Dealing with hard water is a continuous challenge for many homeowners. Because of its high mineral content, it leaves a residue that gradually builds up in the water supply running through pipes and leaves a green or white chalky substance on kitchen and bathroom surfaces. This is called limescale, and, while it isn’t harmful even after consumption, it can impair the function of your faucets and other plumbing fixtures.
To help you, here are some tips on how to remove and prevent hard water deposit buildup in your home’s plumbing.
Use Non-Toxic, Natural Cleaners
Cleaning hard water stains must be done regularly so they don’t have a chance to penetrate surfaces. Fortunately, there’s no need to purchase special cleaning products from retail stores because you can use items found in your pantry or refrigerator. Lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda are some of the natural cleaners you can use to get rid of chalky stains from your fixtures.
Kitchen and bathroom faucets, for instance, can look old and dingy whenever they accumulate limescale. To remove the deposits, cover the faucet with a vinegar-soaked rag, making sure it is in direct contact with all the hard water deposits, and let sit for up to an hour. Then, remove the rag, and scrub the faucet surfaces with a non-scratch sponge. Repeat the process until all the limescale deposits have been removed.
Preventing Hard Water Stains and Mineral Deposits
Still, prevention is the key to getting rid of limescale deposits on kitchens and bathrooms. Make sure surfaces are wiped dry so water doesn’t evaporate and leave behind those noticeable stains. If you have a shower door, regularly spray it with a shower cleaner after each use.
A better way to deal with hard water and the problems it causes, however, is to install a water softener system to treat your home’s water supply. This kind of water filtration system removes the calcium and magnesium components in water through a process called ion exchange.
At RainSoft of NE Iowa, we offer computer-controlled water conditioners and softeners that are built to provide a lifetime of trustworthy performance. Our EC4 and EC5 water softeners can replenish their supply in response to actual water usage in your home, providing an abundance of softened and treated water whenever it is needed.
Count on our plumbing professionals to deal with hard water problems in your pipes. For your water purifier needs, get in touch with us by calling (319) 233-2038, or fill out our contact form to get a quote.