Do NOT Buy! Here is Why Flow Tech Is NOT Worth It
Reasons Why Flow Tech Might NOT Be Worth It
Flow tech is not actually a water softener so does not produce soft water and doesn’t actually turn hard water soft.
It does not filter your water. This means that if your water is full of contaminants then it will remain so even after it’s been treated with Flow-Tech.
Prices are not up front and it seems that you need a “water analysis” and maybe even a sales visit before they will quote you a price.
There are not many verified customer reviews online so very difficult to judge if it really works or not.
It seems you can not install it yourself and will need to hire a certified licensed professional licensed contractor. This increases the up-front costs radically and means the company can charge (or over charge) as it seems you can’t just hire the friendly local family plumber.
You can’t buy Flow-tech from 3rd party sites and retailers like Amazon. This is unfortunate because being listed on Amazon lets us know if it’s a reputable company or not. We also miss out on all the genuine customer reviews that Amazon provides.
There is a Flow Tech “satisfaction guarantee” but I can’t find any details of this after lots of searching. More upfront information about their guarantees will make it easier to know how much the company stands by their claims. (Please leave a comment below if you know what the warranty/guarantee details are and I’ll be happy to update this post).
What is a Flow Tech “Water Softener” System?
Flow tech (sometimes spelled “Flow-Tech”, “FlowTech” or “FlowTec”) technology is a salt free softener alternative that promises to eliminate existing limescale and prevents new scale from building up.
The result of this will be better water flow, a reduction of limescale and longer lasting home appliances.
How Does Flow Tech Work?
It works by using a low frequency signal that pulses several thousand times per second. When this is connected to your pipes then the electromagnetic signal will reverse the charge of the dissolved minerals present in water.
This should prevent hard minerals from sticking to your pipes and plumbing.
Therefore resulting in little or no limescale stains or any deposits at the bottom of your kettle.
If this works, it could be a game changer for the water softener industry:
- No more necessary salt or sodium.
- A device that needs less space than a regular softener.
- Does not need to be plumbed in so great for people renting or that don’t want to make permanent changes to their property.
- It can work for a main pipe that is up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
So if this works, what’s not to love?
Why To Be Skeptical
Personally, I am very skeptical about this technology and this is what motivated me to write this Flow Tech review.
It’s already been around for a few years but has not revolutionised the industry, why?
If this sort of thing really worked then homes, commercial and industrial settings across the world would use this on mass.
Something that treats hard water without the extra costs, maintenance, chemicals, space and inefficiencies of traditional softeners is the holy grail in the water industry.
Flow Techs BEST Selling Points?
As discussed previously, this water conditioning system promises to prevent limescale and treat the existing scale in your pipes.
Can help you save money because you will not have to deal with all the costs of regular softeners.
For example, the on-going costs of salt/sodium, water and electricity. If it is successful in reducing the effects of hardness then there are other cost-saving opportunities.
For instance, your home appliances will last longer without hard water limescale damage.
No need for chemicals or salt.
A great feature for people interested in reducing salt usage. This is unlike regular water softeners. However, the downside of not using salt is that you will NOT actually get soft water. Soft water can only be generated with salt (at the present time).
Removes scale previously present in plumbing.
This is unlike other products that will only treat new issues. Flow-Tech promises to remove any scale already present in the plumbing system as well as treating new water.
Helps to protect your appliances.
Following on from the previous point, hard water limescale causes all types of problems. One of them is the appearance of difficult to wash limescale stains. This can appear everywhere from faucets, sinks, washing machines to the shower.
Prevents future scale buildup.
The marketing material says that it prevents this by “increasing efficiency and flow”.
Space saving solution.
This is because you only need an extra 4″ x 6″ of space around your pipes. This is far less than the space one needs for traditional water softeners. Therefore this is a great option for people that don’t have a lot of space.
On-going maintenance is not necessary.
You should be able to set it and forget it once properly installed.
Flowtech Water Solutions Reviews
This is by far my biggest issue with Flow Tech. There are very little verified customer reviews available online.
And the little amount of reviews available seem to come directly from the manufacturer. For instance, the vast majority of customer reviews online right now are from Flow Tech’s own FaceBook page.
Of the reviews that do exist very few of them seem to be from actual verified customers. A bunch of the reviews are from plumbers (presumably certified contractors linked to the organisation).
Also, their products are not available from 3rd party retailers like Amazon. This means even less opportunities to see verified customer flow tech home max reviews.
Flow Tech Installation?
