Limescale
Annoyed with having to clean your plumbing fixtures too often? It might be because of limescale, which could make your pipes unsightly and wreak havoc on your pipes and fixtures inside and out. If you see limescale in your pipelines, better to call a professional plumber to help you get rid of it and keep it shiny and damage-free.
What causes limescale?
Limescale is a white powdery substance that builds upon the inside of water pipes, especially in homes with hard water. Limescale is caused by high calcium and magnesium carbonate levels in the water. The limescale on your plumbing is a by-product of mineral-rich water, also known as hard water.
Limescale buildup often occurs on bathroom and kitchen fixtures and appliances such as showerheads, kettles, bathroom, and kitchen tiles, and faucets, among a few. It also causes buildup in hard-to-notice areas of the house, such as the insides of water pipes and radiators, among a few.
While hard water is safe to use and consume, you might not want to drink it because it tends to have an unpleasant taste. It could also be hard to lather and rinse your laundry if you use hard water. It could also make your skin dry and itchy, and your dishes have watermarks. And yes, those annoying buildup on your faucets, showerheads, and other parts of your plumbing system could also cause clogs if left ignored.
How to get rid of limescale
Left ignored, it could have detrimental effects on your home. It can damage your appliances and affect water flow. It could also mean increased energy bills and the hassle of cleaning hardened limescale.
Limescale can be hard to remove with water and a scrubber, but it is still possible. You must soften it first using a mild acidic solution such as a descaling agent or a lime remover. These products are available at hardware stores and supermarkets and can be used on copper and plastic pipes.
Household items can help removed limescale, such as vinegar. If you can remove faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures, put them in a plastic or bucket with vinegar for an hour. Then, you can easily scrub them with an old toothbrush or a scrubber. Doing this will help dissolve the limescale inside and out.
If vinegar doesn’t work, you can always use a commercial cleaning product. Look for one specially formulated for lime, rust, and calcium. Remember, these products could be as gentle as natural products such as vinegar and cause skin irritation. So use it with caution and use gloves when doing the task.
Prevention is better than cure
It is better to keep limescale from forming as much as possible using a water softening system. It has a sodium-based solution that helps counteract the unpleasant effects of mineral buildup in your water. It will also make your skin healthier and your clothes and dishes cleaner. Contact a professional plumber in Mt. Pleasant, TN, for your plumbing needs.