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The Problem with Scale and Rust
What is Limescale?
Scale primarily consists of magnesium and calcium – two minerals which on their own are quite healthy. However, these minerals are not good for your piping system. Problems begin to occur when these minerals form scale deposits in the piping system, on machinery or on surfaces around pipes. These scale problems are more frequent and intense in hard water areas as hard water contains higher concentrations of calcium. |
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How Scale Problems Are Formed
When hard water flows through a piping system, Scale is likely to occur. The calcium found in hard water crystallizes and joins together to form hard sticky structures (see obr. 1). These crystals structures will continue to grow and join to other surfaces they come in contact with. In time, this will form large, hard scale deposits.
Scale develops particularly fast whenever the water pressure changes. This occurs when water changes direction, bends or intersects, which causes turbulence. It can also occur when it exits the piping system through your faucet. This drop in pressure speeds up the formation of calcium crystals and scale deposits.
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Other scale-related problems: rust and bacteria
Scale causes huge problems when it forms in pipe walls, blocking up your pipes. Unfortunately, scale deposits also catch other unwanted and potential harmful substances which create even greater threats. |
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Rust is common in scale
The building blocks of scale are calcium and magnesium. Thus, one would think that scale should have a white color. Yet, scale deposits are usually brown! When scale deposits build up, iron and oxidized iron particles get caught and are imbedded in the scale. Rust firmly attaches itself to your pipes, causing serious threats such as corrosion. |
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Scale is a breeding ground for bacteria
Scale deposits create perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and other micro-organisms. Since deposits are uneven and have rough surfaces, little sockets within scale build up becomes a perfect hideout in which bacteria can nest. Regardless of whether water is hot or cold, you will always be in danger from increases in potentially dangerous bacteria breeding within scale deposits. |
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Further problems caused by scale and rust
- Blockages in your piping system
- Reduced water pressure because of a smaller pipe diameter
- Corrosion and rust accumulation
- Bacteria in your drinking water
- Constant repairs and replacement of damaged household appliances
- Damage and replacement of the whole piping system
- Reduced energy efficiency in the hot water circuit and higher heating costs
- Dull surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens
- High cleaning costs which require aggressive cleaning chemicals
- Malfunctioning machinery
- High maintenance costs
- Production slowdowns for maintenance and cleaning which lead to inefficiency and problems with production planning
- Decreased overall productivity
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Copyright: Christiani Wassertechnik GmbH (CWT) | Imprint |
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