Unlike other electromagnetic water softener alternatives, this is one that you can’t apparently install yourself.
This is unlike similar products like the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler.
You will also need a professional certified Flow Tech technician to install it for you after an initial inspection. It also probably means that you can only hire a certified technician to fix anything if it goes wrong.
This is slightly concerning because other water companies that have similar sales practices tend to up-sell their products wildly.
How Much Does Flow Tech Cost?
Unfortunately prices are not upfront so these are just guesses.
However, I’ve seen quotes for wholesale prices between $100-150 for the INDIVIDUAL flow-tech max anti-scale system. Some people report seeing them available at Home Depot for $125-$175 (actual price depends on the model you choose).
However, UNAVOIDABLE installation costs usually take the whole package (product + installation) well over $1200+.
Is Flow Tech WORTH It?
The short answer is NO, especially if you have extremely hard water.
$1200 – $2000 doesn’t seem worth it for something that doesn’t even filter your water.
A full water softener (including installation) costs a fraction of this. For instance, a basic softener is around $1200-ish and installation can go for $300-ish.
Also similar products like the Eddy Descaler only cost around $200 without needing to pay extra for a “certified licensed plumber”.
So let’s point out some facts:
- Flow Tech does NOT filter anything.
- It does NOT soften.
- There are hardly any positive verified online reviews.
If you think Flow-Tech is still a worthwhile investment for “descaling your pipes” despite ALL of the drawbacks above then there are much better options out there.
The most obvious being the Eddy Descaler because it is much cheaper, has lots of verified customer reviews and is backed by Amazon’s A-Z customer guarantee.
However, if you’re going to be spending this type of money (i.e. over $1200) anyway then why not get something that is actually guaranteed to work?
OR
A salt free option like Aquasana Rhino that includes a powerful water filter.
So aside from conditioning your water it will also filter out bacteria, viruses, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and much more.
There is the option to get it with a professional installation kit so you can install it yourself.
Aquasana has lots of verified positive customer reviews that you can check on places like Amazon.
You can also purchase it direct from Aquasana who regularly offer a better price and service.
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| Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water). | Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water). |
| Does NOT require electricity. | Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor. |
| Control Your System With An App:? NO | Control Your System With An App:? YES |
| - Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty. | - Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty. |
| $$$ Ships to US and CA. | $$$ Ships to US, CA and Puerto Rico. |
| Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link. | |
| If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50 | Coupon Code: GEEK5 |
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First, I have a Flowtech home descaler on my home, and have had it for approximately 2 years now. I live in Arizona where some of the hardest water exists. I will never claim this to be better than any other product, except comparable products. For example, the eddy descaler (or any magnetic coil based system) only descales within the section of piping with the coil and approximately 12 inches on either side. This is has been shown many times with these units when a re-pipe is completed. Flowtech sends a signal that is good in up to 1 mile of piping. If you have soft water on your home, you will be destroying your water heater tank. Here is where you I am with this: What type or maintenance do I want to have in addition to my other house chores? What is my ultimate goal with water treatment? What are the things on my water system that bother me?
What I did on my home was install a pre-sediment filter at my main riser, installed a water conditioner, a activated carbon filter, and a Flowtech descaler. I did not change my water heater or perform a maintenance when I bought (2 years ago) my home. I replaced my anode rod and installed Flowtech. The damages to my shower valve and trim was REVERSED by Flowtech, my dishwasher started working again, but like others….I still had water spots, however, they wiped away with ease.
All-in-all, the flowtech is an amazing product and IS revolutionizing the industry. By the way, this is technology that the oil industry has used for DECADES. I was skeptical of the product myself until I installed it and saw the benefits.
I received an estimate for a tankless water heater and a Flow-Tech Whole House Descaler here in Southern California. The Descaler alone was $2800 which I thought to be way over priced since there are systems available on Amazon for $200-300 (YARNA CWD24 & EDDY Electronic) that you can install in about an hour. I researched all units and they seem to do the same thing for a fraction of the cost? Have you had experience with these less expensive units?
Hi Steven
My personal experience is that water descalers do not work although other people seem to see positive results.
It might be worth trying the cheaper Eddy if you buy from a place like Amazon that has a robust refund policy. However, a regular water softener is the only option if you want a guaranteed solution to hard water.
Stay hydrated,
Luke
Had 2 Flow-Tech systems installed near two water heaters 6 months ago as part of a copper repiping of 85 year old house. It had no beneficial effect. It was replacing a perfectly good sodium based softener. Water is as hard as water in irrigation outside the house. Soon noticed scale in toilet at water’s edge. Wine glasses come out of dishwasher with cloudy film that has to be washed off. With previous “softener” system glasses come out perfectly clear.
