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Limescale and corrosion are two common problems that homeowners can encounter. It’s an issue associated with plumbing and can arise wherever there’s water added to the mix. However, it can be tricky to tell whether your pipework and faucets are affected by limescale or corrosion, with the knock-on dilemma of knowing the right way to treat the issue without making it worse.
I called on the expertise of plumbers to share their insight on the difference between limescale and corrosion, and once identified, how to treat them.
How to tell the difference between limescale and corrosion
There’s a distinct difference between the appearance of limescale and corrosion. “Limescale is more a chalky, white or off-white deposit, a bit like the stuff you see in a kettle,” explains Ian Wood, drainage and plumbing specialist at Reactive Plumbing and Draining Ltd. “It builds up on taps, shower heads, and inside pipework in hard water areas.”
Jim Parker, owner at Jim’s Plumbing Now, also shares that it can slow water flow and be difficult to clean, so you may start to notice water doesn’t flow as readily when you turn on a faucet.
Corrosion is damage, limescale is a deposit
Danny Reddick, founder at Reddick & SonsHowever, corrosion takes on a different appearance. Wood says it tends to be reddish-brown or greenish (when on copper), and it’s often flaky or rough.
“You might notice pinhole leaks, rust-colored water, or weakened pipe walls that could eventually lead to leaks or bursts," Danny Reddick, founder at Reddick & Sons, says. "Corrosion can also cause metallic tastes or odors in the water.”
Jimmy Hiller, CEO and president at Happy Hiller, sums up the difference: “Corrosion is damage, limescale is a deposit.”
What causes limescale and corrosion?
Issues with limescale are common in areas with hard water, as it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. It’s a problem I constantly confront, and it means I’m forever descaling my kettle and cleaning around my faucets to remove excess water.
However, corrosion is a much bigger problem, and Parker explains it’s caused by chemical reactions that occur between the metal in your pipes and the water flowing through them. “Things like acidic water, high oxygen levels, or even certain chemicals can speed it up,” he says. Old pipes made of steel or galvanized metal are especially prone.
What problems can you expect?
A build-up of limescale on your pipes can cause reduced water flow, affect the efficiency of your dishwasher, washing machine, coffee makers, and kettles, and reduce the lifespan of boilers and pumps.
Emily Demirdonder, director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing, says once limescale dries on pipes, it reduces the opening and restricts water flow.
Additionally, it has the added issue of causing hot-water systems to run longer, resulting in higher energy consumption and putting stress on components. Over time, if not treated, it can also build up and completely clog pipes.
Left unchecked, corrosion can mean major pipe replacements
Jim Parker, owner at Jim’s Plumbing NowHowever, corrosion can cause more serious structural issues, and according to Reddick, it directly damages the pipe material. “It thins the walls, causes leaks and increases the risk of pipe failure,” he says.
“It eats away at your pipes, leading to leaks, bursts, or contamination of your water supply with rust or metals. Left unchecked, corrosion can mean major pipe replacements,” says Parker.
And where limescale can be scrubbed or dissolved with the right cleaner, Hiller says, “Corrosion can’t be cleaned off because the metal itself is already damaged and won’t ever fully recover.”
How to deal with limescale and corrosion
There’s a DIY fix for removing limescale around faucets, your coffee maker, and your shower head. Vinegar or a descaling solution can help dissolve the build-up of calcium. But if you notice that your water pressure is low throughout your house, Parker says it’s time to call in a plumber.
Installing a water softener is a long-term solution that eliminates the source of the issue and prevents limescale from building up in the internal workings of appliances that are difficult to reach.
Corrosion is harder to fix. “You might patch a small leak with plumbing tape or epoxy as a temporary measure, but that’s really just a bandage," Parker says. "Once corrosion sets in, the pipe itself is compromised, and you’ll usually need replacement."
This isn’t a DIY solution, and you’ll need the help of a pro.
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