|
Please feel free to email
us any questions you have that are not covered here.
How does
a water ionizer work?
Our ionizers can be
connected directly to the cold water line through
your counter top or directly to a diverter valve at the end of your
faucet. Connecting directly to your faucet takes about 10-15 minutes
and enables your water ionizer to use a two step process. The first
task is to help filter out harmful components of the water: chlorine,
trihalomethanes, phenols, sediment, odor, taste, organic waste, and
bacteria of all kinds. The models achieves this by the use of a
multistage activated carbon filter containing tourmaline and coral
calcium. Additionally, our Athena model has a second sediment filter as
well. Next, a small electrical charge is introduced into the water
through platinum-coated titanium electrodes. The process of
electrolysis that follows takes place in a patented electrolysis
chamber designed to separate the water into two streams (acid and
alkaline) of ionized water. The acid water makes up about 30% of the
water and the alkaline water about 70%.
Positively charged ions
gather at the negative electrode to create
"reduced water", which concentrates available alkaline minerals, such
as calcium, magnesium and potassium from the source water. This clean,
healthy, microclustered, alkaline ionized water is drawn for drinking
and cooking uses, through the main stainless steel spout. This water is
ideal for drinking and cooking.
Negatively charged ions gather at the positive electrode to make
oxidized water, which concentrates acid minerals such as nitrates,
sulfides, chlorides, and fluorides from the source water. This acid
ionized water also has a myriad of external uses. It is discharged into
the sink when not needed.
A range of pH settings
from neutral to very alkaline or very acid is
available at the touch of a button. The electrodes are cleaned in an
automatic exclusive and patented cleaning cycle called double action
reverse cleaning or D.A.R.C. System for short).
Just
what is the
"magic" in a Water Ionizer?
The 'magic' is really a simple process called
electrolysis, or
ionization, something your body has to do every day to make energy
available. It is backed up by the high tech ability of micro-circuitry
to maintain quality and regular output, plus the ability, through
ionization, to remove harmful chemicals and retain beneficial minerals.
This is why Sang Whang, author of "Reverse Aging" calls it REVERSE
AGING WATER. A custom designed motherboard controls all aspects of the
process of
ionization, including flow rate, water temperature, and a range of four
separate pH output settings.
What type of
water can I use to
produce ionized water?
Regular tap water is best. Distilled water or water
filtered by reverse
osmosis does not have any minerals, therefore it cannot be ionized.
Water ionizers can be used with most well water. The two most common
problems found in well water are hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg, sulfur
smell) and high iron or calcium content. Both of these conditions can
be remedied with the proper pre-filter (contact us). The mineral
content of your source water directly affects the strength of ionized
water you can produce. The more minerals, the stronger the ionization:
higher alkalinity and higher antioxidant potential. Very high calcium
levels in the water can cause scale build up.
What advantages
does ionized water
have over reverse osmosis or distillation?
Unlike Reverse Osmosis (RO) and distillation, which
remove all minerals
- leaving the water dead and acidic - ionized water concentrates health
giving alkaline minerals like magnesium and calcium, after removing
harmful contaminants. Water from RO and distillation is very acid (pH
4.5-6.5) and so contributes to the over acidity of our bodies. Alkaline
water helps counteract acid / alkaline imbalance. Because RO and
Distilled waters are mineral deficient and strongly acidic, there are
warnings from a number of physicians not to drink them on a sustained
basis. While RO and distilled waters are strongly oxidizing, alkaline
ionized water is a proven powerful antioxidant, equivalent to fresh
squeezed orange juice (without the sugar).
Having been completely
de-mineralized, RO and distilled water and most
bottled water are understandably flat tasting. The tastiness of water
from Emco Tech ionizers is one of its most immediate qualities: it
brings delighted responses from everyone! Along with this go superior
hydrating qualities due to the ionization. This ionization is also what
happens in nature when water is allowed to bounce over rocks and
waterfalls.
