Limescale Protection Comparison Guide
McAlpine ScaleDefender vs Combimate vs Magnetic Inline Filters
McAlpine ScaleDefender
The strongest polyphosphate‑based limescale inhibitor available. High flow rate, consistent dosing, and excellent boiler protection.
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Full ScaleDefender Article
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- 40,000‑litre cartridge capacity
- 3000 L/hr flow rate
- WRAS & KIWA approved
- Easy‑clean prefilter
- Safe for drinking water
Servicing: Replace cartridge every 6 months.
Annual cost: £50–£70
Cistermiser Combimate (Combiphos)
A reliable budget polyphosphate system using dissolving spheres. Good protection but lower flow performance.
- Two dosing modes
- WRAS approved
- Simple installation
Servicing: Annual Combiphos refill.
Annual cost: £25–£35
Magnetic Inline Filters
Low‑cost, no‑maintenance magnetic conditioners. Provide partial scale reduction only.
- No chemicals
- No cartridges
- No servicing
Annual cost: £0
Performance Comparison Table
| Feature | ScaleDefender | Combimate | Magnetic Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Polyphosphate cartridge | Polyphosphate spheres | Magnetic conditioning |
| Prevents limescale | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Removes existing scale | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Flow performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Boiler protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Annual cost | £50–£70 | £25–£35 | £0 |
Final Recommendation
McAlpine ScaleDefender is the best overall limescale protection system for homes in Norwich. It offers the strongest boiler protection, highest flow rate, most consistent dosing, and the fastest descaling effect.
Combimate is a great budget option.
Magnetic filters should only be used as a minimal, low‑budget solution.
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