Maintenance
The single biggest problem with steam generation is the build-up of scale resulting from dissolved solids within the water. Scaling can cause the heating elements to fail, the water level sensors not to function and premature failure of the O-rings resulting in leaks from around the elements. The extent of the problem will vary, according to the degree of hardness in the local water supply.
For all commercial operators, we recommend using a water softener.
You can expect 2,500 hours of heating element life, with regular maintenance, although this can be serious depleted by poor maintenance. For residential users, with regular maintenance, you can expect over twenty years of daily steam baths before heating element replacement or other significant work. For commercial applications, assuming operation cycles of 15 hours a day, about six months before replacing elements.
All users, commercial and domestic must ensure a regular maintenance routine to descale the generator – the frequency of this will vary according to the degree of hardness in the local water supply and the amount of time the generator is used for. Check the water for hardness and arrange the descaling routine accordingly –
High levels of hardness descale once every 50 to 100 hours of operation.
Medium levels of hardness descale once every 100 to 250 hours of operation.
Low levels of hardness, descale once every 250 to 1,000 hours of operation.
To descale the generator use a solution of weak acid crystals (such as citric acid) mixed with water.