Bathing, doing laundry, and washing dishes with hard water won’t only leave soap scum on skin and belongings. Calcium deposits accumulate in the plumbing system, too, blocking the flow of water through pipes and fixtures. Luckily, there are steps homeowners can follow to remove calcium and reduce the risk of clogged drains and additional plumbing problems.

How to Rid Your Plumbing System of Calcium Buildup

Try a Vinegar-Based Solution

The acetic acid in white vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits on sink faucets and showerheads. First, turn off the flow of water to the fixtures. Next, soak paper towels or rags in vinegar and wrap them around the fixtures, using rubber bands to hold the materials in place. After a few hours, remove the vinegar-soaked towels or rags and wash down the fixtures with water. To clean aerators inside faucets, secure a bag filled with vinegar to the end of the faucet. The solution should seep inside to clean the component. If these methods don’t work, a plumber can dismantle the fixtures and use commercial-grade products to remove the gunk.

Install a Water Softener

A plumber can install a water softener to eliminate mineral buildup. The device replaces calcium, magnesium, and iron ions—three minerals that don’t dissolve in water—with sodium or potassium ions. Removing the hardness minerals from the water entirely will prevent deposit buildup in laundry equipment, faucets, drain lines, pipes, and other components of your plumbing system.

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

If you still notice the flow of water is restricted after following the above steps, call a plumber for help. They will thoroughly inspect the system to get to the bottom of the problem. They will check for clogged pipes, broken fixtures, and additional concerns causing water pressure issues and determine the best solution to help.

If calcium buildup has reduced the quality of your plumbing system, reach out to the technicians at Voluntown, CT-based McGuire Plumbing & Heating for assistance. With over 30 years of experience serving residents in New London County, you can trust the team to fix broken pipes, install new water heaters, and provide additional solutions to extend the life of your system. During emergency situations, they will also provide tips on what to do while waiting for help to arrive. To schedule plumbing repair, equipment installation, or upkeep, call (860) 376-3388. Visit the company online to learn more about their customer commitment and on Facebook to read client feedback.