If you live in an area of hard water, you may have been exposed to the build-up of limescale on your taps and worktop areas. It can also affect areas underneath the surface which can go unnoticed and affect the longevity and efficiency of household appliances.
Unpleasant to the eye and irritating to clean, there are a number of solutions to prevent this continued limescale build-up which will benefit you in the long run. At Kerry Maintenance we are highly experienced in limescale prevention as part of our specialist plumbing services to ensure your systems are operating at their best.
What is Limescale?
Limescale in the home is noticeable when there is a large concentration of minerals in the water, known as hard water. It’s the natural by-product of the build-up of calcium carbonate and magnesium which leaves a white or green deposit when the water evaporates. Not only does it appear on surfaces, but it can also form in water pipes and appliances which can affect the lifespan of shower heads and washing machines.
Materials such as steel, copper and iron are particularly susceptible to limescale problems which can lead to blockages in the plumbing system and reduce the water pressure. Some signs to watch out for away from physical appearance are dry and itchy skin, dry hair and metallic taste.
Effects of Limescale
Ultimately, not keeping on top of admin to remove limescale will affect your bills as an increased amount of energy will be required to release the water supply. If untreated your appliances may break down altogether, resulting in repairs and even replacements of goods as the limescale build-up in your home becomes out of control.
Staggeringly, over half of properties in the UK are affected by hard water. Think how many kettles you’ve had to descale in the past all due to limescale disposition. In more severe circumstances, if you don’t prevent limescale build-up then taps can become damaged and cause untimely leaks resulting in you calling out a professional plumber.
Tips to Prevent Limescale
The good news is that there are methods to prevent limescale from forming to elevate problems in the future.
Cleaning
The first step is to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance routines. In doing so you’ll get into the habit of keeping limestone at bay. Start by wiping over taps, shower heads, sinks and baths once a week, but if you notice limescale starting to form then remove it as soon as possible.
Water softeners
Water conditioners and softeners are designed to remove magnesium and calcium to transform your supply into soft water. Simple to install but effective, it replaces the minerals with sodium ions using negatively charged polymer resin beads. Known as regeneration, check on the water softener once a month to make sure it has enough salt to do the job properly.
Water filtration
There are a variety of water filters on the market which can be used to filter tap water called reverse osmosis filters. These can be applied as under sink filters, in kettles and in water jugs for fresh cold and hot water that is pleasant to drink.
Descaling appliances
From drains to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, kettles and toilets, all of these require attention if you live in an area of hard water. Whilst there are many highstreet items you can purchase for washing machines and kettles, some larger appliances such as water heaters may require professional assistance.
DIY Solutions
When searching for a remedy for limescale, there are a surprising amount of ingredients in our kitchen cupboards that can aid with this. A simple mix of one part water and one part white vinegar is a good substance to use. This can either be mixed in a bottle and sprayed, or soaked into a clean towel and wrapped around the taps, shower head or pipe for ten minutes to remove those stubborn areas. Afterwards, wash down with clean water for a sparkling finish. Lemon juice is also a good alternative thanks to its acidic qualities.
In the UK 60% of homes experience hard water, which if left untreated could lead to the build-up of limescale and unwanted rises in energy bills, repairs and potentially replacements of appliances. That’s why it’s key to implement preventative measures and plumbing maintenance to reduce the risk of this happening.
Kerry Maintenance services are designed to make your plumbing issues hassle-free with our dedicated range of solutions to ensure your property’s appliances are working at their best. For more information about the services we provide or advice on how to tackle limescale at home speak to a member of our dedicated team.
