ScaleBlaster SB-75 Electronic Water Conditioning System Review
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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Contents
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The ScaleBlaster model SB-75 is a water conditioning system that solves hard water problems without the need of chemicals, salt or maintenance.
To be more precise, the ScaleBlaster SB-75 prevents lime-scale deposits on the surfaces of pipes in your plumbing system and water-using appliances and also removes already existing deposits.
As a result, it will prolong the life of your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher – you name it!
In addition, Clearwater Enviro Technologies, Inc. – the company who invented the ScaleBlaster – promises that scale on kitchen and bathroom fixtures will swipe off more easily or disappear entirely.
On top of that, soap lathering improves and your skin will feel less dry and so will your hair.
ScaleBlaster SB-75 |
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| Price: | $ |
| Capacity: | Unlimited |
| Tech: | Electronic Water Descaler |
| Made in USA: | |
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Our Rating
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ScaleBlaster SB-75 Water Conditioning System – Key Features
The big difference between a common salt-based water softener and the ScaleBlaster SB-75 is that the latter does neither require salt, nor does it waste any water in order to regenerate.
This is (A) great for people on a salt restricted diet and (B) benefits the environment because no salt is discharged into our surface and groundwater sources.
Not to mention that there’s absolutely no maintenance required which means no monetary commitment on your side.
Whom was the SB-75 designed for? Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide a concise answer to this question. CET says that the product is suited for small to large homes (up to 4,000 sq. ft.) with moderately hard to very hard water (up to 19 gpg) and was designed for indoor use only.
The pipe size capacity is up to 1 1/4″ in diameter. Please note that the unit only works with non-magnetic based pipe types, such as PVC, PEX or copper.
However, the installation involves wrapping a cable around the outside of the pipe. This small area is about 6 to 8 inches long and thus can easily be replaced by non-magnetic pipe, in case you have galvanized pipes for example.
How exactly does the conditioning process work?
Other than a regular salt softener, the ScaleBlaster does not reduce hardness level and TDS, since it does not take anything out of the water.
Instead, it produces a wave current that causes calcium molecules, the mineral mainly responsible for scaling, to precipitate or collide with each other to the point where they form large crystals and lose their surface adhesiveness.
What’s more, the now “empty” water molecules attract calcium molecules from already existing scale deposits. According to the creators of ScaleBlaster, it takes about 3 months to fully de-scale all pipes, depending on how much water you use and how bad the scaling is.
This is why Clearwater Enviro Technologies, Inc. offers a full 90-day money-back guarantee on all ScaleBlasters. Speaking of guarantee, each unit comes with a 3-year warranty which can also be extended.
SB-75 Pros
We wanted to point out one more time that the main benefit of this water conditioner is that it prevents and removes scale deposits, while not relying on chemicals or salt as any regular ion exchange water softener does.
This makes it not only a healthy and eco-friendly solution to hard water, it also means that the ScaleBlaster requires zero maintenance.
We also like that the system is UL and cUL listed. UL stands for “Underwriters Laboratories” and applies to products that have been designed and certified for the U.S. market, which guarantees that they comply with the respective U.S. safety standards.
The cUL mark is the equivalent intended for the Canadian market.
The ScaleBlaster SB-75 – learn more on amazon.com
Installation + Startup Instructions
First of all, the ScaleBlaster box is super small and only takes up minimal space when mounted on a wall in your garage, basement, or wherever you want to install it.
It’s also very simple to hook up with no plumbing required.
Here’s how:
If a softener is not equipped with a bypass valve, we recommend you provide for one for ease of maintenance. Also, make sure to comply with local plumbing codes.
Remember that you should place the box as close as possible to where the main cold water line enters your home. For people on a private well, the best location is after the pressure tank.
Also, the ScaleBlaster requires an electrical outlet nearby (within 5 feet) and should be placed as far away as possible from any elbows, valves, couplings or tees. A 12″ straight pipe section is enough – horizontal or vertical doesn’t matter.
- First, make sure the unit is firmly mounted on a stable surface.
- Take the blue signal cable and insert it into one of the two terminal block holes – you’re free to pick either.
- Run the cable to the inlet pipe.
- Use one of the cable ties to fasten the cable to the pipe.
- Wrap the remaining part of the cable around the pipe. Check the manual to verify how many wraps you should end up with.
- Make sure that the wraps are neatly stacked next to each other with no free space between them, and no overlapping.
- Use another cable tie to fasten the cable.
- If you’re using copper pipes, you’ll have to wrap the pipe a second time. Just do another wrap over the first one, ensuring to follow the same direction you originally used.
- Check to verify that the second wrap layer is firmly pressed against the first.
- If you did two wraps, use another cable tie to fasten the cable.
- Cut off any loose cable.
- Take the end of the cable and attach it to the second terminal block hole of the power box.
- Do your best to ensure that the incoming and outgoing signal wires don’t come in physical contact with each other.
- Connect the unit to a power supply.
- If you see a green scrolling effect on the LED panel, you’ve set everything up correctly.
Video
The following video will walk you through the basic installation steps:
The Package (Parts)
- SB-75 power unit, 7.5″ x 4.75 X ” 2.13″, ABS molded plastic, 15 Watt
- AC adapter, 120 volt class, UL approved
- Signal cable, 46 ft. long
- 4x nylon cable ties
- Warranty card
- Installation & operation manual
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
Simply put, this product does not require any programming or maintenance. All you have to do is install it once, then you can forget about it.
Manual
You can find a manual for the ScaleBlaster SB-75 by following this link: https://www.scaleblaster.com/wp-content/uploads/docs/installation-75.pdf
SB-75 Cons
There are two issues that we have with ScaleBlaster conditioners in general:
- If you purchase them on Amazon or Ebay, you get no warranty (don’t ask why, we don’t know).
- Some customers did not see a difference after installing a ScaleBlaster. They had the same level of scaling and hard water stains as before.
ScaleBlaster SB-75 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
There definitely are mixed opinions about the ScaleBlaster 75. While the majority of customers are happy with their purchase and say that the conditioner works like a charm, some are very disappointed saying that it has no positive effect whatsoever.
In our opinion, you should give the ScaleBlaster a try. After all, you get a 90-day money-back guarantee and considering the low costs, what do you have to lose? The customer service is responsive and helpful.
Of course, this device won’t make all your hard water problems vanish magically. But if you find yourself battling limescale less often, that’s already a great start.
In our opinion, the ScaleBlaster SB-75 is best for salt-free water conditioning in small households with up to medium hardness levels.
P.S. If you are not convinced yet, you might want to take a look at the following 2-minute video recorded by a satisfied ScaleBlaster user:
More Reviews:
This completes our ScaleBlaster SB-75 review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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