chalky water.

[Cyril]

We have lived in our house for approx 3 years. During this time I noticed a square plastic bottle attached to the mains water pipe beneath kitchen sink but never particularly queried its existence until now.

About a month ago, our crockery would come out of the dishwasher/wash up bowl with a chalky (presumably limescale residue). This never was a problem previously. It's feels awful to touch and won't rinse clear.

I have changed dishwasher tablets/fairy liquid etc but to no avail.

What could be the cause? What is this plastic thing? A filter? A water softener? If so, why has it not run out before now? But mostly...how do I solve this very minor, but grotty problem?

Really appreciate any advice. TIA.

 

[Rickster123]

Any chance of a pic of the offending item Cyril?

 

[SmokeyJ]

Might need to top up dishwasher salt?
As above a pic of the 'filter' would help. Where does the pipe from filter go to? Never seen one on a dishwasher more likely a filter tap or fridge.

 

[REDSAW]

its the lack of salt, consult your d/w manual

 

[snowhead]

Anything like this;

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbing-forum/89530-help-identification-use-please.html

 

[Cyril]

Thanks for the replies...I'm sure cannot be solely a dishwasher problem as it is the same issue if I wash by hand in the sink using fairy.

 

[Cyril]

Haha sorry it posted upside down!

 

[REDSAW]

then its certainly not that in the pic as thats a part of your dishwasher!!

 

[Cyril]

so what could cause it then? I'm stumped!

 

[REDSAW]

salt..
the conditions are in the manual
try washing a brand new glass in the sink, it will come out as it should..clean

 

[SmokeyJ]

Sorry missed the 'wash up bowl' bit. So the water is cloudy from the kitchen sink? If that's the case and a recent issue, contact your water supplier and see if anything has changed with the supply. Check if your neighbours have the same problem?
The plastic box - http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbing-forum/89530-help-identification-use-please.html

 

[Cyril]

Thanks SmokyJ, I think we have established from the above link that the plastic bottle I was referring to relates to the dishwasher operation. As this problem occurs at the sink aswell as with the dishwasher I think it can be firmly ruled out of the equation now.

I have emailed our water supplier to see if they can offer any advise and will query the issue with my neighbours also.

Thanks all.

 

[Stigster]

The plastic box on the pipe in you picture is the dishwasher supply hose flood protection device.