For the average household, finding a bit of limescale appearing in our bathrooms, on taps, toilets, and showers is annoying… But is a limescale removal solution is really necessary? The impact on boiler performance, hot water tanks and the efficiency of appliances like washing machines can be more significant. In fact, limescale-related problems account for some of the most common plumbing and heating engineer callouts.
What is limescale?
The hard, chalky deposit that lurks in your kettle and makes taps looks unsightly is mostly made up of calcium carbonate with the scientific composition CaCO3. Limescale is a residue left behind by hard water, the water supply present in over 60% of UK homes.
How does limescale form?
Hard water contains higher concentrations of dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium. When the water evaporates, calcium carbonate deposits are left behind, forming the limescale that builds up on surfaces and in pipework. Limescale sticks to other limescale, meaning a build up can occur quickly.
What does limescale look like?
Limescale is usually a tough and chalky substance that can vary in colour from off-white or grey through to shades of reddish pink or brown depending on what other minerals are present in the water.
Why is limescale a problem?
Left untreated, limescale can cause significant damage for households and result in unexpected plumber bills and costs to replace clogged taps, pipes, toilets, boilers, hot water tanks, washing machines and other appliances that use water. Here are some problems limescale can cause:
• Unsightly deposits that are difficult to clean
• Reduced water pressure
• Reduced water and heating efficiency
• Decreased lifespan of appliances
Is limescale harmful?
Just like it’s safe to drink hard water, and some people even prefer the taste over soft water, limescale is not considered harmful or damaging to your health. The minerals that form limescale are typically found in the bottled mineral water you can buy, and natural spring waters are thought to contribute towards positive health. Limescale and washing in hard water can be drying on the skin though.
How do you remove limescale from plumbing?
We’ve heard all sorts of bizarre household items being used to remove limescale, and those who work in the plumbing industry have probably heard your share of crazy suggestions from customers. While some of these might be effective for cleaning, DIY limescale removal methods including baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, steam and even a can of WD40 will only serve to make your bathroom look sparkling again and won’t tackle the cause of the limescale. Without an effective limescale solution, it’s likely the household appliances and water outlets will still suffer and the problem will persist.
How to keep limescale away
The longer you leave limescale, the more it will build up and the more serious the problem will become. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to save money and reduce the impact limescale has on your wallet, or you’re a plumber looking for the right solution to recommend to your customer, it’s always best to do your research on limescale removal.
Limescale removal products
There are various limescale removal products available on the market that will help protect plumbing and heating components and household appliances. The options include scale reducers and scale inhibitors, salt water softeners and the increasingly popular high performance water conditioner.
While plumbers and energy savvy consumers may already be aware of the benefits of a system like the Aquabion water conditioner, it’s important to have all the information when it comes to purchasing or recommending a water treatment system to your customer.
How does Aquabion limescale removal works?
The Aquabion water conditioner uses zinc sacrificial anodes that release zinc ions into the water and react with the calcium to form aragonite, which is essentially a new form of the lime. This new type of lime loses its adherence so it won’t stick to surfaces and can get washed away with the water.
Aquabion or salt water softener
A salt water softener is designed to swap the calcium present in hard water for sodium. This method works to prevent limescale because the minerals that form the lime are replaced with sodium. While effective, softening hard water means you lose the benefits of hard water and may have to install a separate, untreated tap for drinking water as the sodium may be unsafe.
While it is an effective limescale removal solution, maintaining a salt based system comes with its drawbacks including how often you will need to buy or store large quantities of salt to keep the system functioning correctly. A common reason for plumbing callouts to repair salt water softeners in domestic homes is because the salt isn’t been replaced as often as it should. The regular cost and maintenance associated with this type of limescale solution isn’t ideal for everyone so it’s essential that plumbers communicate this to their customers to help them make the right choice.
Salt water softeners are also not environmentally friendly due to the amount of water they consume and because the waste salt they use goes into the sewage system and eventually ends up in our rivers.
How much does Aquabion cost?
One of Aquabion’s biggest advantages is that the system has no running costs. There are two sizes to choose from for a domestic property- the S15 or S20 with prices available on request. Click on the link below to get a quote:
https://www.mpmoran.co.uk/get-a-quote
How to fit Aquabion
You don’t need to be an Aquabion specialist to install the unit. Plumbers can fit the Aquabion system without too much effort and it usually only takes around 1-2 hours to install. If the home is already having a new bathroom, new kitchen or any other sort of plumbing and heating work, it’s recommended the Aquabion water conditioner is installed at the same time.
MP Moran is a leading builders and plumbers merchant, supplying quality equipment for commercial and domestic projects in the London area. Click here to find your local branch or give us a call on 0843 600 5566 if you need advice.