What is Water Scale?

Water Scale is a coating or precipitate deposited on surfaces that are in contact with hard water. Water that contains carbonates or bicarbonates of calcium or magnesium is especially likely to cause scale. When water is heated or evaporation takes place, scale minerals precipitate layers of rocklike deposits inside pipes, water heaters, equipment, and on fixtures and glassware. Water Scale deposits interfere with heat exchangers and reduce their efficiency by insulating the heat transfer surfaces. If Scale Water deposits are left to accumulate, water flow is restricted and piping and heat exchanger tubes become plugged. Ultimately, ignoring scale depositions can lead to the destruction and possible failure of heat exchanger tubes. In addition to loss of efficiency, process contamination can occur.
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What does Water Scale look like?

Water Scale is most visually evident as hard white or off-white deposits which buildup in faucets, showerheads and drains. Water Scale leaves deposits on dishes, glassware, sinks, countertops and on vehicles that were just washed. Most Water Scale formations are hard and very difficult to clean. Scale can also be seen on fixtures such as toilets, bathtubs, showers and appliances like coffee and icemakers. Swimming pools and spas can experience scale build up on tile and pump equipment. Evaporative coolers, cooling towers, boilers, car washes, irrigation systems, processing equipment, paper pulp mills all experience Scale water problems. Because Scale forms a "coating" it can significantly effect thermo-transfer and reduce the flow of fluids. Scale build-up and other Water borne sedimentation can increase the cost of operating water-using equipment because of breakdowns, unplanned shutdowns, process contamination, high product reject rate and/or expensive parts replacements.

How do I prevent Scale Water?

Water Softeners will help keep scale from building up.