Cleaning & Preventing Hard Water/Limescale Buildup
Have you ever noticed white or brown stains around your faucets and bathroom fixtures? These are mineral deposits caused by hard water, which can cause clogs and make cleaning difficult if not addressed properly. Our water and radiant heating specialists at Countryside Plumbing & Heating share their insight on how to deal with them here.
What Triggers Hard Water and Limescale Buildup?
The deposits left behind after hard water dries are called water spots. Water is considered “hard” if it has a high concentration of minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium. These minerals running through your pipes will leave a visible green or white chalky stain around your faucets and sinks. Iron-rich deposits will look more reddish, while manganese deposits will be more brown or black.
While hard water isn’t necessarily harmful even if you drink it, limescale buildup and stains from hard water are still difficult to remove, as they cause chemical reactions that make cleaning products less effective. They can also build up around the openings in your shower head, causing clogs that reduce its water pressure. Hard water buildup can also affect some electric heaters; it accumulates on the heating element, which can force it to work longer and consume more energy.
Cleaning and Prevention
One of the best ways to remove hard water stains is to use non-toxic cleaners such as lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and even white wine. This should be done regularly so that they don’t accumulate too much on the surface.
If you want to effectively prevent hard water stains and limescale buildup, consider having a water softener installed. With the right water softening system installed by a trusted contractor, any type of mineral formation in the pipes will immediately be eradicated before water is distributed throughout your home’s plumbing system!
If you’re looking for a good contractor who offers great furnace prices, Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. offers the best heating and air conditioning solutions that will fit your budget. Call us today at (715) 246-2660 or fill out our online request form!
