Scaleblaster SB175 Hard Water Softener Alternative Filter

I purchased this product several years ago ($1,000) because we had purchased an older house with cast iron pipes located in an area with very hard water. Previously to this purchase we had water softeners, but they are a pain and don't clean the pipes. I don't remember how i found out about the Scaleblaster, but I certainly didn't believe their claims. However, as i was scouring their website, i spotted some pictures of our local water district using the Scaleblaster. It took some doing, but i was able to contact a pumping station employee that said the pictures are accurate and they were happy with the product. I consequently took the plunge (which was hard to do), because Scaleblaster said their product would not only break down the minerals in the water but also the minerals that had calcified on the interior of the pipes. A couple of weeks ago I began hearing noises coming from the area in which the water heater and scaleblaster are located and assumed it was time to replace our 11 year old water heater. Upon replacement I noticed 3 important things. First, the water heater lasted longer than all previous water heaters. Second, there was allot of sediment instead of mineral chunks at the bottom. Third, the valves were clean on the inside where previously they had minerals calcified on the inside. Unfortunately, it was the scaleblaster making the noise, so now i need to find out why. Good news is that we have a new water heater without dealing with a flood.In conclusion, the scaleblaster did its job and i will be buying another one. However, be sure to drain the water heater per mfg instructions, and at the very least once per year. Next, be sure to buy this from an authorized seller that is reliable and with a valid warranty!! When i make the next purchase i will mark the purchase date on the Scaleblaster so i dont have to search my records for it.