Finally, let's compare
the ongoing costs: In home RO water is
approximately 20% more expensive than ionized water. In home
distillation is 700 - 1000% more expensive than ionized water. Bottled
water is more expensive than RO or distilled water.
Why
does the water ionizer filter leave some minerals in and not others?
Our patented Biostone
filter technology is a silver activated
antibacterial charcoal filter. It filters up to 0.01 microns, and
according to John Archer's book The Water You Drink filters out even
all viruses. However it does not filter out the essential alkalizing
minerals that are in solution.
It's important to
understand, however, that our body's calcium levels
are only ever changed to a maximum of 15% by dietary supplement. The
real loss is in the body leaching calcium from our bones to balance our
excess acidity (70%). As your water ionizer does its job and relieves
your body's task of maintaining an alkaline balance, far less calcium
would need to be leached from the bones. In other words, ionized water
reduces the need for calcium supplements over and above normal dietary
intake.
How does the
cost compare to buying
bottled or delivered water versus using this machine?
Initial cost (for an Athena unit for example) is about
$2000 plus $100
about every 9 months (or $2.77 per week ongoing cost). First filter
included in purchase price.
In 4 years, the cost of
alkaline ionized water would be then about
$2000 plus $475 or about $51.56 per month.
In 6 years cost would reduce to about $225 per year (less than $38 per
month).
Look at the cost to buy bottled water in your area and compare.
You not only get healthy, ionized, alkaline water on tap for all your
whole family’s cooking and drinking needs but you no longer have to get
water or pay or water to be delivered that is unhealthy and stored in
plastic.
Back to Top
xxxx
Is
the Ionizing Water Filter just another new, unproved fad?
The Water Ionizers have
been in use worldwide for more than 25 years.
The same concept has been used for home and industrial applications. In
Korea, it has been approved by the Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare. Millions are already in use in Japan.
So
what if water is easier to absorb?
With the increased
solubility of the water, it is more readily absorbed
into your body. Your skin and hair becomes significantly softer. In
addition, it can enhance the absorption of vitamins and minerals into
your body. It also may help clear up some digestive problems.
What
are the various levels of alkalinity and acidity (ph) for?
Emco Tech water ionizers
provide, at the push of a button, water that
varies from mildly alkaline to highly alkaline. This enables you to
accustom yourself gradually to higher levels of alkaline drinking water
(e.g. pH9.5 to 10). You should start slowly at the lowest alkaline
setting and work your way up o to higher levels and amounts. If you
experience any discomfort from detoxification, just move back to the
previous level or smaller quantities. It also allows different members
of the family to dial up their preferred level. The highest levels of
alkalinity are also used for cooking.
In addition there is a
button for water that is 'purified only' -
filtered but not ionized. Its pH level will be close to the level of
your regular tap water. This water is for those taking medications
which should not be combined with alkaline water.
As for the various levels of acid ionized water, you will probably use
the most acid level for the long list of uses for acid water.
Remember: the pH level of ionized water will vary with the pH of your
source, i.e. your tap water. In addition, if you wish to make the water
more alkaline or more acid, simply slow down the flow of water, and the
pH level will change by approximately a value of 1. A simple to use
free pH test kit is provided free with every Emco Tech water ionizer,
if you wish to occasionally check pH levels for yourself.
Do
I need a plumber to install my water ionizer?
No. They come with a
diverter kit that fits all standard kitchen
faucets, and installs easily in minutes. You also have the option of
connecting directly to the water main in your house. For this you may
need a plumber, if you don't have simple plumbing skills.
Can
it go under my counter top?
We have installed some
Water Ionizers under the kitchen sink bench.
There are even a couple installed in mobile vans for nomad customers.
Remember that it needs somewhere for the acid water to flow to. It can
go into the dishwasher inlet on the S-bend, but it is valuable water
and you'll probably want to keep it to use. The Emco Tech water ionizer
is not a pressure unit so it doesn't have to be plumbed in line with
your other taps. One installation we supervised used a special tap that
had a switch on its base for allowing either tap water or ionized
alkaline water. It was very efficient and neat. Your ionizer can be
fitted to some existing filter systems - please check with us on this
one.
