What is limescale and why is it a problem?
Israel's drinking water is rich in calcium and magnesium. When the water heats up or evaporates, these minerals settle and form a hard layer — limescale.
The damage isn't only cosmetic. Limescale shortens the life of the dishwasher, washing machine and water heater, raises the electricity bill — a one-millimetre layer on a heating element adds about 10% to consumption — and reduces water pressure in faucets and showers.
How do you know you have a limescale problem?
- White spots on dishes after the dishwasher.
- A white layer around faucet spouts and the shower head.
- A kettle that builds up a layer within weeks.
- Soap that doesn't lather well, and dry skin after a shower.
- A gradual drop in water pressure.
What's the difference between a scale filter and a water softener?
This is the most important question, and many customers get confused about it.
A scale-inhibiting filter doesn't remove the calcium from the water. It changes the way the minerals crystallise, so they don't stick to pipes and heating elements. It's a cheap, compact solution with no routine maintenance.
A water softener actually removes the calcium, through an ion-exchange process. The result is much better — and also much more expensive, and it requires space, salt and maintenance.
For most homes in Israel, a scale-inhibiting filter is the right balance between cost and result.
What solutions exist?
Whole-house central filter
Installed at the water inlet to the apartment and protects the whole home at once — water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, faucets and showers. From ₪900.
Amiad filters
Made in Israel, suited to the local water quality. Amiad Compact ₪800, Amiad Alpha ₪1,100, and the advanced Alpha system ₪1,500.
Washing machine filter
A targeted solution for the appliance most sensitive to limescale. Mini filter ₪120, and a full dedicated filter ₪1,500.
Dishwasher scale inhibitor
CALCLEAN — a simple solution for the dishwasher only. ₪250.
How often should it be replaced?
Whole-house filter — once a year in a normal household. Replacement cartridge from ₪120. In areas with particularly hard water it's worth checking after eight months.
A filter past its time doesn't just stop working — it starts to become an obstruction and reduces pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Does a scale filter also improve the taste of the water?
Not significantly. Its job is to prevent build-up, not to improve taste. For good-tasting drinking water you need a separate kitchen filter or a reverse osmosis system.
Can it be installed in a rented apartment?
Yes. Point-of-use filters for the washing machine or dishwasher are fitted without touching the pipes, and you can take them with you when you move. A whole-house central filter requires the landlord's approval.
Does it affect water pressure?
A working, clean filter — hardly at all. A filter that hasn't been replaced on time — definitely yes. It's the most common cause of pressure drops we're called out for.
We're in an apartment building — is it possible?
Yes. The filter is installed at the water inlet to your apartment only, not the building. No building committee approval is needed.
How long does installation take?
A point-of-use filter — about a quarter of an hour. A whole-house central filter — about an hour, including a short water shut-off and installing a bypass.
Why with us?
We install filters in the field every week and know exactly what works in which area. We won't sell you a ₪6,600 softener when a ₪900 filter will do the job.
Want to know what suits your home? Send us a WhatsApp photo of the water inlet point or of the affected appliance — we'll diagnose it and come back with a recommendation.
