9 Tips for Preventing Limescale in Your Home
Limescale is a buildup of hard minerals in the water. It usually appears inside taps, hot water tanks, and pipes. Limescale can also appear around bathtubs, foot baths, showers, washing machines, and other household items such as tea kettles. The buildup of limescale can result in rusting pipes.
1. Get a Water Filter
Install a quality water filter to get rid of the minerals and to prevent the formation of limescale in your water heater, water pipes, and domestic appliances. All you need to do is replace the cartridges every six months to ensure they continue working well.
A cartridge water filter works by using an ion-exchange process. Water is passed through the cartridge, and mineral ions in the water are exchanged for other ions, such as sodium.
2. Use a Water Softener
A water softener can prevent limescale buildup and is suitable for people who have hard water in their homes. It is an effective way to reduce limescale buildup in your pipes and household appliances. The softener uses salt to condition the hard water. The salt is mixed with the water while it passes through an ion exchange resin in a water softener. The resin removes minerals from the water by catching them in a hard gel.
3. Install a Magnetic Water Conditioner and Descaler System
Unlike softeners, magnetic water conditioners and descaler systems use magnets to remove minerals from hard water. Inside a magnetic system, two pairs of magnetic discs act as filters. The discs attract any limescale present in the water and can help prevent their buildup inside your pipes.
4. Use a Lime Remover
Lime removers are suitable for removing limescale from bathroom tile, toilet bowl, and around the showerhead at home. The lime removers get rid of all types of limescale but are not effective in removing hard water stains that have already been absorbed into your fixtures. It would help if you only used it temporarily because it is more suited for more minor buildups on plumbing pipes and fixtures.
5. Service and Maintain Your Water Heater
Water heaters accumulate mineral deposits and limescale buildups at the bottom. All you need to do is service the water heater every year. This will help prevent any buildup of minerals which may eventually lead to leakage. You can get your water heater serviced by a professional or do it yourself. The maintenance process involves cleaning out the tank, checking it for cracks and replacing burnt-out anode rods.
6. Take Care of Things Quickly
The longer you let limescale build up in your fixtures, the more damage it will cause. However, don’t use harsh chemicals which can be harmful to your health. Lime buildup can usually be cleared by taking a soft cloth and rubbing the affected area. You may need to follow this up with a quick rinse of the area to remove any residue. Always make sure that you wash your hands after cleaning the area.
7. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda is one of the best methods to prevent limescale buildup. Adding vinegar to your baking soda mix is an excellent way to make a cleaning agent that will help with limescale buildup in the pipes and plumbing fixtures. Mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of vinegar is sufficient to prevent limescale buildup in your home.
8. Minimize Your Demand for Hot Water
The big culprit of limescale buildup is hot water. To prevent limescale deposits from building up in your home, limit your use and demand for hot water. This can be done quickly by switching off the water heater when you aren’t using it. It would be best if you also tried to minimize your use of hot water for washing dishes, clothes, and bathing.
9. Contact a Licensed Plumber
If limescale buildup has occurred in your home, it is best to contact a licensed plumber. Some people try to repair the problem themselves without considering the possible risks involved.
Limescale is a common problem that many homeowners face. If you notice limescale buildup in your plumbing, do not wait until things get worse and more expensive to repair.
Works Plumbing can take care of your limescale buildup. We offer plumbing, drain cleaning, and water heater repair services. We are located in Pacifica. Contact Works Plumbing today for more information.
