What is Limescale?
Limescale, also known as calcium scale, is a hard and chalky substance that is off-white in color and can be found primarily on the metallic components of water-operated machinery. Limescale is especially common in pieces of equipment that contain a heating element. It can also be found in the plumbing pipes and pumps in your home or office.
What Causes Limescale?
Limescale forms when hard water evaporates and leaves behind calcium and magnesium particles. Hard water contains a higher mineral content than soft water and is the main culprit of limescale buildup.
Why is Limescale Bad?
Limescale forms in many different places in which hard water is present (and evaporates) including:
- Showerheads
- Faucets/Taps
- Shower doors/curtains
- Teapots or Kettles
- Kitchen and bathroom tiles
- Washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Radiators
- HVAC pipes
Water pipes and plumbing fixtures
If your HVAC system gets clogged with limescale, it won’t work as efficiently and can greatly increase the cost of your energy bills. Large appliances in your home that are subjected to limescale buildup can become weakened or damaged over time. Build-up can cause a loss of water pressure, and can also irritate sensitive skin and dry out healthy hair.
It can be rather difficult to remove limescale once it has built-up in large quantities, especially in hard-to-access places like inside your boiler or plumbing pipes. It’s typically best to consult with an experienced Eldersburg, MD plumbing service and have them give you an estimate.
How can I prevent it?
If hard water is the source of limescale build-up, it’s quite obvious that taking steps to soften the water in your home will decrease the presence of the substance. Here’s how to do it:
- Use non-precipitating softener tablets for your washing machine.
- Install carbon water filters in taps to soften the water and additionally, supply cleaner and fresher drinking water to your family.
- Use a chemical inhibitor designed to reduce and prevent limescale build-up in HVAC systems.
- Invest in a water softener for your home. Although these machines do not remove the calcium and magnesium from hard water, they prevent these minerals from adhering to the surface of pipes and appliances throughout your home.
Looking for a professional and reliable commercial plumber in Eldersburg, MD? Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating is a locally owned and operated plumber providing water, heating, and plumbing services all throughout western Maryland. For more information about limescale or to set up an appointment for our experienced technicians to assess your home or business’ plumbing, contact us today.
