How to Remove Hard Water Deposits

Water with high mineral content, like magnesium and calcium, is known as hard water. Using hard water regularly causes stains and buildups on faucets, showers, etc. Such hard water deposits can look bad and may prevent faucets and shower heads from operating properly. The white or yellow crusty look comes from a buildup of minerals and calcium naturally occurring in a water supply. These hard water deposits can be removed easily; read the blog and watch DIY video.

Why Hard Water Buildups Are More Common in The United States?

Some areas of The United States have limestone-rich geology. In regions like Arizona, Texas, and Florida, limestone deposits are higher, so people living there experience extremely hard water.

Why is it Important to Clean Hard Water Deposits?

It is necessary to clean hard water deposits on plumbing fixtures. Calcium buildups and stains caused by hard water affect the cleanliness as well as the functioning of bathroom fixtures. Hard water buildups affect the flow of water in faucets. In showers, it is likely to block the tiny holes, slowing the water flow. You might see the stuck water due to blocked holes dripping from the shower even after usage. So, to keep your bathroom fixtures in good condition, it is necessary to clean the hard water buildups regularly.

The Impact of Hard Water on Home Appliances

Hard water can cause a range of problems in your home. Continuous use can lead to damage to pipes, appliances, and fixtures. It may end in costly repairs and replacements. Hard water can lead to:

1. Clogged Pipes

Minerals like calcium and magnesium, with the passage of time, can get deposited in the pipelines. It can clog the pipes and affect water flow.

2. Reduced Efficiency of Home Appliances

Hope appliances like washing machines and water heaters are more likely to reduce efficiency when operated with hard water. When their filters get clogged and the heating element gets covered with a layer of hard water deposits, their efficiency drops.

3. Stains on Plumbing Fixtures

Hard water leaves stubborn stains on faucets, showers, sinks, tubs, and tiles. It also creates buildups on faucets and showers, affecting the flow of water. 

How to Clean Calcium Buildups From Faucets?

It’s easy to remove hard water deposits if you follow the instructions in this do-it-yourself video. This method should also make your faucets and shower heads look like they are brand new.

Tools & Materials Needed

  • Gloves & Mask
  • Vinegar
  • Paper Towel & Soft Cloth
  • Bowl
  • Plastic bag and thick rubber band for shower heads
  • If you remove the shower head, you will need Teflon tape
  • Spray Bottle for Sink Drain Ring

Steps To Remove Hard Water Deposits from a Sink Faucet

  1. Wash the faucet with a cleaner or soap.
  2. Soak a cloth or some paper towels in vinegar and wrap them over the faucet. It’ll help to clean the stains on the faucet.
  3. Remove the faucet head or screen. The screen assembly is removable on most bathroom sink and kitchen sink faucets.
  4. Place it in a bowl and cover it with standard household vinegar. Let the faucet head or screen soak in the vinegar overnight.
  5. In the morning, rinse the head and carefully screw it back into place.

Steps To Remove Hard Water Deposits on a Shower Head

  1. For the shower heads, it’s usually easier to use the alternate “plastic bag” method shown in the video.
  2. Fill a plastic bag with enough vinegar to immerse the crusty parts of the shower head. Let the shower head soak in vinegar overnight.
  3. In the morning, carefully remove the bag with the vinegar.
  4. Wet a soft cloth and wipe any residue from the shower head. If any crusty buildup remains, repeat the process.
  5. If the shower head was removed, the threads on a shower head pipe require sealing with Teflon tape when the shower head is replaced. To avoid that step, use the plastic bag method. If you need to remove the shower head, pick up some Teflon tape from a local hardware or plumbing store. To use the Teflon tape, wrap it around the threads on the shower pipe two or three times before screwing the head back in place.

Steps To Clean Ring Around Sink Drain

  1. Make a mixture of 1:1 of water and Vinegar.
  2. Spray it in the sink and leave for at least two hours so the vinegar may clean the hard water deposits.
  3. Use a paper towel or a cloth to clean the ring.
  4. Rinse the sink with warm water. 

How to Prevent Calcium Buildups?

Hard water buildups in faucets and showers are annoying. They can affect your quality of life. It is better to avoid them rather than go for regular cleaning. The best way to avoid hard water buildups is by getting a water softener installed. The water softener will remove extra minerals like calcium and magnesium. So the water will become soft. It will help to have soft water in your plumbing system so the pipes remain unclogged and bathroom fixtures also remain clean.  

When to Call an Expert!

Hard Water causes multiple problems to home appliances. It is better to go for regular cleaning and maintenance to avoid bigger losses. You can also get the inspection done to know about the damages caused by hard water and schedule the needed repairs. It can be helpful to increase the life of your home appliances and fixtures.

 

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