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Beware of limescale! – How to get rid of it?

As we know from the slogan in advertisements: "limestone can be an insidious enemy." Where we do not ensure regular cleaning, it settles, and the only way to remove this uninvited visitor to the bathroom or toilet is to take a laborious approach.

Vigyázat, vízkő! – Hogyan szabaduljunk meg tőle?

Visible and invisible enemies

Many people think of limescale primarily as an aesthetic problem, which, when deposited on furnishings, spoils the appearance of a given room. However, limescale, which is visible to the naked eye, can not only appear on the surface of some of our everyday objects, but can also cause serious problems in the drain pipe. Although we usually do not notice this, the limescale that settles here will lead to blockages after a while. The unclogging From a health perspective, sinks and toilets in particular can be at risk from limescale, but we can also face this problem outside of households – for example, with urinals in offices.

Dangerous crystals

Limescale is basically caused by various minerals that are found in dissolved form in tap water. The material, which mainly consists of magnesium and calcium carbonates, is drain will accumulate on the inner wall of the pipe. Since limescale significantly impairs the permeability of the pipe, after a while the resulting blockage prevention.

Although scale deposits of a few millimeters in size will not initially interfere with the smooth operation of the toilet or sink, over time, more and more of these minerals will adhere to the inner wall of the drain pipe. If the scale deposits reach a size of 50-70 millimeters, even toilet paper will not be able to flow properly into the sewer, making it inevitable to remove the blockage.

The situation is even worse in toilets that have been in use for decades, where the scale particles in the drain pipes can reach several centimeters in size. Since frequent unclogging usually does not help in this case, the only real solution will be to replace individual parts of the structure.

Soft and hard waters

The hardness of the water basically determines how seriously we should take the problem of water scale in a given household. In our country, the hardness of the water shows a very varied picture. Although, based on the water hardness maps, the water is softer in a significant part of the eastern part of the country, some counties in Western Hungary (e.g. Fejér, Veszprém, Baranya) have to seriously face this problem. However, from this perspective, the worst situation is in the capital and in the agglomeration areas, where we can find water classified as “very hard” almost everywhere. Therefore, those who live in such areas should ensure that the scale is removed every 2-3 months in order to prevent blockages.

Natural descalers

Often, when we see the wide range of products available in stores, we are left wondering which product to use to remove limescale or prevent clogging. Since these chemicals can seriously pollute the environment and, if used improperly, can also be harmful to our health, it may be better to try natural limescale removers first.

Of course, the choice here cannot be easy, as there are as many household remedies as there are households. Since various "miracle remedies" have only been on store shelves for a decade or two, most families have a descaling recipe that they have used for generations.

However, as with the products used to remove blockages, there is no “all-powerful” solution for descaling agents. Many people swear by vinegar, for example, the effectiveness of which can be enhanced by using it as a mixture. All you have to do is mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and add a little salt to the solution. However, some people do not like the very strong smell of this ancient remedy, so lemon can be recommended as a more pleasant-smelling descaling agent. Pour the squeezed juice of the fruit onto the scale and leave it for 10-15 minutes before using a damp sponge to remove the scale from the surface of the fixtures, and in the case of drains, you can clean them by rinsing them with warm water.

You can also try cola, which has a high acid content that can be used to eat away at the deposits in the pipe. However, do not forget that cola is one of the soft drinks with the highest sugar content, which can make the surface sticky after cleaning. Therefore, it is better to choose the sugar-free version when cleaning, and to rinse the drain even more thoroughly after cleaning with cola than when cleaning with other household products.

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Drain Problems: Frequently Asked Questions

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Cleaning clogged drains often involves using degreasers to remove grease and oil from the drain walls. Using hot water can also help dissolve the grease and make it easier to drain.

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Unclogging a clogged drain at home often involves using household products like baking soda and vinegar to unclog the clog. In addition, various drain cleaning tools, such as a drain auger, can also be helpful.

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Cleaning your kitchen drain is important to remove grease, oil, and food residue that can cause blockages. Regular cleaning will help prevent drain blockages and unpleasant odors. A combination of baking soda and hot water can be effective in dissolving grease and oil.

Why does water come back up from the drain?2023-05-24T09:25:15+02:00

If water is backing up through the drain, it is an indication that there is a blockage somewhere in the plumbing system. This problem often occurs in the sink or bathroom where water is not able to flow freely through the pipes. Baking soda is a great natural cleaner that helps dissolve grease and oil in the drain. Simply sprinkle a cup of baking soda down the drain, then pour a cup of hot water over it and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing.

Why is water coming up the floor drain?2023-05-24T09:24:34+02:00

This problem usually occurs when the floor drain becomes clogged and water cannot drain. This is often caused by debris such as hair, soap scum and other substances accumulating in the floor drain. Drain cleaning tools such as a drain cleaning spiral can be helpful in this process.

Why does water come back up from the drain?2023-05-24T09:23:50+02:00

If water is backing up through the drain, it is an indication that there is a blockage somewhere in the plumbing system. This problem often occurs in the sink or bathroom, where water cannot flow freely through the pipes. Liquid drain cleaners are commercial products specifically designed to clean drains. These products often contain strong chemicals that dissolve grease, oil, and food residue in the drain.

Why is the water draining slowly from the shower tray?2023-05-24T09:23:13+02:00

This problem is often caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other substances in your shower drain. These substances slow down the flow of water and can eventually cause a clog. Salt can help unclog the drain. Sprinkle a cup of salt down the drain, then pour a cup of hot water over it and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing.

Why isn't the water draining from the sink?2023-05-24T09:16:04+02:00

This problem usually occurs when food residue, grease, or oil builds up in the drain, blocking the path of water. Over time, this can cause a blockage that prevents water from draining. You can use baking soda to solve this problem. Simply sprinkle a cup of baking soda down the drain, then pour a cup of hot water over it and let it sit for a few minutes before flushing.

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