Do you live in an area of the UK that suffers from hard water? Then you probably know all about limescale and the issues it can cause.
For those who reside in areas of the UK with hard water, it's widespread to observe limescale build-up in kettles and around water outlets.
But you may not be able to see the build-up of limescale within your central heating system, including your boiler, which like kettles is exposed to water constantly.
Limescale build-up can be problematic, leading to a drop in the energy efficiency of your boiler and even worse can lead to damage to key components, like the heat exchanger.
So, what can you do about it?
Let's find out...
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What is limescale build-up?
In the United Kingdom, limescale poses a prevalent issue in regions with hard water, as the mineral-rich composition of hard water serves as a primary catalyst for its formation.
Limescale is characterised by a chalky-white residue that tends to accumulate on surfaces regularly exposed to hard water. These deposits are essentially composed of calcium carbonate, a mineral abundant in hard water sources.
Consequently, any appliance or plumbing system subject to hard water exposure is susceptible to limescale buildup. This includes commonly used household items such as dishwashers, washing machines, showers, kettles, and toilets.
Notably, it can also affect a critical component of your home's heating infrastructure—your central heating system, which includes the boiler.
Limescale tends to have a more pronounced impact on appliances that rely on hot water, primarily due to the quicker evaporation of hot water compared to cold water.
As the hot water evaporates, it leaves behind traces of calcium and magnesium minerals. Over time, these minerals accumulate, resulting in the formation of stubborn limescale deposits.
In contrast to soft water, which has lower mineral content, hard water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. When hard water evaporates, these minerals are left behind, gradually building up to create limescale deposits.
This repeated deposition process is responsible for the persistent presence of limescale in areas with hard water, requiring regular maintenance and preventive measures to mitigate its adverse effects.
What problems can limescale cause?
Not only do many people consider limescale unsightly, but it can actually result in many other issues too.
For example, limescale build-up can result in blockages in pipework and restrict the flow of water to your washing machine or through your central heating system.
Limescale can also cause issues with your boiler and heating system, this can be difficult to detect, but there are some major warning signs.
Often limescale will cause blockages in your heating system, which may restrict the flow of water, in turn, this can result in the production of strange noises you haven't noticed before.
The trapped water often overheats, resulting in the production of steam and a distinctive noise referred to as 'kettling'.
Kettling doesn't just result in a very annoying sound, often described as 'whistling' either, but it can also result in your boiler overworking itself and lead to greater wear and tear to key components like the heat exchanger.
Even worse, it can result in a drop in energy efficiency, meaning that your boiler will cost more to run.
In fact, according to British Water, limescale could reduce your boiler's efficiency by as much as 12%.
How can you prevent limescale build-up?
Limescale build-up can be prevented with the help of water softeners and scale reducers.
How does a water softener work?
As the name suggests, a water softener will help to soften your hard water. It does this by helping to reduce the amount of minerals in your water.
When water enters your home through the main supply, it undergoes an ion exchange process as it flows through a tank.
This process primarily targets positively charged minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium, which are the main culprits responsible for limescale buildup.
Within the softener tank, these minerals pass through resin beads that carry a negative charge.
These beads function like magnets, attracting and retaining the positively charged elements.
The resulting water, now transformed into soft water, is then distributed to the faucets and plumbing throughout your home.
Our recommendation:
If you are seriously considering a water softener, then we would recommend our partners at Harvey Water Softeners.
The image above shows the best-selling HarveyArc Water Softener, ideal for everyday softening.
Why?
Established in 1978, Harvey Water Softeners boasts more than four decades of expertise in crafting water-softening solutions that enhance your home's water quality.
They say it best in their own words:
"Our powerful systems work tirelessly to eliminate limescale, significantly reduce your household's energy bills, and are softer on your skin and hair."
Harvey Water Softeners offers a selection of water softeners suitable for small, medium and larger-sized properties.
How can you remove limescale?
If you are concerned about the existing limescale in your central heating system, then you can take steps to remove it.
The most common and effective method is to have a power flush carried out by a heating engineer.
What is a power flush?
A power flush is essentially a deep, intense cleanse of your heating system and type of boiler, which aims to improve the quality of your system’s water by removing limescale deposits, as well as sludge, rust and other random bits of crud.
These troublesome residues can cause issues if left to fester in your system - and let's be honest, festering crud is never a good thing.
In fact, poor-quality heating water is one of the leading causes of boiler breakdowns in the UK.
Dirty water = dirty boiler = dirty great big repair bills.
Key signs you need a power flush:
As well as the obvious signs of limescale, here are some other signs you may need a power flush:
Radiators that need to be bled consistently
Radiators with cold spots
Central heating takes a long time to provide an adequate heat output
Cold radiators even when the pipes are hot
Radiators with discoloured water
A boiler and heating system that is noisier than it was previously
Certain radiators in your home that do not heat up
Radiator leaks
If your heating system is experiencing any of the above problems, then it may be time to have your system power flushed.
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