Cost was about $4000! I feel that I’ve been scammed by the plumber who installed it. He may actually believe the manufacturer’s bs.
I’m having the entire installation removed to be replaced with an actual water softener.
I have a tankless water heater. I am now getting a quote for $3300 to install Flow-Tech Home and $4500 for Flow-Tech Pure. Seems like a lot for a descaled and filter.
We have had the same hot water tank (one of two) for 23 years. It heats the water very well, and so far, no leaks. However, will replace it to prevent a probable flood in our basement. Had to have our septic drain field replaced in 2022 (#3, lasted >20 years).Told failure caused by chemicals in water softener. Plumber recommends “Watt’s One Flo.” Your opinion?
Just got one installed with a full re-pipe (PEX) to our home. Interested to see how this goes, I’ll post updates down the road.
Hi Rick
Yes, please keep us updated 🙂
Stay hydrated,
Luke
My name is Robert Brown. I am a licensed plumber, water distribution manager with over 20 years of plumbing, and water treatment experience in 40 of the United States. I’ve installed Flow-Tech electronic descalers for a few years now. I do not work for Flow-Tech, but have installed a lot of them in the Spokane Washington,, and Coeur d’lane Idaho are where scale is a big problem. They work great! Better than softeners.
“Better than softeners”.. Really? Are we not on the same web page right now comparing actual softeners and descalers? lol So for someone who’s having skin issues and hair issues due to hard water you are saying descaler works “better than softener”? Sure, we believe you…
A Flowtech system came with our recent house purchase. The previous owners got this sold to them with a new too large GAS water heater replacement (there is a very good solar system fully owned) by the biggest and supposedly best plumbing firm in San Diego. I have some plumbing behind me and a science major. I have found many errors by the plumbers and this made me suspicious of the vulnerability of the previous owners to hype. As noted in the article there is scant real info on the website to justify the claims. However, after 6 months we don’t have serious scale build-up. We do get some soap scum, but that is to be expected since the water is not softened. Does it really work? Is it dangerous to Copper piping especially the thinner wall versions? Dunno. Scientist do not like claims without independent properly done testing. So, we’ll see how this goes down the line. Note: the previous owner reported several pinhole leaks over the years, but this seems to be normally the case with aging Copper pipe. Considering repipe with PEX as the idiot original plumber 25 yrs ago put the pipes in the attic rather than the crawl space. Doh!
Glad to read your review. I was being sales talked to install one in the amount of $2094.40. I called around to find a cheaper one to install and no one is returning my call. Weird!
I have one install for $1830 The Installation was done by 1st call plumbing out of San Antonio Texas
I have a large electric water heater which they drained for me , The cost is usually $200 for this service, I asked for a military veterans discount So the technician called the company And was told I couldn’t get what’s to say had done the draining of the water tank for nothing, Golden girl
I’ve done extensive studies on similar pulsed magnetic water treatment systems as well as rare earth magnets. Both have the problem of stripping the copper from the pipes and plating out on any steel parts in the system. There is some strange science here that no one has addressed, but these failures are costing many facilities tremendous amounts and they don’t know what’s causing it.
Who makes Flow Tech?
I found scale buildup in my sprinklers in my hand sprayers call mom is there anything that can be done about this they won’t even come and take it out. I want my money back. PS my water stinks still.
Local Plumber have me an estimate of $3,200 to install. Ensured that is what we needed. After reading reviews and lack of documentation, deferred purchase until I can determine if it is worth the exorbitant price.
Flowteck purchase Spring 2021 was huge costly mistake. Dishes covered with sandy substance, large amount white sediment around faucets and freestyle humidifier filter quickly saturated with yellow scale. Hard water problem greatly increased with Flowteck. Also need to add dishwasher cleaner or dishwasher booster every load. Rinse Aid does not work.
We were charged about $2100 for our new Flow Tech System including installation and are not happy with it at all. There has been no change within the last 8 months to the amount of constant buildup I am seeing around all of faucets. What an uttter disappointment. I have reached out and asked the company to look at it next week for a resolution. I am regretting the purchase though. Thanks, Maxine
The Flow Tech system I was sold is a complete rip off. My previous neighbor who is a plumber installed my water heater and said this Flow Tech would keep my WH from collecting scale AND it would prevent all the faucets in my home from collecting hard water deposits. Well, after I paid him $1,100 to install it, after one year I still have to use CLR or Lime-Away on all of my faucets every week or they are show all the hard water scale. Do not get duped into buying this junk like I did! It is just that, Pure Junk!
