I’m picking up here on an idea that floated in the “Why is Tesco Ashbeck water not ideal” thread:
I am wondering if there is a benefit in using two different waters for an HX machine: softer for the main/steam part of the boiler, more alkalinity for the HX/coffee part (this might be relevant for dual boiler as well - I don’t know because I don’t have one)
This is easy for me to do: after draining the boiler (I do this once every three weeks) I can fill it with soft water (e.g. Ashbeck, or RO water for those who have it). Once the boiler is full, I can move to use water with more alkalinity (e.g. Ashbeck + bicarb of soda, or Lockhills, or remineraliser RO water for those who have it).
Surely as steam is drawn the steam part of the HX boiler will refill as needed with the harder water, but theoretically starting with a boiler full of softer water should help to keep scale down?
But - as the harder water will now go to the group, pipes, valves of the machine etc. - I am not sure if there is any benefit to this approach or not. What do you think @DavecUK, @MWJB, @Rob1 (and anyone else who knows or has an opinion :)).