How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Faucets

What Causes Calcium Buildup?

Calcium buildup is most often caused by hard water. Many municipal water supplies and well water will contain higher than normal levels of calcium bicarbonate due to contact with limestone and soil minerals. When mixed with iron, it can create lime scale that is rust and yellow hued, making the buildup even more obvious and difficult to clean.

Get Your Supplies Ready

The first step to successfully removing calcium buildup is to gather the appropriate supplies. Many people turn to harsh chemicals and abrasives to remove their buildup. Doing so frequently can actually do more harm than good, as you may be stripping away layers of metal. Eventually, youll need to repair or replace the affected metal due to early corrosion and exposure to caustic substances. Instead, use white vinegar to naturally dissolve the minerals from your faucet. Heres a list of the items needed for the job:

• White Vinegar
• Paper Towels or Rags
• Sponge or Magic Eraser
• Rubber Bands

How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Your Faucets

Once you have all the items nearby, its time for the next steps. Soak your paper towels and rags in white vinegar and adhere them to the faucet with the rubber bands. Make sure that the entire surface of the faucet is covered. Walk away for an hour or two let it sit. When ready, remove the vinegar soaked towels. Use a wet sponge or magic eraser to wipe away the residue and repeat until clean. You can use this method with showerheads as well. Simply remove the showerhead and place it inside a mop bucket or plastic bin in your bathtub. Soak for an hour or two and rinse and scrub thoroughly.

Prevent Calcium and Lime Buildup with a Water Softener Installation in Pittsburgh

Of course, if hard water is the problem, you can expect to repeat this process many times in the near future. In addition, calcium and lime deposits will probably appear on difficult to clean locations like shower doors, toilet bowls, sinks and fiberglass tubs. Thankfully, theres a simple, long lasting way to avoid the situation entirely. A certified plumber can install a water softening system that removes the excess minerals using an ionization process. This will restore proper balance to your fresh water supply, and will alleviate the frequent accumulation of mineral deposits on your favorite plumbing fixtures.

Looking for a Certified Plumber in Pittsburgh, PA? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh

Are you ready to invest in a professional water softener installation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Then call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh today. Our team of licensed and insured plumbers are ready to put their tools and equipment to work for your home. Contact our office for more information about our services or to schedule a convenient appointment.