What is limestone?
Limestone, as industry professionals know well, is a sedimentary rock mainly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and magnesium (Mg).
Where can we find limestone?
In nature, limestone can appear in solid form if contained within rocks, or in liquid form if dissolved in water.
The water used in our plumbing systems can also be rich in limestone. This is closely linked to the types of soil and rocks that the water passes through on its long journey from the source to our household faucets.
Water hardness
The concentration of limestone in water is defined by its hardness (the higher the amount of limestone in the water, the harder it will be).
When limestone becomes a threat
In the water of our homes, limestone is completely normal and does not pose a particular problem when present in small amounts.
The white droplets that accumulate on faucets, glasses, dishes, shower walls, and sanitary fixtures are a sign of excessive water hardness, meaning water with a high concentration of limestone.
On the other hand, an excessive concentration of limestone in water can gradually damage plumbing systems, boilers, and all the small or large appliances that use water, such as coffee machines, kettles, irons, dishwashers, and washing machines.
In fact, limestone, drop by drop, tends to deposit on the surfaces of pipes and filters, creating real scale buildup that causes increased energy consumption (and thus higher utility bills) as well as potential maintenance and repair costs for sanitary devices and appliances, which will inevitably deteriorate more frequently.
Removing limestone is possible!
The problems caused by limestone can be effectively countered and solved by acting on water hardness and therefore installing a water softener.
Water softeners, in addition to reducing water hardness and providing several benefits and savings, also ensure gains in the hygienic and sanitary field, such as:
- Reduced detergent consumption
- Softer laundry
- Reduced energy consumption for heating water
Contact us to learn more, receive professional advice, and find the ideal solution to address the issues related to limescale in domestic systems.