Limescale

Limescale is the bane of plumbing, kitchens and bathrooms across the country. It can form deposits on taps, sinks, kettles, pipes and radiators. There are actually a few types of Limescale, depending on origin.

The first type talked about here is Calcium Bicarbonate, soluble in water, is at temperatures over 70 C converted to poorly-soluble carbonate which leads to Limescale deposits in places where water is heated.

The second type is Calcium cations which is created from hard water, and can combine with soap. This forms the 'scum' you find around bathroom sinks and taps and around drainage pipes.

The type you find on air dried kitchen utensils, taps and bathroom tiling consists of calcium carbonate which is mixed with all the other salts that where dissolved in the water.

Of course Limescale is also present where hard water is common, and is the calcium carbonate type of Limescale.

There are ways, of course, to deal with Limescale; a simple remedy to remove Limescale is to dilute white vinegar with water. Then use a soft cloth to soak the effected area and leave the cloth on for one hour. After soaking the Limescale, use a damp cloth to remove the Limescale.

You can also use a water softener or an electrolytic inhibitor. Water softener will make water 'undrinkable' to adding salt to the water to soften it, leading to high sodium content. If water softener is used then a filter tap is an ideal tap to have.

An electrolytic inhibitor works by changing the charge in the water to prevent deposits of Limescale forming. Since they do not chemically change the water the water remains as drinking water.