Frequently Asked Questions
What is the running cost of Pipetector?
Zero. Pipetector requires no electricity, chemicals, or consumables, so there are no ongoing/running costs.
Is Pipetector a magnetic device?
No. “The NMR Pipetector is not a magnetic device.” The anti-corrosion effect is based on a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) phenomenon applied to the water in steel pipes.
How much water flow is required for Pipetector to work effectively?
For typical residential water use (around 200–300 liters per day), Pipetector begins reducing iron levels within a few weeks to about a month after installation. In systems with very low water consumption, it may take three to six months for results to appear.
Does Pipetector work with different pipe materials?
Yes. Pipetector is effective on a variety of metallic pipes, including galvanized steel, vinyl chloride-lined steel, stainless steel, polyethylene-lined steel, and copper.
How can we confirm that Pipetector is working?
There are three main ways to verify its effectiveness: taking water samples to measure iron (Fe) concentration, testing filters for reduced rust deposits, and cutting pipe sections to analyze the ratio of black rust to total rust. In practice, effectiveness is most often confirmed by the drop in iron levels together with noticeable improvements in water color and clarity.
Does installation require shutting off water or cutting pipes?
No. Pipetector is installed externally on existing pipework, so there is no need to cut pipes or shut off the water supply. Installation is quick—typically about one to two hours per unit—and does not disrupt building operations.
Does Pipetector require maintenance or replacement parts?
No. Pipetector has no consumables, moving parts, or external power supply, so it operates continuously without maintenance or replacement parts throughout its service life.
How soon can results be seen after installation?
In buildings with normal water use, initial improvements are often visible within a few weeks, with more significant reductions in iron levels and clearer, less discolored water becoming evident over the following months.
Is Pipetector supported by scientific data or case studies?
Yes. With over 4,400 installations worldwide, Pipetector’s effectiveness has been demonstrated across multiple industries and in case studies at well-known facilities, including Harrods, the Guildhall in London, Buckingham Palace, and more. These projects documented significant reductions in iron levels and noticeable improvements in water quality after installation.
How much can Pipetector save compared to pipe replacement?
Pipetector typically costs only a fraction of full pipe replacement, often about one fifth to one fifteenth of the expense, while also avoiding demolition, water shutoffs, and disruption. In some projects the savings are even greater, such as at the Royal Garden Hotel in London, where the cost was reduced to about 1/65 to 1/70 of the projected replacement cost.
Is Pipetector safe for human health and drinking water systems?
Yes. Pipetector installs externally on pipes and adds no chemicals to the water. The NMR phenomenon it uses is the same principle applied safely in hospital MRI equipment. It generates only very weak electromagnetic waves and does not interfere with human health.