Lime filter on the tap can be harmful – expert explains why

Danger for health and water pipes

Expert warns of lime filters

A small gadget is intended to significantly improve the quality of your tap water. And it's not even expensive. But experts warn of the insertable limestone filters.

Many online shops and social networks are currently prominent lime filters for water taps. These are small plastic gadgets for 20 to 50 euros that are simply put over the pearlator. Special tools or specialist knowledge should not be necessary for assembly. The advertising promises that the tap water comes out of the line in no time at all and lime -free. An additional, expensive descaling system is therefore no longer necessary.

T-Online has at the Central Association Sanitary Heating Klima (ZVSHK) e. V. asked whether these products are useful and also good. The answers are clear.

Frank Ebisch, Head of Communication and press spokesman at the ZVSHK, explains that fittings are usually secured by the free run on the washbasin and on the sink. The expert assumes that such devices must not be officially used for private use. “To connect any devices directly to the fittings is only permitted if suitable materials are used and a safety device according to DIN EN 1717 and DIN 1988-100 is installed.”

In our research, however, we found that the devices have no information on this. Accordingly, it cannot be assumed that they correspond to the standards.

If you want to buy a descaling system, you should make sure that it has been installed according to DIN EN 806-4 and that your operation of the drinking water installation is carried out according to DIN EN 806-5, advises. “To do this, the connectee undertakes according to AVBwasserV.”

The standard stipulates that no changes to the use of the water may be made. This ensures the safety of the fittings and a possible return flow must be prevented. And that is exactly what the problem can be with the fittings, explains Ebisch.

“The background is as follows: If an apparatus is grown that can change the water quality, then a corresponding backup must be incorporated. However, since withdrawal fittings usually have a free run, no backup is installed. The water can therefore flow back into the line system.”

This can become a serious problem for the management system, but especially for your own health. Because if salts or other deposits come into the line, there is a chemical change in the drinking water.

“It can be unpleasant to worse if microorganisms such as algae and bacteria or fungi can multiply in the attached device. If they are sucked back into the line, there is a risk to health,” warns the expert.

Ebisch therefore advises against the protection of consumers to assemble such or similar additions to the withdrawal fittings. And for the T-online reader, he has another health tip: “Always consult the specialist. Where water treatment makes sense, the craft also knows suitable and safe solutions.”