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Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale
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Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale
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Limescale vs corrosion: Experts share how to tell what’s damaging your pipes
Camilla Sharman
25 September 2025
One is more serious than the other
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(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Limescale and corrosion are two common problems that homeowners can encounter. It’s an issue associated with plumbing and can arise wherever there’s water added to the mix. However, it can be tricky to tell whether your pipework and faucets are affected by limescale or corrosion, with the knock-on dilemma of knowing the right way to treat the issue without making it worse.
I called on the expertise of plumbers to share their insight on the difference between limescale and corrosion, and once identified, how to treat them.
How to tell the difference between limescale and corrosion
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
There’s a distinct difference between the appearance of limescale and corrosion. “Limescale is more a chalky, white or off-white deposit, a bit like the stuff you see in a kettle,” explains Ian Wood, drainage and plumbing specialist at Reactive Plumbing and Draining Ltd. “It builds up on taps, shower heads, and inside pipework in hard water areas.”
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Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale
I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it’s thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds
Not vinegar — I just discovered an unusual hack to get rid of hard water stains on glass, and I can’t wait to try it
Jim Parker, owner at Jim’s Plumbing Now, also shares that it can slow water flow and be difficult to clean, so you may start to notice water doesn’t flow as readily when you turn on a faucet.
Corrosion is damage, limescale is a depositJimmy Hiller, CEO and president at Happy Hiller
However, corrosion takes on a different appearance. Wood says it tends to be reddish-brown or greenish (when on copper), and it’s often flaky or rough.
“You might notice pinhole leaks, rust-colored water, or weakened pipe walls that could eventually lead to leaks or bursts,” Danny Reddick, founder at Reddick & Sons, says. “Corrosion can also cause metallic tastes or odors in the water.”
Jimmy Hiller, CEO and president at Happy Hiller, sums up the difference: “Corrosion is damage, limescale is a deposit.”
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What causes limescale and corrosion?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Issues with limescale are common in areas with hard water, as it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. It’s a problem I constantly confront, and it means I’m forever descaling my kettle and cleaning around my faucets to remove excess water.
However, corrosion is a much bigger problem, and Parker explains it’s caused by chemical reactions that occur between the metal in your pipes and the water flowing through them. “Things like acidic water, high oxygen levels, or even certain chemicals can speed it up,” he says. Old pipes made of steel or galvanized metal are especially prone.
What problems can you expect?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
A build-up of limescale on your pipes can cause reduced water flow, affect the efficiency of your dishwasher, washing machine, coffee makers, and kettles, and reduce the lifespan of boilers and pumps.
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Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale
I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it’s thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds
Not vinegar — I just discovered an unusual hack to get rid of hard water stains on glass, and I can’t wait to try it
Emily Demirdonder, director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing, says once limescale dries on pipes, it reduces the opening and restricts water flow.
Additionally, it has the added issue of causing hot-water systems to run longer, resulting in higher energy consumption and putting stress on components. Over time, if not treated, it can also build up and completely clog pipes.
Left unchecked, corrosion can mean major pipe replacements
Jim Parker, owner at Jim’s Plumbing Now
However, corrosion can cause more serious structural issues, and according to Reddick, it directly damages the pipe material. “It thins the walls, causes leaks and increases the risk of pipe failure,” he says.
“It eats away at your pipes, leading to leaks, bursts, or contamination of your water supply with rust or metals. Left unchecked, corrosion can mean major pipe replacements,” says Parker.
And where limescale can be scrubbed or dissolved with the right cleaner, Hiller says, “Corrosion can’t be cleaned off because the metal itself is already damaged and won’t ever fully recover.”
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How to deal with limescale and corrosion
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
There’s a DIY fix for removing limescale around faucets, your coffee maker, and your shower head. Vinegar or a descaling solution can help dissolve the build-up of calcium. But if you notice that your water pressure is low throughout your house, Parker says it’s time to call in a plumber.
Installing a water softener is a long-term solution that eliminates the source of the issue and prevents limescale from building up in the internal workings of appliances that are difficult to reach.
Corrosion is harder to fix. “You might patch a small leak with plumbing tape or epoxy as a temporary measure, but that’s really just a bandage,” Parker says. “Once corrosion sets in, the pipe itself is compromised, and you’ll usually need replacement.”
This isn’t a DIY solution, and you’ll need the help of a pro.
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Camilla Sharman
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Staff Writer, Homes
Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides.
Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.
Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.
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Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale
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