How
do I get my ordinary tap water once it's attached?
The diverter has a lever
which swaps your water flow from tap water
outlet to alkaline water outlet. It has an incorporated aerator for
your tap water.
How
do I know when the filter needs replacing?
An LED or counter
indicator on the front panel gives an approximate
indication of remaining filter life. Generally the standard Biostone
filter lasts about 9 months and the Ultra fine Biostone filter lasts
about 8 months. Sediment filters will need to be replaced more
frequently. But this depends on the source of water and the amount of
use. For example, if your tap water contains between 0.4 and 1.0 ppm
(parts per million) of chlorine, a filter can last 12 months for one
person's use. If greater than 1.0 ppm, the filter may last 9 months. A
family of four on a typical North American water supply will use a
filter about every 9 months. By changing your filter at regular
intervals, you are assured of the continued inner hygiene of the
filter.
What
is the cost of the replacement filter?
$70 for the regular .1M
Biostone filter and $95 for the .01M
UltraBiostone filter
How
do I change the filter?
Open the front, grab the
filter you want to change, press down a
little, and pull it out. After installing new filter, press the filter
reset button for six seconds to reset filter life counters and run the
system for a few minutes to clear away any loose charcoal.
Can
I store the water? For how long?
Yes, alkaline ionized
water is best kept in an airtight glass or
quality plastic container. It can be refrigerated or kept in a cool
place. Avoid storage in regular metal containers, especially aluminum
containers (NOTE: SIGG bottles are okay because they are specially
lined. The alkaline properties will be retained for 1-2 weeks, but they
are strongest when fresh (within the first 3 days). The antioxidant
properties start to diminish after 18-24 hours (SIGG bottles hold
ionization for up to 3 days). So, for the best benefits, drink it
within a day or so. If using plastic please check to see that the
plastic container used is good quality. Bottled water is usually stored
in cheap plastic that leaches chemicals.
Can
I cook with alkaline ionized water?
Yes, in fact your food
will taste better and your body will assimilate
the nutrients more readily. You will notice the difference especially
at the most alkaline settings (higher pH): your greens will be greener,
rice fluffier, tea and coffee tastier.
Back to Top
What
can I use the acid water for?
Acid ionized water is
destructive to bacteria and is astringent. As a
result it has found widespread application commercially in: nurseries,
surgeries, food preparation areas, sprout and wheatgrass growers,
florists, hospitals, etc. In the home it is an excellent cleansing and
sterilizing agent, with uses in the kitchen, for hair and skin care,
extending the life of flowers, promoting plant growth and many others.
The acid water is a
'free' bonus. It is excellent for all manner of
skin complaint. We use it as an astringent face wash last thing at
night, we fill the fountain with it and at last the fountain doesn't go
green in 3 days, it's excellent for acne, sores, bench top and more.
Hardly a week passes without a call from a client who has found a new
use for it.
We collect it in the sink and after rinsing our dishes we dip them into
the acid water to sterilize them before putting them away. We also put
it onto our pot plants because it closely resembles rainwater.
Why
does the ionizer 'split' the water into acid and alkaline?
The 'splitting' of the
inlet H2O is the proof that the Ionizer does
what it says it does. The process of splitting causes the following:
a. Approximately 70% of the H20 input is molecularly rearranged into
OH-, or alkaline, negatively charged water.
b. Approximately 30% of the input H2O is molecularly rearranged into
HO, or acidic water.
Some companies sell units that just use magnets or magnetic rock to
affect the water. Products that claim the benefits of water ionizers
but do not electronically split the water will not hold the negative
charge long enough for it to be of any real value, or will not be able
to exert enough magnetic power to cause the water to become negatively
charged. The water will reunite very quickly back into ordinary H2O.
