How South East London's Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing (And What to Do)

Thames Water reports that South East London has some of the hardest water in the UK. As experienced plumbers serving Blackheath, Charlton, and surrounding areas, we regularly see the impact of hard water on household plumbing. Here's what you need to know about managing hard water in your home.

What Makes Our Water 'Hard'?

London's water comes from the Thames and Lee rivers, which flow through chalk and limestone regions. These rocks contain high levels of calcium and magnesium minerals, which dissolve into our water supply. While completely safe to drink, these minerals can significantly impact your plumbing system.

The Impact on Your Home

Limescale Build-up

The most visible sign of hard water is limescale - that chalky white deposit that appears around taps and showerheads. But what you can't see is often more problematic:

• Reduced water flow in pipes
• Decreased efficiency of water heaters
• Shortened lifespan of appliances
• Blocked shower heads
• Damaged seals and washers
• Poor performance of unvented cylinders

Signs of Hard Water Damage

Watch out for these warning signs:

• White residue around taps and fixtures
• Reduced water pressure
• Kettles and appliances scaling up quickly
• Water taking longer to heat
• Unusual noises from your hot water system
• Taps becoming stiff or leaky

Solutions and Prevention

Immediate Actions

1. Regular Cleaning
   • Use approved limescale removers on taps and showerheads
   • Clean aerators and filters monthly
   • Descale kettles and appliances regularly
2. Professional Maintenance
   • Schedule regular descaling of your hot water system
   • Have shower heads professionally cleaned
   • Get annual checks of your unvented cylinder

Long-term Solutions

While we can't change London's water supply, there are effective solutions:

1. Water Softeners
   • Whole-house systems that remove minerals
   • Protect all your plumbing and appliances
   • Require professional installation
   • Need regular maintenance
2. Scale Reducers
   • Less intensive than full water softeners
   • Help prevent new scale formation
   • Can be fitted to specific appliances
3. Magnetic Filters
   • Help protect boilers and heating systems
   • Require minimal maintenance
   • Cost-effective solution

Professional Help

At Greenwich Plumbing Company, we can:

• Assess your home's hard water impact
• Remove existing limescale
• Install and maintain water treatment systems
• Service affected appliances
• Provide ongoing maintenance

Prevention Tips

1. Don't let limescale build up - address it early
2. Run taps for a few seconds before use
3. Wipe down surfaces after use to prevent scale formation
4. Consider filtered water for appliances
5. Schedule regular maintenance checks

Get Expert Advice

With over 30 years of experience dealing with London's hard water, we can help protect your plumbing system. Contact us for a professional assessment of your home's needs.