What Can I Do About Limescale in Pipes and Drains?
Hard water can wreak havoc on your home. You can take preventative measures to reduce the damage caused by limescale buildup. But can you do anything to erase the damage that is already there? How do you fix hard water damage?
Hard water notoriously damages surfaces all over your home. Nothing is safe if it comes into contact with your water. While most things can be cleaned or replaced, pipes can be especially concerning. A whole house water softener can prevent further damage, but if the calcium and magnesium that cause hard water have been allowed to accumulate in your pipes to the point they clog or corrode, you have a big problem on your hands.
Problems Created by Hard Water in Your Pipes
A variety of problems occur in your pipes due to hard water. If you believe you have a problem with your pipes, it is best to tackle it sooner than later. A hard water problem that is left to fester can lead to bigger, more complicated issues in the future. If you notice these issues, it’s time to take action.
Reduced Water Pressure: As hard water builds up in your pipes, it creates a blockage. Water must force its way through a smaller area, so you get less water pressure at your faucet.
Clogged Drains: As limescale builds up in your drain pipes, you get the opposite problem. It becomes more challenging to get the water out of your home. Build up in your drains creates a clog that will back up in your sinks and showers.
Corrosion and Leaks: Over time, limescale that is left unchecked can actually corrode your pipes. As they erode, pipes start to break down and develop leaks. The widespread water damage that can occur from leaky, corroded pipes can be catastrophic.
Significant Plumbing Issues: When an entire home depends on hard water to function, the results can be devastating. Damage occurs over time and can be sneaky and hard to detect. Widespread hard water damage can lead to leaky pipes, broken water heaters, damaged appliances, and expensive repair bills.
How to Tackle Limescale Build Up
If the limescale already exists, can anything be done? The answer really comes down to the extent of the problem. Anytime you are fighting the battle against limescale, you start by gathering your supplies. If you live in an area of hard water, these should be a staple in your home.
Vinegar: A cheap and easy fix for buildup is using vinegar to break it down. Vinegar can cut through limescale buildup on your bathtub, tiles, and glass.
Lemon Juice: The acid in lemon juice is an effective way to break down the minerals that make hard water so frustrating. It is especially effective on metal surfaces and can leave your faucets and fixtures shining brightly.
Limescale Remover: You can turn to serious chemicals for especially tough hard water buildup. CLR (Calcium-Limescale-Rust) is a popular and effective product that can cut through even the worst hard water stains. It can eliminate toilet rings and stuck-on water spots.
If you have a limescale buildup in your drain pipes, start by putting vinegar and baking soda down your drain and covering it with a wet rag. After five minutes, chase it down the drain with boiling water, and it should clear up. If necessary, you can repeat this process until you break through the limescale clog.
If the blockage persists or you believe you have problems in your supply lines, it is time to call in a professional. Plumbers have specialized skills that allow them to tackle pretty severe limescale problems. You should avoid using harsh chemicals, including CLR and chemical descalers in your pipes. These chemicals can cause further damage and lead to other issues.
Shift to Preventative Measures
While fighting limescale can seem like an impossible battle, it isn’t. The thing about hard water is that it is a big problem with a simple solution. By taking preventative measures, you can avoid all the potential headaches that hard water can cause.
Install a Water Softener: A water softener system for your home is the number one thing you can do to mitigate potential water issues. By eliminating the minerals that cause the problems, you won’t ever have to deal with limescale buildup. With an initial investment into the system and some simple monthly maintenance, you can sleep easily, knowing your water is free of the minerals that cause limescale.
Switch to Modern Pipes: If you are in a situation where you can make some decisions about plumbing materials, look into PEX pipes. The flexible plastic used to make PEX is more resistant to limescale buildup. While this solution only works in certain situations, it can be a great option if you are making plumbing updates or building a new home.
Hard water leaves damage in its wake. If you are a homeowner in an area with hard water, it is essential to understand the measures you can take. Start with preventative measures. If you are already dealing with damage from the minerals in your water, act quickly before the damage gets out of control.
