Why Does Calcium Form on Plumbing Fixtures?

Those pesky white stains are what is known as calcium buildup. This is caused by a condition called hard water. Having hard water means that there are unusually high levels of minerals in your fresh water supply. While higher amounts of certain minerals won’t disqualify your water supply for safe consumption or regular household use, it can still wreak havoc on metal items. This means that your faucets, metal pipes and appliances can all be corrupted by repetitive exposure to calcium and magnesium.

Removing Calcium Buildup on Faucets

Existing calcium buildup can be removed without resorting to frequent use of harsh chemicals. In most cases, simply soaking the metal in white vinegar will be enough to get rid of the discoloration. For faucets, this can be accomplished by filling a plastic bag with vinegar and attaching it to the fixture with a rubber band or bungie cord. Let the faucet soak for 1 to 8 hours and then gently wipe away any debris with a sponge or towel. If the stain still refuses to budget, there may be permanent damage to the faucet, in which case you might consider installing a new one.

Prevention Techniques to Avoid Future Issues

Cleaning or swapping out your faucet will only be a temporary solution for those who have hard water. In addition to the frustrating stains, hard water can also negatively affect expensive appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers. The only way to truly avoid frequent replacements and repairs is to invest in a water softener, which will effectively remove the excess magnesium and calcium in your water supply. While this requires a small initial investment, the long term cost benefits make this home improvement task well worth the effort, since it maximizes the longevity, usability and efficiency your appliances, fixtures and pipes.

Need a Professional Faucet Replacement or Water Softener Installation? Call Rooter Hero Plumbing

Are you tired of struggling with dirty faucets? Have you been concerned about how your hard water might be undermining your valuable appliances? Then there’s no reason to hesitate. If you’re ready to invest in a new faucet, a water softener installation or plumbing maintenance service? Then call the experts at Rooter Hero Plumbing and get the help you need today. Our licensed and insured plumbers want to help you achieve your goals. Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment with a certified plumber in your local AZ or CA neighborhood.