Limescale in Water: Causes, Effects, and How to Reduce It at Home

Limescale is a common issue in many households, particularly in areas with hard water. It can affect your skin, hair, appliances, plumbing, and energy efficiency. Understanding what limescale is, why it forms, and how to reduce it can help protect both your health and your home.

What Is Limescale?

Limescale is formed from calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, naturally occurring minerals found in tap water. When water contains high levels of these minerals, it is referred to as hard water.

Hard water encourages the formation of scale deposits on surfaces that come into contact with water, such as pipes, taps, showerheads, and heating elements. Over time, this buildup can reduce performance and increase maintenance costs.

Why Does Water Become Hard?

Water hardness depends largely on local geology. As water moves through the ground, it absorbs minerals from the surrounding rock and soil:

• Soft water comes from areas with granite or sandy soil and contains fewer minerals.
• Hard water develops when water passes through limestone or chalk-rich areas, absorbing calcium and magnesium.

Although water is treated and purified before reaching your home, its mineral content typically remains unchanged.

Effects of Limescale on Health

Limescale and Skin Health

Hard water can leave mineral residues on the skin, interfering with its natural protective barrier. This may result in:

• Dry, tight, or itchy skin
• Increased redness or irritation
• Worsening symptoms of eczema or psoriasis

Limescale and Hair

Limescale deposits can coat the hair shaft, leading to:

• Dull, dry, or brittle hair
• Reduced shine and manageability
• Increased breakage over time

Drinking Hard Water

While hard water is generally safe to drink, some people may experience:

• Mild digestive discomfort or bloating
• A chalky or metallic taste that reduces water intake

Hard water does not directly cause kidney stones, although people with existing kidney conditions may need to manage overall mineral intake.

How Limescale Damages Household Appliances

Limescale is one of the leading causes of appliance inefficiency and failure in hard water areas. Common problems include:

• Reduced water flow due to scale buildup in pipes
• Damaged heating elements in kettles, boilers, washing machines, and dishwashers
• Higher energy consumption—just 1 mm of limescale on a heating element can increase energy use by up to 10%
• Shortened lifespan of water-using appliances

How to Reduce Limescale in Your Home

Traditional Methods

• Descaling with vinegar – Effective but can damage seals and joints over time
• Citric acid treatments – Gentler on appliances and effective against limescale and rust

Water Softeners and Filtration Systems

Water treatment systems are one of the most effective long-term solutions. These include:

• Salt-based water softeners, which remove calcium and magnesium
• Limescale-reducing filtration systems, which prevent minerals from forming hard deposits

A Smarter Way to Control Limescale

Modern filtration solutions such as the AqualogicNT filtration system use polyphosphate technology to help reduce limescale buildup without removing beneficial minerals from the water.

Polyphosphate works by binding to calcium and magnesium ions, preventing them from crystallising and sticking to surfaces. This helps:

• Protect pipes and appliances
• Improve energy efficiency
• Reduce maintenance and repair costs
• Maintain mineral content in drinking water

This type of system is particularly well suited for homes seeking a low-maintenance, non-invasive solution to hard water problems.

Final Thoughts

Limescale is an unavoidable reality in hard water areas, but its impact doesn’t have to be. By understanding how limescale forms and choosing the right prevention method, you can protect your health, appliances, and energy bills.

A filtration solution using polyphosphate technology, such as the AqualogicNT system, offers an effective way to reduce limescale while preserving water quality throughout the home.