Calcium Vs Limescale: What Is The Difference In Your Bathroom Gunk?

You've more than likely come across unsightly buildup in your bathroom. This includes that hard, chalky gunk that adheres to your faucets and the inside of your toilet that can be difficult to remove with standard cleaners. You may have heard terms like "calcium buildup" and "limescale" thrown around and wondered what exactly the difference is. Both are associated with hard water (a term used to refer to tap water with a high mineral content) and are more connected than you might think. Calcium is a mineral that, when heated, leaves behind white residue, aka limescale. Simply put, calcium is the cause and limescale is the reaction — you can't have one without the other.

Limescale appears because when water evaporates, the high concentration of minerals forms solid deposits on your surfaces. The scales that appear are not easy to remove and can cause many issues when allowed to build up over time. Since it's estimated by the US Geological Survey that 85% of the United States has moderate to hard water, limescale is something many homeowners should be aware of and know how to spot. It is recognizable by its white, chalky, and crusty deposits. But it can also appear discolored in shades of pink, brown, or black depending on the dominant minerals in your tap. Noticing and preventing limescale from building up before it becomes a problem is essential to keeping your bathroom equipment running efficiently. 

If ignored, the issues that arise from calcium limescale buildup will go beyond aesthetics, which is why it's important to understand the impacts of hard water. All tap water is regulated for mineral content. This data is provided to homeowners so they have a basic understanding of their region's water hardness level, thereby avoiding the horrors it may cause in their home. Having hard water (meaning it contains 121 to 180 milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate) is when limestone buildup can really become a problem in your bathroom or any room of your home that has hot, running water. That high level of calcium can stay in your pipes long after the water passes through and evaporates.  

Once one layer of limescale begins, more will accumulate each time heated water runs through and dissipates. This could reduce water flow and increase pipe wall friction, which can lead to leaks. The layering in the pipes can also create water heating issues, making heat pumps work harder, leading to increased energy consumption. At its most damaging, limescale can corrode surfaces and cause major leaks and equipment failure that can be costly and dangerous. However, there are ways to ensure calcium and limescale don't become a major issue in your home. Be aware of how hard your water is, add water softener if needed, and clean that limescale before it builds up.