If your house has hard water, chances are you’ve got limescale buildup somewhere (if not everywhere) in your plumbing system. Though it's easy to assume limescale is nothing more than a visual annoyance, that assumption could get you in trouble. Allowing limescale to accumulate, either on the outside or inside of your pipes and fixtures, can result in poor water quality and plumbing deterioration over time. To help you better protect your plumbing system from damage, the pros at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating explain the dangers of limescale below.
What Is Limescale?
Before we address the plumbing issues limescale can cause, it’s helpful to explain what limescale is, so you understand why it causes problems. Limescale, also referred to as calcium scale, is mineral accumulation, consisting primarily of calcium carbonate. It looks like an off-white, chalky residue or a hard, chunky buildup, and because it’s left behind by hard water, you’ll find it around metal pipes, filters, pumps, and fixtures.
Limescale is particularly common in appliances that contain heating elements (your water heater is one of them). It can significantly interfere with normal plumbing function and plumbed appliance operation, which is why it’s so important to tackle the issue as soon as you notice it.
Limescale and Your Plumbing: Potential Hazards
So what happens when limescale accumulates inside or outside your pipes? If mineral deposits build up inside your pipes, they decrease pipe diameter, which impedes normal water flow. This issue can result in a variety of plumbing complications, including:
● Excessive pressure inside the pipes
● Dripping or bursting pipes
● Clogged drains
● Water contamination
If limescale builds around the outside of your pipes or inside plumbed appliances, it can corrode the affected components, slowly deteriorating them over time. As the buildup slowly eats through the metal, it can eventually damage the pipe or appliance beyond repair.
What Should You Do About Limescale?
If you find limescale in your plumbing or any of your appliances, contact a plumber who can inspect the system for damages and clean out the deposits. Keep in mind that mineral buildup inside your pipes is difficult to detect, so you may not see it until the problem reaches a critical level.
If your plumbing system appears to be acting up and you don’t know why or your plumbed appliances aren’t functioning properly, limescale may be the culprit. A qualified plumber can determine whether there’s buildup inside the pipes and advise you on the best course of action to prevent further problems.
Steve’s Plumbing & Heating: Your Source for Comprehensive Plumbing Repair & Maintenance
When your plumbing system isn’t performing as it should, our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating is at your service. We specialize in plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance for homeowners throughout Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding areas. We also offer guarantees on our work and 24/7 emergency service for your convenience. To request an estimate or schedule an appointment, give our office a call today at 715-421-1800 or connect with us online, and we’ll be in touch!