You turn on the tap and instead of a nice, even stream, water sprays sideways. Or maybe your shower head is starting to look crusty, despite regular cleaning. That’s limescale, and it’s one of the biggest nuisances in UK bathrooms — especially if you live in a hard water area.
At Bathroom Spare Parts, we hear from people every week asking why their tap or shower is acting up. More often than not, the culprit is limescale — and luckily, it’s fixable.
This guide covers how to remove it, how to prevent it, and what parts to check or replace when things get bad.
💡 What Is Limescale, Really?
Limescale is a chalky white deposit made up of calcium and magnesium minerals found in hard water. When water evaporates, it leaves these minerals behind — on your taps, shower head, cartridges, and even inside the pipes.
In hard water areas (like much of the South and East of England), limescale builds up quickly — and silently causes damage if left untreated.
🚿 Where Limescale Builds Up the Most
The Usual Suspects:
Shower heads and hoses
Tap spouts and aerators
Inside tap and shower cartridges
Thermostatic cartridges
Around valves, seals, and O-rings
Flush buttons in concealed cisterns
Over time, this buildup affects water pressure, flow direction, temperature control, and even the ability to turn taps on and off smoothly.
🧽 How to Remove Limescale: DIY & Safe Methods
✅ What You’ll Need:
White vinegar (or lemon juice)
An old toothbrush or soft cloth
Ziplock bag and elastic band (for shower heads or taps)
Optional: commercial descaler (check it’s safe for chrome)
🛁 1. Soak Your Shower Head
Unscrew the shower head (or leave it attached if fixed)
Fill a bag with white vinegar
Secure it over the head with a band or string
Leave to soak for 1–2 hours
Scrub with a toothbrush, rinse, and reattach
For stubborn deposits, soak overnight and repeat weekly until clear.
🚰 2. Clean a Tap Aerator
Aerators are little mesh fittings inside tap spouts. They’re a magnet for limescale.
Unscrew the aerator (use a rubber grip if tight)
Soak in vinegar for 30–60 minutes
Scrub and rinse
Reinstall
Can’t remove the aerator? Use a small bag of vinegar wrapped around the spout instead.
🧴 3. Descale Inside Cartridges (Where Possible)
Some flow and thermostatic cartridges can be removed, soaked, and cleaned — though you’ll need to isolate the water supply first.
If cleaning doesn’t work, it’s time to replace the cartridge. We stock all major brands — just send a photo and we’ll ID it.
📧 sales@bathroomspareparts.co.uk
🛠️ When Cleaning Isn’t Enough: Replace the Affected Parts
If the part is too clogged or worn, cleaning may only temporarily help. Signs it’s time to replace:
Shower head sprays erratically even after soaking
Tap cartridge is stiff, stuck, or leaks
Thermostatic valve fluctuates temperature
Aerator is too blocked or damaged
We carry thousands of spare parts — many with limescale-resistant designs or replaceable inserts, especially helpful in hard water areas.
🧩 Top Recommended Replacement Parts for Hard Water Areas
Anti-limescale shower heads – silicone nozzles for easy wipe-clean
Brass tap cartridges – longer-lasting than plastic ones
Universal aerators with mesh filters – protect internal parts
Thermostatic cartridges from Mira, Grohe, Hansgrohe – designed for performance in limescale-prone systems
Not sure what you need? Email us a photo of your tap or shower — we’ll match it.
🧪 Bonus Tip: Prevent Limescale Before It Builds Up
Prevention = less frustration.
Here’s how:
Wipe taps and heads dry after use – this slows evaporation
Install a water softener – especially for whole-home prevention
Fit anti-limescale filters or aerators – they’re discreet and effective
Clean monthly with vinegar – even a quick wipe makes a big difference
Some of our trade customers (especially hotels) now schedule monthly descaling checks — it’s saved them thousands in premature part replacements.
🙋♀️ FAQ – Dealing With Limescale
Can limescale damage my tap or shower permanently?
Yes, especially thermostatic valves and cartridges. The buildup affects performance and can cause cracking or pitting over time.
Can I use bleach or harsh cleaners to remove it?
Avoid bleach — it can damage chrome and rubber seals. Stick to vinegar, lemon juice, or safe commercial descalers.
Do you stock parts for older or discontinued taps affected by limescale?
Yes. We specialise in identifying parts for older taps and showers — send us a photo.
What’s the best way to protect a new bathroom from limescale?
Install quality fixtures, add inline filters, and clean regularly — even a microfibre cloth works wonders.
🧠 Final Word: Limescale Is Inevitable – But Manageable
If you live in a hard water area, limescale isn’t going away. But with the right tools, knowledge, and spare parts, you can stay ahead of the damage — and keep your bathroom running like new.
We’re here to help every step of the way, whether you need advice, a part ID, or a full replacement kit.
📧 sales@bathroomspareparts.co.uk
📞 020 3940 9330
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