I have a flow tech system sold to me in Arizona. The water in the house measures 400 ppm! that’s right! it clearly does not soften the water. Constant white deposits are everywhere … the shower, dishwasher, sinks. This thing cost me $2,862 in 2018.
Do I think Flow Tech is worth it?
No. Not with the hard water here in Arizona. Flow Tech doesn’ t soften the water.
A bad idea to pitch to customers.
$2,500 plus doesn’t seem worth it for something that doesn’t even filter your water. A full water softener including installation is much cheaper than the Flow Tech fully installed.Â
I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the Yarna CDW24 Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System. We live in our RV and sometimes encounter very hard water. We stayed at a park in Mayer, Arizona for 6 weeks and all of our glasses were “etched” by the water. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have on this item.
BEWARE OF ‘FLOW PRO’, ‘Mr. WATER GEEK’, is 100% correct. ‘FLOW PRO’ falsified my $35 water report. They said that my water was ‘normal’. All of Brentwood, CA 94513 is hard. I paid $1,200 for a
‘water conditioner’. Jessie, the owner, told me it was a ‘water softener’, which I had asked for, just to make the sale. It’s worthless. ‘WATER CONDITIONERS’ DON’T MAKE SOFT WATER. The owner told me that it was a ‘customer problem’. ‘Flow Pro’ also installed a ‘TOTO’ pressurized, $404.00 toilet. It is very noisy. I’ve never heard of a ‘TOTO’ toilet. I didn’t get a choice of the brand or the price. I feel totally deceived. DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. Thank you.
How are your expensive Flow tech different than those available to the consumer? What is the cost of the actural system sold to the plumber? How long does it take the plumber to hang on the wall, scew the two wires to the pipes? $3000 and up. Sounds like a scam to a home owner,.
I’m skeptical too. I am a plumber for 31 years, and first is it safe? I read people w pacemakers should not be near these devices for one. Aren’t electromagnetic pulses linked to other health related conditions too?
And I wonder over the long-term if it causes electrolysis copper pipe failure?
I do like having options for the customer but is this the right one, so far I’m saying NO.
I guess I may need someone to educate me to prove they are safe for people and the copper plumbing systems.
Just so you know, you do not have accurate information. You should not title your review, Flowtech when you don’t even have your facts straight let alone even a picture of the flowtech. I have this installed in my house and I absolutely love it. It works. What you have failed to post is that the flowtech has 2 parts. The first part is the descaler and the second part is the carbon filtration. You are pushing people away from a particular device that you don’t have all your facts on. Just wanted to let you know. You should fix this and just make it a general review on descalers.
Hi John
Thanks for your feedback.
There are certainly pictures of Flowtech and this review has information that is specific to Flowtech including a video from the company and their customer reviews on places like FaceBook.
However, I am very interested in your claim regarding the carbon filtration element – which is definitely missing from this article. Can you please provide a link to this information so that I can follow up and update the article where necessary?
Stay hydrated,
Luke
I was led to Believe that it was like a water softening unit without the salts and what not. They never said anything about it being a descaler. Oh and by the way there’s no return policy at all if you don’t like it You are up s**t creek they won’t return anything they compared it to a toilet. Very very unhappy customer I wish I would’ve never encountered them. $5000 out can you believe it I was ripped off. They took advantage of me and my vulnerability considering I just lost my husband just saying U2 should know all the facts.
We bought a house that already had a Flow Tech water conditioner installed, and the water is beautiful. We are in a rural area so I would imagine if the unit did not work, we would know. We drink the tap water exclusively, and it is just fine. Never lived in a place with this type of system. Honest report with no bias.
i got a quote from a reputable local plumber for $2K installed.
5000 for me I was ripped off
I have a similar unit by Scale Buster that’s about $125.00. I know the system works di to a increase in free calcium deposits in the water exiting the pipes. Our water has extremely high calcium and magnesium levels which are now all exiting the pipes causing water spots badly. Now I am installing a filtration system to capture the calcium before it enters the pipes, but after the scale buster. I done care about soft water and in fact I don’t care for it; I just don’t want scale build up.
I did talk to my city water treatment and they told me that they had this type of system once on there city buildings and they said it ate their copper pipes at the joints. Is this true or just an excuse for their poor water treatment? I just don’t know. Just in case I run it for tree months on and three off just to make sure the pipes just stay clean.