[Steve Weatherley]

For approx the last 4 years I had been using this product in powder form in my machine as recommended to me by an NCCA member. One of the benefits - in normal use it contained properties which helped keep the machine's water tank protected from limescale. When I started using it the element in the machine needed de-scaling much less. Superb.
Two years ago having had to have my 400psi pump replaced I was advised to change and start using the liquid (instead of the cheaper powder option) which I was told would prolong the life of the pump as it dissolves faster than the powder and less likely to clog up the pump head.
For a while all seemed well. However recently I have needed to de-scale the machine on a fortnightly basis. Seeing the amount of limescale in the tank and around the filter gives me much cause for concern about the condition of the pump and the damage that could be caused. I have tried to contact Alltec by email asking the question about why when using the liquid the limescale is much worse than when using the powder. Unfortunately they didn't respond to me (shame on them).
Here in the South east the water is extremely hard and I am guessing for some reason the liquid contains slightly different properties.
Anyone noticed similar probs??   

[john martin]

 The liquid might contain less water softeners than the powder ...
There is nothing unusual in either to cause pump issues any more than similar products by other brands .
 Powder and liquid versions are quite a different product as are formula90 powder and liquid for example . 
You could probably boost water softening by adding something like citric acid or edta to any product you use .   
or perhaps stick with the powder , its a very good value product ... just dissolve it well with warm water and stir . 

[maxcampbell]

When we first went from porty, in which we'd used powder UM successfully for years, to a TM, we started using liquid UM, and it was s**t. All the filters chalked up almost daily. They may share a brand name, but not much else.

Alltec are poor at responding to emails, you're much better phoning & speaking to Chris, who will always give good honest reliable advice.

[Mark Weedon]

May be a good idea to run an acid rinse through the machine regularly. Put some hot water in tank, acid rinse as per instructions. Connect hoses and put hand tool into tank with elastic band over trigger run for 10 mins or so, help clean the pipes pump and hand tool.

Mark

[Carpet Dawg]

I rinse my machine out with white vinegar once a week.