Why Is There Calcium Buildup on My Faucet?

Are you noticing unsightly calcium buildup on your faucet or showerhead? Even if your bathroom is clean, the buildup can make it look dirty and is incredibly difficult to scrub away. Typically a result of hard water, calcium buildup looks white and crusty, attaching itself to faucets and drains and accumulating inside appliances.

The good news is you don’t have to settle for a calcium-covered bathroom. Keep reading to learn why hard water leads to calcium buildup, what you can do to remove it, and how to prevent it from coming back.

Why Does Hard Water Create Calcium Buildup on the Faucet?

Also known as limescale, calcium buildup is a result of water that contains dissolved calcium salts moving through your pipes and flowing through your faucets and showerheads. When you have water with a high levels of these calcium salts and other minerals, it is called hard water. If your hard water also has high iron content, the buildup can even appear rusty or yellow, potentially staining your sink or bathtub.

How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Faucets

It’s possible to remove calcium buildup on faucets with a few household items. Here’s what you will need for the task:

• White vinegar
• Soft rag strips or paper towels
• Rubber bands
• Textured cloth or sponge

After gathering the cleaning supplies, begin the process to remove calcium buildup by soaking the rag strips or paper towels in the vinegar. Then, wrap the vinegar-soaked material around the buildup-covered areas, securing with rubber bands where necessary. Allow the areas to soak for an hour.

Next, remove the rags and use the wet cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining buildup, which will be softened from the vinegar soak. The rough side of a kitchen sponge will make this job easier. Once the buildup is gone, dry the area with a clean towel.

How to Prevent Calcium Buildup on Faucets

Preventing calcium buildup in the first place can help you to avoid the hassle of needing to clean away the limescale on a regular basis. The number one way to prevent the issue is installing a water softening system. Water softeners eliminate minerals such as calcium and magnesium from a home’s water supply. At Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing, our professional plumbers have years of experience both installing and repairing water softeners for residential clients.

Turn to your local plumbing experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to learn more about your best options for water softening systems designed to meet your home plumbing needs. For additional help to keep your faucets free from calcium buildup, schedule an appointment with Mr. Rooter Plumbing online now or call.