What
about these no-filter backwash systems?
There is only ONE
backwash system made by a small Japanese company and
promoted by an American company with the help of an advertising agency.
Backwash systems come and go but have never caught on because they have
never been able to match their claims. Industry experts will tell you
that even in commercial systems, backwashing is a risky hygiene
decision simply because unfiltered water is used to back flush the
filter, thereby compromising its cleanliness. Imagine the state of your
sink, over the years, if you used hot water only (without scrubbing).
Extravagant claims have
been made over the years about longevity using
backwash, but in the systems we have tested, we have found that the
effectiveness of the devices seems to diminish within as little as a
couple of years. The other problem of backwashing systems that 'emit'
minerals is that no filter has ever been able to uniformly emit, leach
or add minerals to output filtered water. Whilst they may emit
beneficial added minerals when you purchase them, there is no guarantee
that they will continue to do so, and the longevity claims make this
even harder to substantiate. The longer all water filters work, the
less efficiently they work. If part of their promise is uniform
delivery of beneficial minerals, then only time will tell.
Unfortunately for purchasers of these systems, there is no way to tell
if they are delivering what they say they do without expensive
laboratory tests.
Is it necessary
to test my water or
body to determine what the pH currently is so I adjust the machine
appropriately?
No – we are almost all too acidic due to poor food,
environmental
pollutants, lack of gentle exercise and stress.
Even if not too acidic, our bodies will continue to benefit from
alkaline foods and water. When beginning to use alkaline water start at
a low (gentle) alkaline setting. This water really does work and change
lives and as a result for first few days there may be symptoms of detox
such as mild headache, mental confusion and diarrhea. Once these
symptoms past then it is fine to go up to a level that feels
comfortable.
Ionizer performance
varies with the mineral content of the source
water. We include a free pH reagent kit with each unit so you can test
the output water at the various settings. We also sell pH test strips
for testing your body pH. Please note that diet, stress and
environmental factors all have a significant effect on our body pH.
Is it necessary
to test the water to
determine which contaminants are before I buy a machine?
Not necessary unless you have untested well water or
water from a
private source. The filters in the Emco Tech ionizers do an excellent
job of removing what is not wanted while allowing the essential
alkalizing minerals in solution to pass through. You can also look at
your water report online if using city water. If there is an unusually
high concentration of any pollutant we carry all types of pre-filters.
Is
there a cost for such tests? Is it necessary to periodically test
the water?
To test water there is a
cost – for pricing ask your local water
authority for a company that tests water and go from there.
Can
you use this machine in an RV, on a boat or in a cabin where there is
no AC power?
Yes as long as there is a
reliable source of 110V DV power and a
transformer.
What
is so different about (Emco Tech) Water Ionizers?
Water ionizers are far,
far more than just a filter. Initially, the filter inside the ionizer
functions effectively using
silver activated granulated carbon to purify the incoming water, just
like 99% of household filter systems. What separates it from ordinary
water purifiers are 3 important additional benefit. These benefits are
what makes your water clean AND healthy.
Benefit One:
The filter in the Emco Tech water ionizer while taking out what is not
wanted allows the essential alkalizing minerals to pass through. These
essential alkalizing minerals include calcium for the bones and
magnesium for the heart. Typical water companies use Reverse Osmosis to
take out all that is bad
AND good then use ozone to get rid of the taste and smell. By doing
this the water becomes very acidic and difficult for the body to absorb.
Benefit Two:
The water in a water ionizer is (not surprisingly) ionized. Water that
comes from dams, pipes and bottles is "dead" and stagnant water. This
can be measured by an ORP (oxygen Reduction Potential) meter. For water
to be healthy and easy to be absorbed and utilized by your body it
needs to carry a strong negative charge. This happens in nature when
water bounces over rocks or moves in rivers and streams and is
recreated by science in a water ionizer.
