Behind the Flow
It’s Not Magic.
It’s Limescalefree.
Behind the Flow: How Electromagnetic Limescale Descaling Works in Malta
Malta’s tap water is safe to drink and fully EU-compliant — but it is also among the hardest in Europe. Instead of removing minerals from the water, electromagnetic descaling systems are designed to change how limescale forms, reducing long-term damage to pipes, boilers and appliances without chemicals or salt.
What does an electromagnetic limescale descaler actually do?
An electromagnetic limescale descaler does not remove calcium or magnesium from water. Instead, it influences how these minerals behave and crystallise as water flows through the system.
By applying a controlled, variable electromagnetic field around the main water pipe, the system alters the crystallisation process of calcium carbonate. As a result, limescale tends to form as microscopic, less adhesive particles, which are far less likely to bond to metal surfaces, heating elements or pipe walls.
Does it soften the water?
No. Electromagnetic descaling does not soften water and does not remove minerals.
Hardness levels (measured in mg/L CaCO₃) remain unchanged. Calcium and magnesium stay in the water, preserving taste and mineral content.
Is the water still safe to drink?
Malta’s tap water is safe to drink and fully EU-compliant, as confirmed by the Water Services Corporation (WSC) — but it is also among the hardest in Europe.
Why is this approach popular in Malta?
Malta’s geology, limestone aquifers and blended RO water supply create consistently hard water conditions. This leads to rapid limescale buildup in boilers, pumps, solar systems and appliances.
Many households choose electromagnetic descaling because it:
- requires no salt refills or consumables
- produces no wastewater or brine
- works across the entire home from a single installation point
- operates continuously without maintenance
What this looks like in practice
After installation, existing limescale often dries into a fine, powder-like residue instead of hard deposits — making it easier to wipe away.
Real installations in Maltese homes show gradual improvement over weeks as old scale loses adhesion and new scale formation is reduced.
Advantages and limitations of electromagnetic descaling
Advantages
- No salt, chemicals or filters
- Low maintenance
- Whole-house protection
- Compatible with RO and drinking water filters
Limitations
- Does not reduce hardness values
- Does not instantly remove existing scale
- Results are gradual rather than immediate
Limescalefree as an example
Limescalefree (Flodravin) is an example of an electromagnetic descaler used in Malta and other European regions with hard water. It applies variable-frequency electromagnetic signals via external coils mounted on the main water inlet.
Systems of this type are typically installed after the water meter and protect all downstream plumbing without altering water chemistry.
Understanding the difference matters
Electromagnetic descaling is not a replacement for water softening — it is a different strategy. In Malta’s conditions, many households combine drinking water filtration with whole-house descaling to protect appliances while keeping mineral-rich water.