) before the OneFlow system tank within the complete configuration. More details are available on the product data sheets and operating manuals. As with any water treatment technology, correct sizing of the system is important to ensure proper performance. However, OneFlow technology is more forgiving of flow variations and unplanned peaks than a conventional water softener.

Are there any application limitations to OneFlow technology?

Untreated well water may pose a limitation to OneFlow technology due to the unknown chemistry it often possesses. High hardness is never a problem for OneFlow technology, but with well water, hardness minerals are often accompanied by other contaminants with levels outside of our operating guidelines. Additionally, closed-loop systems that do not offer a “blow-down” or “flush valve” are not recommended because the micro-crystals need to exit the system.

How easy is it for professionals to install a OneFlow System?

For anyone who has ever installed a Water Pressure Reducing Valve or a Backflow Preventer, installation of a OneFlow System will be relatively easy. Tank Systems offer “sweat” or “plastic MPT” connection sizes in 3/4 in., 1 in. and 1-1/4 in. Larger tanks offer single socket or manifold connections in 2 in. sizes. OneFlow System installation accessories are offered to accommodate most applications. OneFlow Systems are compact, allowing for easy installation when space is limited, and they are light weight making it easy for the installer to transport with nothing more than a hand truck.

Why is OneFlow technology a “Green” technology?

OneFlow technology is truly a “Green product” because it saves water and energy in the following ways:

  • Reduces Energy Consumption – OneFlow technology uses no electricity and reduces energy consumption by keeping heat transfer surfaces free of energy-robbing scale formation.
  • Reduces Chemical or Raw Material Consumption – OneFlow technology requires no chemicals or significant ongoing consumables (salt, as an example)
  • Reduces Waste Water Discharge and Water Consumption – Because OneFlow technology does not discharge or require backwashing, it meets both objectives
  • Reduces Space Requirements – OneFlow systems use approximately 75% less floor space than water softeners. Some OneFlow units are wall mounted.
  • Retains Natural Benefits of the Water – OneFlow technology retains minerals, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.