Hard Water

Hard water in simple terms is caused by rainwater passing through chalk and/or limestone where it collects deposits of mineral salts. The principal salt contributing to hard water is calcium bicarbonate (CaHCo3).

The calcium bicarbonate is in solution form, but precipitates out into insoluble, infinitesimally small particles - these calcium carbonate particles (CaCo3) are attracted to each other and adhere to the wall of pipes etc, creating limescale deposits. To get a mental picture of this process, simply bring to mind the limescale stalagmites and stalactites of the Cheddar Caves. They have taken 1000s of years to evolve - it is hard to comprehend these wonders of nature have developed from invisible particles!

Calcium carbonate accounts for in excess 90% and up to 98% of all limescale.

The higher the temperature, the more limescale will form. Therefore limescale build-up will be greater in hot water systems.

The Clear Answer to Limescale!

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