Installation

Installation Guide

Installing your Fractal Water system is straightforward. Most homeowners complete the installation in under an hour. Below you will find complete installation instructions for both the Ultra Imploder and Super Imploder.


Ultra Imploder Installation

The Ultra Imploder is designed for permanent installation on your main water line. It ships with all necessary mounting hardware including strut channel, strut mount routing clamps, and fasteners.

Fractal Water Ultra Imploder horizontal installation between wall studs
Ultra Imploder installed horizontally between wall studs

Before You Begin

Important: Read this entire guide before starting. If you are unsure about any part of the installation, consult a qualified plumber or professional installer.

Included Components

  • Fractal Water Ultra Imploder unit (316 stainless steel vortex nozzle + Blue Zylan magnetic housing)
  • Strut channel for wall mounting
  • Strut mount routing clamps
  • All mounting hardware and fasteners

Tools You Will Need

  • Drill and appropriate drill bits
  • Level
  • Measuring tape
  • Wrench set
  • Pipe cutter
  • Pipe deburring tool
  • Thread sealant (PTFE tape or pipe dope)
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1: Mount the Strut Channel

Ultra Imploder strut channel mounting bracket detail
Strut channel mounting bracket (included)

The strut channel provides a secure mounting point for your Ultra Imploder. Choose a location that allows easy access to the unit and its plumbing connections.

  • Identify your mounting location. Consider your plumbing layout, access for future maintenance, and proximity to your main water line. Locate wall studs or a sturdy mounting surface.
  • Hold the strut channel against the wall and use a level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal (or vertical, depending on your installation orientation).
  • Mark and drill pilot holes through the pre-drilled holes in the strut channel. Use the appropriate drill bit for your wall material.
  • Secure the strut channel using the provided mounting hardware. Insert lag bolts, anchors, or appropriate fasteners and tighten securely.
  • Verify stability by giving the strut channel a firm tug. It must support the weight of the Ultra Imploder (34 lbs) and its plumbing.

Step 2: Hang the Ultra Imploder

With the strut channel securely mounted, attach the Ultra Imploder using the strut mount routing clamps.

  • Attach the strut mount routing clamps to the Ultra Imploder unit or to the pipe sections that will connect to it.
  • Slide the clamps into the strut channel. The clamps are designed to slide into the open channel and tighten to grip securely.
  • Position the Ultra Imploder centrally along the strut channel with enough clearance for plumbing connections on both sides.
  • Tighten all clamp bolts to lock the unit in place and prevent shifting.
  • Verify level and stability with a level. Gently push and pull on the unit to confirm it is secure.

Step 3: Connect the Plumbing

Turn off your main water supply before starting any plumbing work.

  • Note the flow direction. The Ultra Imploder has a designated INLET and OUTLET clearly marked on the unit. Water must flow in the correct direction.
  • Measure and cut pipe to connect your water supply to the Inlet, and from the Outlet back to your main line.
  • Deburr all cut pipe ends to remove sharp edges and ensure clean connections.
  • Apply thread sealant (PTFE tape wrapped clockwise, or pipe dope) to all male threaded connections.
  • Connect the Inlet pipe from your water supply. Tighten firmly without over-tightening.
  • Connect the Outlet pipe back to your main plumbing line. Tighten firmly.
  • Install a bypass loop (recommended) with shut-off valves for easier future maintenance. This lets you isolate the Ultra Imploder without shutting off water to your entire property.

Step 4: Test the System

  • Slowly open the main water supply valve. Listen for unusual sounds.
  • Inspect all connections for leaks. Look for drips, moisture, or active streams. If you find a leak, shut off the water and re-tighten or reapply thread sealant.
  • Purge air from the system by opening a faucet and letting water run until it flows smoothly without sputtering.
  • Perform a final visual inspection of the entire installation.

Installation Orientations

The Ultra Imploder can be installed in multiple orientations depending on your space and plumbing layout:

Ultra Imploder vertical installation
Vertical installation
Ultra Imploder overhead joist installation
Overhead joist installation
Ultra Imploder installed between studs
Between studs installation

Super Imploder Installation

The Super Imploder is our original vortex magnetic water treatment system, designed for flexible use in agricultural, hydroponic, greenhouse, and garden applications. Unlike the Ultra Imploder, the Super Imploder does not ship with mounting hardware — it is designed for portable and adaptable installation.

Recommended Hardware

The Super Imploder uses standard 3/4-inch connections. We recommend SharkBite push-to-connect fittings for the easiest installation — no soldering, no special tools, and they create a watertight seal in seconds. SharkBite fittings are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and most hardware stores.