Benefit Three:
The water in a water ionizer is split into two streams - an acid and an
alkaline stream. We use the alkaline water for drinking and cooking.
The acid water is a "free" bonus and can be used for sterilization,
skin, and plants. Poor quality food, unclean air, stress and lack of
rest and gentle exercise all increase the acid levels in our bodies
leading to a gradual breakdown in our physical condition.
Why did it take
so long to introduce
water ionizers to the West?
Emco Tech made a decision to concentrate its design and
marketing
efforts in its domestic area before moving internationally. However,
the Emco Tech units are taking America by storm and will become the
most popular ionizer in many countries. There are, incidentally, a
number of health-oriented individuals who have owned water ionizers for
some time having imported them privately.
Unfortunately the West is still very biased against Asian research.
Although Japan translates over 90% of Western scientific papers, the
West only translates 10% of Japanese scientific papers. If they had
bothered, they would have unearthed an amazing phenomena; a million
water alkalizers sold in Japan every year, by major manufacturers like
Emco Tech, Panasonic, Akai and Toyo.
They would have also
found that alkaline water is used throughout Japan
and Korea in hospitals and clinics. The would also have asked Japan for
more scientific reports than are currently available.
Today South Korea is the
world leader, manufacturing over 40,000
alkalizers per month for domestic consumption only. The technology,
however, was originally Russian but was taken up by Japan in 1980.
Japan began to have them made in Korea, and Korea took up the challenge
to make a better unit. Emco Tech has been making water alkalizers for
over 25 years and is by far the largest maker in Korea and now the
world.
Back to Top
Where are the Emco Tech
Ionizers made?
All Emco Tech products
are designed and manufactured in Japan and
Korea.
Why aren't the Emco
Tech ionizers available in stores?
Frankly, most stores need margins well above those we
work on. We also
decided that if people are to sell our water ionizers they should be
users, so they can advise people based not upon brochures but on actual
experience. Emco Tech is Korea's largest Ionizer manufacturer and
export to 23
countries. Millions of Asian and now many American families use this
amazing, proven product. Way back in 1992, for instance, 130,000
domestic ionizers were sold in Japan alone - this was before any water
ionizers were sold in the USA.
Will
you be here in 5 years time?
We have no plans on
escaping to New Zealand at this moment. If you want
to take USA as an example, sales of microclustered water have grown
from a trickle to a torrent. We believe in what we do and plan to be
around because we have found a business that helps people.
Why are ionizers
expensive?
Frankly, they are not.
When compared with other units on the market, we
have to say that our water ionizers are an exceedingly good value.
Furthermore, compared to bottled water solutions, it is both economical
and environmentally preferable. Even our lowest priced units use
platinum coated titanium electrodes.
How soon do you ship
products?
Either same day or next
shopping day. We have offices and warehouses in
both Connecticut and Nevada.
What maintenance do water
ionizers require?
None. The Emco Tech
models all have self-cleaning reverse polarity
systems and even go one step further with fully automatic cleaning.
How do I install and
maintain my Athena water ionizer?
With the Athena model you
have 3 choices of installing.
Choice One:
This way is easy and fast. You get your input water through tubing
attached to a diverter valve that is attached to the end of your
faucet. Installation time is about 15 minutes.
Choice Two:
Not hard but may need a good handyman or plumber. You run your water
line from the Melody through the counter or sink to a T-junction piece
below the counter top that is installed in your cold water line.
Choice Three:
Usually needs a plumber for about 1 hour. Your install the Athena below
the counter top (out of sight) using the optional extra "Under Sink
Conversion Kit". Above the counter all you see if a separate dedicated
brushed nickel or chrome faucet.
What
warranty do you offer?
Emco Tech water ionizers
come with a three year full parts and labor
warranty. We currently service our units at three service centers in
the USA, and we will be around for years to come. The warranty is void
if the unit has been tampered with, altered, or subject to improper
use. Emco Tech manufactured water ionizers account for the vast
majority of all ionizer sales in the USA and last year there was a 600%
increase in sales.
