BIBO Block Alpha Water Descaler and Scale Inhibitor
The BIBO Block Alpha is a high-performance water descaler and scale inhibitor that protects your entire water system from limescale and chalk buildup. Installed on your main water line, the BIBO Block Alpha uses advanced SILIPHOS sphere technology to prevent scale formation in pipes, geysers, boilers, washing machines, and all plumbing fixtures throughout your home, office, or commercial building. Designed for high-volume water consumption and suitable for more than five people, the BIBO Block Alpha reduces energy consumption, extends appliance lifespan, prevents corrosion, and maintains optimal water pressure and flow. Available across South Africa from Unicorp, the BIBO Block Alpha is the proven solution to hard water problems in dry cleaners, commercial laundries, hotels, and residential properties.
Prevent limescale buildup and protect your water system with proven technology
The BIBO Block Alpha is a compact micro filter that uses high-performance SILIPHOS spheres to inhibit scale and chalk buildup throughout your entire water system. Hard water contains dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium that form limescale deposits on heating elements, pipe interiors, taps, showerheads, and appliance components. These deposits cause premature wear and tear, reduce water pressure and flow, increase energy consumption in geysers and boilers, and lead to costly repairs or early replacement of equipment. The BIBO Block Alpha creates the right chemical conditions to prevent these minerals from depositing as scale, protecting your plumbing infrastructure, appliances, and sanitaryware without removing essential minerals from your drinking water. Unicorp supplies and supports the BIBO Block Alpha for commercial laundries, dry cleaners, hotels, and residential properties across South Africa where hard water is a persistent problem.
Key benefits
- Protects your entire water system: One BIBO Block Alpha installed on your main water inlet protects all pipes, geysers, boilers, washing machines, dishwashers, taps, showerheads, and plumbing fixtures throughout the building.
- High-performance SILIPHOS sphere technology: Uses proven SILIPHOS spheres to create chemical conditions that prevent scale and chalk formation without altering water mineral content or requiring salt or chemicals.
- Reduces energy consumption: Prevents scale buildup on geyser and boiler heating elements, which significantly improves heat transfer efficiency and reduces electricity costs. This delivers an immediate return on investment.
- Extends appliance lifespan: Protects geysers, boilers, washing machines, dishwashers, and other water appliances from internal scale buildup that causes premature failure and expensive repairs.
- Maintains water pressure and flow: Prevents scale accumulation inside pipes that restricts water flow and reduces pressure over time, ensuring consistent performance across your water system.
- Prevents corrosion and staining: Stops toilet and basin staining, tap crusting, and general corrosion in your entire plumbing system, maintaining the appearance and functionality of sanitaryware.
- Suitable for high-volume water use: The Alpha model is designed for water systems serving more than five people, making it ideal for larger homes, offices, hotels, dry cleaners, and commercial laundries.
- Retains mineral content: Unlike water softeners that remove minerals, the BIBO Block leaves water mineral content unchanged, preserving the natural composition and taste of your drinking water.
- Simple installation on main water line: Installs directly onto your main water inlet pipe with minimal plumbing work, providing whole-building protection from a single installation point.
- Low maintenance: The 550g filter cartridge requires replacement every 6 months or after 125,000 litres of water flow, whichever comes first. Replacement is straightforward and can be carried out by the user.
How the BIBO Block Alpha Works
The BIBO Block Alpha is installed on your main water line immediately after the water meter or main shutoff valve. As water flows through the BIBO Block, it passes through a cartridge filled with SILIPHOS spheres. These spheres gradually dissolve, releasing polyphosphates into the water stream. The polyphosphates coat the dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals, preventing them from bonding together and forming scale deposits on surfaces. This process, known as sequestration, keeps the minerals in suspension rather than allowing them to precipitate out as limescale on heating elements, pipe interiors, and fixtures. The result is complete protection for your entire water system from a single, compact device installed at the point of entry.
Technical Specifications
Filter Replacement and Maintenance
Replacement 550g SILIPHOS filter cartridges for the BIBO Block Alpha are available through Unicorp for fast supply across South Africa. The filter cartridge should be replaced every 6 months or after 125,000 litres of water flow, whichever comes first, to ensure continuous scale protection. Cartridge replacement is straightforward and can be carried out by the user using the included wrench. Unicorp can advise on filter replacement timing based on your water usage and provide ongoing support to keep your BIBO Block Alpha operating at peak performance.
Why Choose Unicorp
FAQs
What is the difference between the BIBO Block Alpha and the BIBO Block Mini?
The BIBO Block Alpha is designed for high-volume water consumption and is suitable for buildings with more than 5 people. It uses a larger 550g filter cartridge and can handle water flow of up to 125,000 litres before requiring filter replacement. The BIBO Block Mini is designed for smaller buildings with 5 or fewer people, uses a 180g filter cartridge, and requires replacement every 3 months or after 60,000 litres. Choose the Alpha for commercial buildings, larger homes, dry cleaners, hotels, and high-traffic installations.
Does the BIBO Block soften water or remove minerals?
No. The BIBO Block does not soften water or remove minerals. It uses polyphosphate sequestration to prevent minerals from forming scale deposits, but it leaves the mineral content of the water unchanged. This means you still benefit from the natural minerals in your drinking water, while enjoying protection from limescale buildup in your plumbing and appliances.
Where should the BIBO Block Alpha be installed?
The BIBO Block Alpha should be installed on your main water line immediately after the water meter or main shutoff valve, before the water branches to different parts of the building. This ensures that all water flowing through your entire system is treated and protected from scale formation. Any competent plumber can carry out the installation, which requires minimal plumbing work.
How do I know when to replace the filter cartridge?
The filter cartridge should be replaced every 6 months or after 125,000 litres of water flow, whichever comes first. For most buildings, replacing the cartridge on a 6-month schedule is the simplest approach. If you are unsure of your water consumption levels, contact Unicorp for guidance on setting up a replacement schedule based on your usage.
Will the BIBO Block Alpha reduce my geyser energy consumption?
Yes. One of the major benefits of preventing scale buildup on geyser heating elements is improved heat transfer efficiency. Limescale acts as an insulator, forcing the geyser to work harder and use more electricity to heat water to the set temperature. By preventing scale formation, the BIBO Block Alpha allows your geyser to operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and delivering an immediate return on investment through lower electricity bills.
Is the BIBO Block Alpha suitable for commercial laundries and dry cleaners?
Yes. The BIBO Block Alpha is ideal for commercial laundries, dry cleaners, hotels, and other high-volume water users where scale buildup can damage expensive equipment such as industrial washing machines, steam boilers, pressing equipment, and water heating systems. Protecting this equipment from scale formation extends its lifespan and reduces maintenance costs. Unicorp can advise on the correct sizing and installation for commercial applications.