What You Will Need

  • SharkBite 3/4-inch push-to-connect couplings (2x) — for connecting the Super Imploder inline with your water supply
  • SharkBite 3/4-inch ball valves (optional, 2x) — for isolating the Super Imploder for maintenance
  • 3/4-inch pipe (copper or PEX) — to connect from your water line to the Super Imploder
  • Pipe cutter — for cutting pipe to length
  • Deburring tool — to clean cut pipe ends
  • PTFE tape or pipe dope — for threaded connections
  • Pipe hangers or straps (optional) — to support the Super Imploder and prevent stress on connections
  • Measuring tape and marker

Installation Options

Option A: Inline Installation (Garden / Irrigation)

For garden hose or irrigation line use, simply connect the Super Imploder inline with your water supply using standard garden hose adapters or SharkBite fittings:

  • Turn off water supply
  • Cut into your irrigation line where you want to install the Super Imploder
  • Connect the INLET side to your water source using a SharkBite coupling or threaded adapter
  • Connect the OUTLET side to your irrigation line or garden hose
  • Secure the Super Imploder with pipe hangers or straps to prevent movement
  • Turn on water and check for leaks

Option B: Recirculation Loop (Hydroponics / Reservoir)

For hydroponic and reservoir applications, the most effective setup is a recirculation loop. This provides continuous treatment that increases potency with each pass:

  • Place a submersible pump in your reservoir
  • Connect the pump output to the Super Imploder INLET using flexible tubing and a barb-to-threaded adapter
  • Connect the Super Imploder OUTLET back to the reservoir
  • Run the pump on a timer or continuously to circulate water through the Super Imploder
  • Each pass through the vortex nozzle and magnetic array further structures the water

Option C: Permanent Plumbing Installation

For permanent installation on a greenhouse or agricultural water line:

  • Turn off the water supply
  • Cut into the supply line and install SharkBite ball valves on each side for isolation
  • Connect the Super Imploder between the valves using SharkBite push-to-connect fittings
  • Support the Super Imploder with pipe hangers — do not let its weight hang unsupported from the plumbing connections
  • Open the valves and check all connections for leaks
  • Install a bypass line with a third valve (optional) for maintenance access

Important Notes for Super Imploder Installation

  • Flow direction matters. The Super Imploder has a marked INLET and OUTLET. Water must enter through the INLET for proper vortex action.
  • Support the unit. The Super Imploder does not include a mounting bracket. Always support it with pipe hangers, straps, or a shelf to prevent stress on plumbing connections.
  • SharkBite fittings are reusable. If you need to reposition the Super Imploder, SharkBite fittings can be disconnected and reconnected using the SharkBite disconnect clip.
  • Compatible with copper, PEX, and PE-RT pipe. SharkBite fittings work with all common pipe types without adapters.

ReCharger Installation

The Fractal Water ReCharger is our compact magnetic-only water conditioning device. It installs in seconds on any 3/4″ NPT water line — no special tools or plumbing experience required.

What You Will Need

  • Adjustable wrench or pipe wrench
  • PTFE tape (Teflon tape)
  • 3/4″ NPT male nipple or adapter (if connecting between two female-threaded fittings)

Installation Steps

  • Turn off the water supply to the line where you are installing the ReCharger.
  • Apply PTFE tape to the male threads of your pipe fitting or nipple. Wrap clockwise, 3–5 turns.
  • Thread the ReCharger onto the pipe. The ReCharger has 3/4″ NPT female threads on both ends. Hand-tighten, then snug with a wrench — a quarter turn past hand-tight is sufficient.
  • Connect the other end to your water line using a 3/4″ NPT nipple or appropriate adapter.
  • Turn on the water supply slowly and check all connections for leaks.

Important Notes

  • Any orientation. The ReCharger can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at any angle.
  • No flow direction. Unlike the Super Imploder and Ultra Imploder, the ReCharger works in either direction — there is no designated inlet or outlet.
  • Compact size. The ReCharger is small and lightweight enough to install inline without additional support brackets.
  • Freeze protection. Drain the ReCharger if the installation area may reach freezing temperatures.
  • Do not over-tighten. The Technyl housing is strong but can crack if excessive force is applied. A quarter turn past hand-tight with a wrench is sufficient.

Need Help?

Our team is available to walk you through the installation process by phone. Call us toll-free at 1 (888) 897-6968 for installation support.

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