What is your return
policy / guarantee?
We offer Retail Customers
a 30-day Risk-Free trial period for Emco Tech
water ionizers. If you are not satisfied, return the unit to us for a
refund. Call first to receive a Return Authorization Number - RMA #.
What are some of the
harmful organisms and chemicals typically removed by the Emco Tech
ionizer filters?
Chlorine,
trihalomethanes, suspended solids, cryptosporidium, parasite
(cysts), waterborne flu virus, organic compounds, heavy metals, e-coli
and other bacteria. In addition, the ionization process that follows
filtration reduces the amount of acid minerals (such as sulfates) in
the alkaline water. It also has the effect of greatly reducing fluoride
concentration.
How reliable are Emco
Tech ionizers?
Emco Tech water ionizers
are built to last. Emco Tech has been
manufacturing water ionizers for over 23 years, longer than other
manufacturers in Korea or Japan. It is by far the leading brand in
Korea (80%+ of the market) and it exports to 30 countries through its
export arm Royal Water. By keeping quality at the highest level and
prices reasonable; and by their determined commitment to Research and
Development, Emco Tech has become a standard by which other
manufacturers measure themselves.
Emco Tech water ionizers
have a less than 1% defect rate, the lowest in
the industry. The platinum coated titanium electrodes, which are the
heart of the ionizer, are built in Japan to last at least 20 years. The
manufacturing plant is ISO9001 rated.
Emco Tech has been
granted over 20 patents and been approved by the
Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare for every Medical Device
Certification they have applied for. Their water ionizers have been
awarded the status of Health Product by the Ministry of Health, a
designation difficult to achieve.
Filters are currently
supplied to the first Emco Tech ionizer models
brought into the USA over 10 years ago.
Does
the unit come with a manual?
All units come with a
user manual. A twenty-minute DVD instruction
video is also included for free.
Should I get a .01M
filter with my ionizer?
The standard .1M Biostone
filter is of excellent quality and suitable
for most households. The .01M upgrade is recommended when using
drinkable well water, where there is a need for extra precaution or
when money is not an issue. The .0M filter is the same filtration size
as that used in kidney dialysis.
How long will a filter
typically last for one person, or a family of 10, using the machine?
One filter produces about
1000 gallons (or about 3,800 liters) of
water. We estimate for an average family of four with average daily
consumption using treated water, a filter will last about 8-9 months.
What is the cost of the
replacement filter?
$75
for the regular .1M Biostone
filter and $95 for the .01M Ultra Biostone filter
Is the machine heavy?
Fragile?
Not
heavy (about 18lbs). If looked
after it will last up to 20 years but not meant to be dropped or turned
on side when in use.
Is there a built in surge
protector? Is a surge protector necessary?
No
need for surge protector as they
have in-built fuse. A surge protector may give added safety although we
are yet to have one returned from a surge problem.
How long are the hoses
that are included with the machine? Can I purchase extra long
hoses if needed for my setup?
Extra
hose available – more than
enough included (about 6 feet).
Do I need a special
nozzle to attach it to the sink?
Your
water ionizer comes with an
adapter kit which will fit most traditional outlets but will not fit
some of the designer taps which have pull out handles with a flexible
hose. Give us a call and have a talk about your requirements before
ordering.
It is actually simpler than
most
water ionizers and far simpler than a VCR! You attach the sturdy
diverter valve to your faucet, attach the supplied hose to the
diverter, and the other end to the inlet valve. Another hose attaches
to the ionizer to allow the astringent (acid) water out of the Filter.
How do I get my ordinary
tap water, once the ionizer is attached to the tap?
By
the simple flick of a lever on
the diverter.
Is it easy to install,
even for a mechanically challenged person? Are the instillation
instructions designed for the same mechanically challenged person?
Yes
– we successfully sell many
units to older people and those with little practical ability. If a
problem arises, the company is just a phone call away.
Back to Top
|
