Quick answer. The water in the Valencia area is hard: it contains a lot of limescale. Over time, limescale builds up in the water heater, taps, shower and cisterns. The water heater heats less well and uses more energy, the taps lose flow and some parts start to drip. Cleaning aerators and shower heads every few months, having the water heater checked and considering a water softener greatly extends the life of the installation.
If you live in Valencia you know the scene: white marks on the shower screen even when you dry it, a shower that sprays more crookedly every week and a water heater that sounds like a pressure cooker. It isn't dirt, it is limescale. And what you see on the outside is only part of it: it builds up inside pipes and appliances too.
- How limescale affects each appliance
- Clean taps and shower in 10 minutes
- The water heater: the one that suffers most
- Water softener or limescale filter
How limescale affects each appliance
| Appliance | Symptom | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Electric water heater | Takes longer to heat, noises, less hot water | Inspection and internal cleaning by a professional |
| Taps | Less flow, crooked stream, white crust | Clean the aerator with vinegar |
| Shower | Jets spraying sideways or not coming out | Remove and clean the shower head |
| Cistern | Doesn't close properly, water keeps running | Check the mechanism and seals |
| Washing machine and dishwasher | Poorer washing, heating elements failing | Cleaning programmes and salt in the dishwasher |
Clean taps and shower in 10 minutes
- Unscrew the tap aerator or the shower head. If it is stiff, protect it with a cloth before using a spanner.
- Leave it in a glass of cleaning vinegar for a few hours or overnight.
- Scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse with water.
- Put it back on and let the water run for a moment.
If the shower head doesn't come off, you can wrap it in a bag of vinegar held on with a rubber band. Avoid abrasive products on chrome fittings.
The water heater: the one that suffers most
Limescale settles at the bottom of the tank and on the heating element. The appliance uses more energy to heat the same amount, makes noises and its working life is shortened. Internal cleaning, checking the anode and replacing valves or heating elements are best left to a professional. Nor is it a good idea to set the water heater hotter than necessary: at higher temperatures, limescale forms faster. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Plumber's tip: if your water heater is many years old and already noisy, ask whether it is worth cleaning or replacing. Sometimes the repair costs almost as much as a new, more efficient one.
Water softener or limescale filter
| Water softener | Limescale filter | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Reduces the hardness of the water for the whole home | Protects a specific appliance or outlet |
| Who it is for | Homes with high consumption or a lot of limescale problems | Protecting the water heater, washing machine or a tap |
| Maintenance | Topping up salt and regular servicing | Change the cartridge as per the manufacturer |
| Space | Needs space and a drain connection | Very compact |
The choice depends on consumption, space and budget. If you are unsure, we can help you assess it when we check your water heater or boiler.
Frequently asked questions
Is limescale bad for your health?
Limescale mainly affects installations and appliances. For questions about drinking water quality, check the information from your water company.
How often should aerators and shower heads be cleaned?
With hard water, every few months or as soon as you notice the stream losing force or going crooked.
Water heater noisy or not heating enough?
We inspect and repair water heaters and boilers in Valencia and nearby towns, and tell you whether it is worth repairing or replacing.