Limescale in commercial buildings is a headache many face every day. Limescale is that hard, white mineral deposit that forms when hard water containing dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium sticks hard to surfaces. It can build up on surfaces throughout a commercial building including pipes, boilers, and showers. Limescale can cause many problems in commercial buildings, including increased energy costs, damage to pipes and water heaters, increased risk of Legionnaires disease, and reduced water pressure, amongst other things.

There are a number of things that commercial building owners can do to prevent and remove limescale. One way is to install a water softener, which will remove the minerals from the water and replace them with sodium through a process called ion exchange. Another way is to use a chemical descaler to clean the limescale from the system. You could do nothing and ensure regular cleaning and maintenance to try and remove the limescale and to replace the damaged equipment from the building. Last but definitely not least, you could install a water conditioner, which will change the form of the lime and stop it sticking and becoming a problem.

Removing Lime from the water

The most expensive way to prevent limescale is to take steps to reduce the amount of minerals in your water. This can be done by using a water softener. Water softeners remove minerals from water by exchanging them for sodium ions. Some water is wasted in this process and the salt needs to be regularly replaced. You also cannot drink the water.

Filters can remove some of the minerals from water, but they can only cope with small amounts of water. This is why they are only installed on the water feed to dishwashers, steam ovens or coffee machines.

Preventing Limescale

Water conditioners leave the lime in the water but stop it causing a problem. They do not give the building owner any new problems.

Removing Limescale

If limescale has already formed, there are a number of things that can be done to remove it. One option is to use a descaler. Descalers are chemicals that can dissolve limescale, they can be pumped around to the plumbing system. There are risks with the metals thinning while being cleaned. Too strong descaling chemicals could cause heat exchangers to develop a hole.

Cleaning surfaces regularly can help to remove limescale before it has a chance to build up and cause problems. Again, using very strong chemicals can damage surfaces, for example, removing chrome from taps.

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Conclusion 

Knowing the dangers of limescale and how to prevent them.

• Limescale can reduce water pressure.
• Limescale can increase energy costs.
• Limescale can damage pipes and fixtures.
• Limescale can increase the risk of Legionnaires’ disease.

By taking steps to prevent and remove limescale, commercial building owners can save money, improve water quality, and protect the health of their employees and customers.