Have you ever noticed that white, chalky residue on your boiler? That's limescale, and it can cause all sorts of problems. This reduces the efficiency of your central heating system, and it damages the heating system. So, what can you do to prevent limescale from building up in your boiler? This guide offers simple and effective methods for keeping limescale at bay.
To clear limescale from your heating system, please follow these steps:
If you have a combi boiler, this doesn't have a tank, and you can focus on the heat exchanger directly.
Limescale is caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium, as well as other minerals, present in the water supply. This deposit is predominantly calcium carbonate. As the water warms in the boiler and hot water appliances, mineral content forms deposits on the internal components. Over time, this deposit builds up and the negative effects the efficiency of your boiler, which can lead to higher energy bills if you don't take further action.
Limescale is a natural occurrence in a hard water area. (A quick way to check if you live in a hard water area is to fill a bottle to one-third level, add liquid soap and shake the bottle. If the water is milky or cloudy, it is likely you have hard water. If not, you are likely in a soft water location.)
Hard water, which contains more minerals than soft water, is another cause of limescale build up. This occurs when the water has a high concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. High-pressure boilers are especially prone to limescale buildup due to their higher temperatures and pressure levels. Additionally, if there are any leaks in the system, limescale accumulates more readily.
Finally, poor maintenance habits can also lead to limescale deposits in boilers over time. If boilers aren’t descaled regularly, then this can create an environment where limescale builds up more , as there is no way to remove mineral deposits from the system.
So, it is best to implement a regular maintenance schedule to identify potential problems with limescale build-up and remedy them as quickly as possible.
Limescale also increases wear and tear on the boiler by creating more friction between moving parts. This situation can lead to metal fatigue and corrosion.
Additionally, if limescale builds up inside the boiler’s heat exchanger, it will prevent heat from transferring from one side to the other. This reduces its energy efficiency and raises energy consumption levels.
Limescale can cause major issues for boilers, by affecting its efficiency. Limescale can lead to complete breakdowns due to blockages or corrosion. This can lead to small problems like your kettle not working effectively to expensive repairs or even total failure of the boiler.
Limescale is also an issue in metal pipes, and your water system. When coupled with hard water areas, the likelihood of problems, and costly repairs, arising is likely unless you are proactive in dealing with limescale, and related issues.
The most effective way to do this is by using a water softener or other filtration system. Water softeners help reduce the magnesium and calcium content in your water and other impurities like rust or iron particles.
There are affordable water softener products like tablets that remove limescale and residue. However, there are also more water softeners which can be installed in your home, such as electronic conditioners, alleviating the problems many households in hard water locations suffer from.
You can also add a magnetic filter, with this filter offering effective and compact protection for your central heating system.
This can be expensive, but reducing maintenance costs and prolonged boiler lifespan provides value for money.
Using filtered or distilled water in the boiler can help reduce calcium deposits and other mineral build-ups leading to limescale forming in your boiler.
Using a high-quality anti-limescale chemical to fill the boiler can help prevent scale formation.
Additionally, it would be best if you descaled your boiler with vinegar or a chemical descaler on a regular basis, this helps keep limescale from reforming. There is no shortage of reliable central heating protector products that will prevent unwanted build up in your home.
Regular maintenance checks are essential to care for your boiler; if you notice any wear or damage, call on a specialist immediately to review them. If left unchecked, these issues lead to bigger problems.
At Plumb Guardian, we know how vital it is for your boiler to run effectively. Even a small issue can disrupt your day, or week. We provide an extensive range of repair and maintenance services, but we're also keen to assist property owners in caring for their home and central heating systems, especially if you have hard water.
With our tips and guidance on boiler maintenance, you'll hopefully save money, and avoid the need to call out a professional plumber. However, whatever assistance you need from us, including prevention or removal of limescale from boilers, we are happy to help. We also offer boiler installations, so get in touch.
