What Causes Mineral Build-up in Pipes?

Do you suspect mineral build-up in your plumbing pipes or appliances? Contact Babe Plumbing today for inspections and a permanent fix.

Mineral build-up in pipes can be a major concern for homeowners. It doesn’t just lower the quality of the water coming through the pipes; it can significantly reduce the efficiency of your plumbing system, too.

Understandably, people will immediately start looking for a solution to mineral build-up after they see the first signs. But what causes it? The Babe Plumbing team looks at the details below.

Causes of Mineral Build-up in Pipes

Mineral build-up occurs in pipes when hard water passes through the setup for prolonged periods. Hard water features high amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium. In fact, the deposit you see inside your pipes is mostly calcium carbonate.

If you use groundwater in Minnesota, you likely have hard water. Water readings across the state measure hard to very hard sources. And places like Minnetonka have the hardest water at 310 PPM against the state average of just 192 PPM.

The build-up occurs because most pipe materials trap the calcium sediment as the water passes through. As weeks turn into months and years, this sediment turns into solid chunks and starts to accumulate.

Mineral build-up in pipe systems also happens faster in pipework that has to deliver hot hard water. In homes with hard water, the pipes that run from the water heater to the rest of the property (and the water heater itself) will likely have significant mineral build-up.

You’re also more likely to see the signs of mineral build-up if you live in a home with older plumbing systems. The older pipes are generally less resistant to mineral deposits. Metal pipes, especially, may react with the minerals to create deposits faster.

What Happens Following Mineral Build-Up in Your Pipes?

When you ignore mineral build-up long enough, you can expect the following:

Reduction in Water Pressure

When mineral build-up in pipes gets worse, the diameter of the affected pipes will narrow significantly. The result is a reduction in the amount of water that’s flowing through the pipe, which will instantly decrease the system’s water pressure.

Low water pressure is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems property owners experience because it makes using everyday plumbing fixtures a real chore.

Clogged Drains

Mineral build-ups don’t just happen in pipes that bring water into the home; calcium and magnesium deposits also form on pipework that transfers wastewater to the sewer or septic tank. If it does, you may start to experience clogs in your bathtub, toilets, kitchen sinks, and more. The clogs happen because the reduction in the pipe diameter can trap organic waste and hasten the build-up of sludge.

Higher Utility Bills

If you let mineral build-up accumulate in your water heater for too long, the unit will have to work for longer periods to supply the amount of hot water you need throughout your home. The results are expensive—higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and a shortened lifespan for your water heater.

Plumbing Fixture Damage

Are your faucets showing signs of corrosion? Can you hear creaking sounds when you try to turn on the shower? These are all signs of mineral build-up in your plumbing fixtures and need quick intervention.

Top Ways to Clear the Pipes of Mineral Build-up

Plumbers will clear mineral build-up in diverse ways, including the following:

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting eliminates severe mineral build-up in medium to larger-sized pipes. You can use this approach to clear out the main water supply line. It won’t work as well for smaller pipes, and the water pressure from the process can damage them.

Be sure to turn to Babe Plumbing if you are looking for a hydro jetting service in Mankato, MN.

Pipe Flushing

Are you dealing with mild-to-moderate mineral build-up in your pipes? Flush them using a solution of limescale cleaners from a local hardware store. But keep in mind that these cleaning solutions won’t work if you’ve misjudged the cause of the problem or the severity of the mineral build-up.

Also, you can only use this method to flush deposits down wastewater pipes. You can’t pump the cleaning solution through the water inlet pipes without contaminating your water source.

Pipe Relining

If you have heavy calcium deposits that will defy hydro jetting, it’s better to replace the entire network of pipes. This is a good investment if you have old metal pipes running across your property, though. 

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a good choice of replacement pipe, as it is more resistant to mineral build-up. It works well if you have hard water but don’t want to worry about mineral build-up a few years down the line. However, the right replacement pipe will vary from one property to the other. 

Why not ask a local plumber like Babe Plumbing to recommend the best replacement options after considering factors unique to your home as well as your budget?

Install a Water Softener System

Water softeners will not remove existing mineral build-up in pipes. However, you can’t ignore the problem if you want to permanently prevent mineral build-up over time. A standard water softener will replace the minerals responsible for water hardness with sodium ions, turning the water soft and safeguarding your property’s pipes in the future.

When the water doesn’t contain excessive calcium, magnesium, and other hardness minerals, you’ll never have to worry about mineral build-up again. Plus, water softeners fit at the point where water enters your home, so you can count on the system to protect your entire plumbing setup.

Get Rid of Calcium Build-Up in Your Pipework Today

If you already have significant mineral build-up in your plumbing system, the Babe Plumbing experts can recommend solutions from hydro jetting to pipe flushing. Our hydro jetting will also work on roots and other clogs. And for pipe relining, you can trust us to adhere to the local plumbing codes.

Are you unsure whether you have mineral build-up in pipes across your property? The experts at Babe Plumbing can provide a definitive diagnosis. Call us today at (507) 481-1094 to book an appointment!