Updated May 2022

You may have heard about limescale and how it’s a problem for your home’s plumbing… but you weren’t quite sure what it is, or what you can do about it. In this post, we’re going to go into the details of limescale and how it creates trouble for your home’s plumbing. And of course, we’ve got a solution as well. That’s what our plumbers are here for!

What is limescale?

Limescale is the white outside layer left from the presence of hard water. Hard water is when any water contains higher mineral levels than usual: magnesium, gypsum, and various calcites. These often find their way into municipal plumbing through ground seepage. The most visible place where you’ll see limescale is on faucets and other fixtures, such as showerheads. If you notice the nozzles a showerhead are either blocked or firing off at odd angles, it’s probably due to limescale buildup.

Why is limescale a problem?

Aside from messing up your showerhead? Limescale buildup is a serious issue for other water-using appliances, especially your water heater. One of the big reasons for water heaters failing early and needing replacements is because of limescale buildup, which serves as an insulating layer in the tank causing the tank to overheat. Limescale also builds up in pipes and creates spikes in water pressure.

What can I do about it?

There are some basic home remedies for getting rid of limescale deposits on showerheads and faucets, such as detaching a showerhead and placing it in a solution of water and vinegar overnight. Lemon juice also has the appropriate acidic power to remove limescale. But if your home is experiencing hard water trouble, the issue goes deeper than anything a few home remedies can solve. It’s best to contact our plumbers to see what repairs we can do to help, and to see if you can benefit from the installation of a water softener, which removes the root of the problem: hard water.

Call on Bud Matthews Services for all you home service needs in Durham, NC! We offer 24-hour emergency service.