We usually associate limescale with the whitish stains that form on taps and bathroom fixtures, but in reality, being able to eliminate limescale from water could have enormous positive effects on many aspects of daily life.
An excessive concentration of limescale in your water, in fact, causes deposits that can damage appliances, especially the data-mce-fragment="1"> washing machine and dishwasher, as well as pots, pans, and kitchen utensils.
Unfortunately, the remedy we are all used to resorting to consists in the use of descaling detergents, which however have some disadvantages, two in particular: over time, they corrode and ruin the surfaces you try to descale, and they pollute, because they are often contained in non-recyclable plastic bottles.
If we add to this the cost of purchasing them periodically, we can easily understand how important it is to remove limescale from water, therefore acting at the source.
Let's see together how to remove limescale from water, without compromise its organoleptic properties.
What is limescale?
When we talk about limescale, in relation to domestic water, we are referring to the concentration of calcium and magnesium salts.
Attention: calcium and magnesium are two minerals of fundamental importance for our body, which we obtain mainly through food, therefore not We must make the mistake of considering them as enemies just because, in high concentrations, they ruin our appliances and other things.
The correct interpretation is to be found in the expression “in high concentrations”, because that is what causes the problem.
The solution is not, therefore, to completely remove these mineral salts dissolved in the water to eliminate the limescale problem from the source, because numerous studies have shown that a Reduced calcium and magnesium intake translates into an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
As always in life, it takes moderation and balance. This is where the concept of water hardness comes into play, which the Ministry of Health defines as follows:
"The term hardness traditionally refers to the measure of water's ability to react with soap; water with a high degree of hardness requires a greater quantity of soap to produce foam. The hardness of water is mainly attributed to the content of calcium and magnesium salts, present in the form of carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, chlorides, and nitrates, and depends on whether the water comes from the surface or deep below and on the geology of the catchment area."
Therefore, with “hard water” means water that has high concentrations of calcium and magnesium salts. The harder the water, the more limescale deposits there will be in your home.
Let's be clear, hard water and limescale are not dangerous - in fact, they could actually provide an important additional contribution to your total calcium and magnesium intake - however, they could be very annoying and contribute to the bad taste of your water. faucet.
This is an extremely widespread problem, according to some statistics, affecting as many as 85% of European homes. In short, you're not the only one who needs to remove limescale from your water.
Why you should remove limescale
Limescale can cause problems in many areas of your home, from minor issues to serious inconveniences. Here are some typical problems caused by hard and calcareous water that you could and should fix:
- Clogged heating and boiler pipes, shower heads, and faucets;
- Loss of water pressure due to the small diameter of the pipe, now blocked;
- Bacterial growth in drinking water pipes;
- Frequent repairs or replacements of appliances such as kettles and washing machines;
- Replacing pipes heating;
- Irritation of sensitive skin;
- Dry, dull hair;
- Energy loss in hot water systems, such as acondensing boiler, and increased heating costs;
- Less detergents effective;
- White residue and opaque surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen.
Perhaps eliminating isn't the right term
So far we've talked about the need to remove limescale from water, but this term could actually be a bit confusing.
In fact, we don't mean to say that we need to completely remove limescale, or calcium and magnesium salts, from the water that comes in in our homes, otherwise we will end up drinking demineralized water, which is not good for our health at all.
Rather, we mean that we can reduce limescale concentrations, and therefore the hardness of domestic water, to bring it within more acceptable parameters, thus avoiding all the unpleasant inconveniences resulting from deposits of this whitish substance.
Removing limescale from water using softeners
So far we've talked about how to remove limescale FROM WATER, and not from surfaces, pipes, dishes, or appliances, because the solution is to address the root of the problem, not afterward. In that case, what you need to do is clean, descale, replace, repair—nothing you don't already know.
For this reason, we recommend installing a water softener in your home, which will reduce the hardness of the water that comes from the aqueduct and the local distribution network.
As the term itself suggests, a water softener has the task of “soften” water, that is, retain calcium and magnesium ions, making it less calcareous and hard.
There are several filtering technologies for removing limescale from tap water, including reverse osmosis and ion exchange, but the basic concept is the same: retaining a portion of the calcium and magnesium salts present in the water at the source to lower hardness and, consequently, reduce limescale deposits.
So, why buy and install a water softener?
- Savings of up to 25% on energy costs;
- Reduction in repair and maintenance costs;
- No limescale stains on faucets, showers, shower, walls;
- Stop limescale buildup on pipes, appliances, and boilers;
- Reduce detergent consumption by up to 50%;
- Healthier, softer skin and hair;
- Softer clothes and sheets.
What are you waiting for? Visit our online store and section dedicated to water softeners, and don't hesitate to contact us for more information.