Hard Water Problems
Hard Water Costs You Money!
Limescale originates in the components of water’s carbonic rigidity-calcium carbonate (lime), magnesium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate and sediment formations. The higher the PH level and temperature; the larger the quantity of limescale. Temperature has a great impact on limescale formation. For example, 80-degree water will leave six times more limescale than will 60-degree water. The settling of limescale on heating elements creates insulation that reduces their efficiency: it can even cause them to corrode, leading to direct failure and damage.
Limescale and its Effect on Heat Exchangers
Boiler heating element w/limescale
Plastic hose covered in limescale
Inside of Boiler w/limescale build-up
Heating element covered in limescale build-up
Problems in Hot Water Heaters, Boilers Systems and Pipes
Limescale build-up contributes to inefficient and costly operation of water-using appliances. When the water is heated, the hard water salts usually deposit as encrusting limescale. The build up on the heat exchangers creates an insulated layer that decreases the efficiency of the heater and causes an increase in the energy needed to heat the water, as a result, increasing the amount of money you pay for the energy.
Limescale deposits can also contribute to the complete failure of such appliances. Pipes can become clogged with limescale that reduces the water flow and ultimately requires pipe replacement.
Limescale has been known to increase your energy bills by an average of 25% or more!
Problems in Dishwashers
When washing dishes & glassware, especially in a dishwasher, hard water may cause spotting and filming. The minerals from hard water are released faster when they come into contact with heat, causing an increase in the amount of spotting and filming that occurs. This problem is not a health risk, but it can be a nuisance to clean and can reduce the quality of your dishes and glassware.
Problems in Laundering
Clothes washed in hard water often look dingy and feel harsh on the skin. The hard minerals combine with some soils to form insoluble salts, making them difficult to remove. Continuous laundering in hard water can damage fibers and shorten the life of your clothes by up to 40%.
Problems with Limescale in Solar Heating Systems
Solar Heating, which is often used to heat swimming pools and houses is prone to limescale buildup. The limescale can reduce the efficiency of the electronic pump, resulting in the performance and deterioration of the overall system. A low cost solution to this problem is to install a HydroCare unit before the pump to remove existing limescale and prevent future buildup.