What is Limescale?

Many people come across limescale in their homes. If you’ve ever looked inside your kettle chances are you’ve probably seen a chalky, off-white crust at the bottom of it. This is limescale, which is caused by evaporated hard water. Hard water contains a higher than average amount of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals are what leaves the chalky residue.

Limescale can be found inside your water pipes, on the heating elements of a boiler and can sometimes block the pipes. Here are some examples of where limescale is most commonly found:

• Kettle
• Taps
• Sink
• Shower
• Boiler
• Pipes
• Washing Machine
• Dishwasher

What is the difference between soft and hard water?

The difference between hard and soft water is the way it travels down the hills. Normal rainwater is naturally soft which means it contains minimum impurities. For the water to remain soft it will run over rocks like slate or granite. For the water to become hard it will run over soft, spongy rocks like chalk or limestone. It will absorb the mineral from the stone and the water will become hard.

Why is it a problem?

As well as making your appliances look unsightly, it can cause bigger problems. On average, a four person family in a hard water area can obtain up to 70kg of limescale a year. As a result, if not monitored it will clog up pipes and boiler heat exchanges. In addition this reduces the heating efficiency, decreases the water pressure and flow rates. This then leads to increase the houses demand on energy which will then lead to higher bills and maintenance.

The Combimate

Combimate is the solution to preventing limescale in your home. The unit installs directly onto the cold water supply to your house or to an appliance to protect the hot water system.

How does it work?

It works by the main water supply flowing through the unit and the water coming into contact with the Combiphos spheres inside the dome. The Combiphos contains phosphate which coats the insides of pipes, boiler heat exchanges and appliances. The phosphate coating is non-residual, microscopic and protective which prevents scale-causing minerals in the water to settle and build up.

For more information on the Combimate, have a look at our information site: www.limescale-prevention.com

To buy the Combimate click here.