Are you Worried about Stubborn Scale Build-Up?

Scale build-up can be a frustrating and expensive problem for homeowners. It can fill up the insides of pipes, reducing the stream of water coming out of taps and fixtures. It can cover the bottom of water heaters, breaking down the structure and causing irreparable leaks.

If you consider what scale build-up can do to a private residence, image the problems it can wreak on an industrial level. It can limit the effectiveness of water treatment and break down expensive equipment. Ignoring its potential for damage is never a good idea. Any company that’s worried about the risks of scale build-up should intervene right away.

What’s causing the scale build-up?

Scale build-up comes from hard water — this is water that has high mineral content, usually calcium and magnesium deposits. The “harder” the water happens to be, the more mineral deposits it will have. Over time the deposits stick to surfaces and create scale.

What can you do to stop build-up?

Scale build-up can cause irreparable damage to water treatment systems and equipment. If the response time is too late, you will likely need to do extensive repairs or replacements. The solution for stopping scale build-up should be proactive — not reactive. The ideal proactive response should be to make the water “softer.”

The Water Quality Association states that you can combat scale deposits and soften the water through three main methods:

  • Cation exchange softening
  • Membrane separation softening
  • Chemical softening

If you’re looking for chemical softening, you can turn to an industry leading water treatment supplier to see a wide-variety of high-quality scale inhibitors. With the help of these additives, you can prevent scale formation and metal corrosion, guaranteeing that your equipment and plumbing has a significant lifespan.

These are some examples of scale inhibitors that you could use:

  • Antiprex
  • Polyacrylates
  • Polymaleic acid
  • Polyacrylic acid
  • Malic acid copolymer

What can you do to clean it?

There are chemical solutions available that can clean off the scale build-up before it causes irreversible corrosion and destruction. If you catch the problem early enough, you can use scale cleaning products:

  • Sodium bisulphate
  • Sulphuric acid
  • Hydroxyacetic acid
  • Hydrochloric acid
  • Sulphamic acid

These are investments that can save companies from serious financial costs, whether that comes from the price of new equipment or the loss of productivity while waiting for replacements.

Any company looking for scale inhibitors or scale cleaners should look for a chemical supplier with a strong connection to municipal and industrial water treatment markets. They should be clearly linked with organizations that deal with water quality and safety like the American Water Works Association or the Water Environment Federation. Having the seal of approval from these special organizations means that their methods are responsible and reliable.

Hard water inevitably causes problems with plumbing and equipment. If you stay ahead of the curve and respond with scale inhibitors, the mineral deposits shouldn’t cause any permanent harm to your facilities. And if you haven’t used inhibitors yet, you can try to catch the scale early and clean it all away before the damage is unfixable.