Living
in the UK you most likely have problems with hard water which
means that you have limescale build up. There are several ways
to tackle the problem. Some use chemicals while others use electricity
or magnetic water softeners. This article will give you
the basic ways to disperse limescale and prevent its return.
The
first limescale preventer is hung on a bar or rod in the cold
water tank by the water inlet. It is super concentrated and
it prevents limescale from accumulating in the cold and hot
water system. This item will prolong the life of appliances
and pipes so you can save money on fuel bills and other descaling
products. The limescale preventer must be fully submerged but
not touching the sides or bottom of the tanks. It needs to be
replaced every six months to operate properly. The preventer
product needs to be stored in dry conditions until used.
Traditional
water softeners are another way to endure limescale prevention.
These products work by exchanging ions in the tank. The calcium
and magnesium ions flow through resin beads and are exchanged
with sodium ions. This is how the water is softened.
While this method has been used for years it does have drawbacks.
The water that is now in the pipes is unsuitable for drinking
for babies and certain adults. Purchasing drinking water or
a water cooler will be necessary if you have children. This
can become quite expensive. Besides having to possibly buy water
you will need to use salt. It can be in the form of salt
tablets, salt bags or a salt block. The salt block produces
the least mess and is cost effective.
An
electronic or magnetic water descaler is the third limescale
preventer.
This device doesn't exchange ions, but it does disturb the flow
of the ions. The pulse that is put out by the water descaler
keeps the ions moving so they don’t adhere to the sides
of the pipes. They then get flushed out through the drain. Since
this isn't a permanent thing the process continues all the time. The
unit may have a single coil of wire or two coils of wire depending
on the system purchased. They are easily installed and a professional
is not needed, although if you don't want to install it yourself
you can have it done.
Whatever
method you choose to use as a limescale preventer you will find
the following benefits: less laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo
and cleaning supplies are needed with softened water. The
kitchen and bathroom fixtures will sparkle with a lot less effort
and stay clean for a longer period of time. Your skin will lose
any dry patches to be replaced with softness. Hair will be silkier
and more manageable. Water heaters will run more efficiently
and last longer as will your other small appliances. You
should even be able to turn the water heater down because of
the lack of limescale deposits. With all the benefits and affordable
ways to prevent limescale there is no reason to wait to buy
one.