If you live in Calpe (or nearby on the Costa Blanca), you’ve probably seen the tell-tale signs: white marks on taps, shower screens that never stay clear, and appliances that seem to “age” too quickly. That’s usually hard water—water with a higher mineral content (mainly calcium and magnesium). The real issue isn’t the water itself, but what happens when it’s heated or evaporates: those minerals form limescale, which sticks to pipework and boiler components.
According to the team at 100% Plumbing (Calpe), hard water is one of the biggest hidden causes of boiler inefficiency, low pressure, and premature appliance wear in local homes when scale is allowed to build up over time.
What hard water does to your home plumbing
Hard water minerals settle inside:
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taps and shower heads (flow reduces)
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valves and cartridges (fixtures stop performing properly)
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pipework (internal diameter narrows)
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boilers/water heaters (heat transfer becomes less efficient)
For a clear industry reference, Anglian Water notes that limescale on the water side of a boiler heat exchanger creates an insulating layer that inhibits heat transfer, and even a thin layer can increase energy input required to meet the same heat demand. Anglian Water – Reducing Water Use in Hot Water Supply (PDF).
7 signs you have limescale problems in your Calpe home
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White crusty buildup around taps, shower heads, kettle elements
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Cloudy glass and shower screens that spot quickly after cleaning
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Hot water flow weaker than cold (hot lines often scale faster)
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Boiler noises (kettling/rumbling) during heating
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Reduced shower performance even after cleaning the shower head
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Appliances needing repairs more often (dishwasher, washing machine, boiler)
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Gradual drop in water pressure over months/years
If you’re already seeing pressure loss or slow drains alongside scale, it often overlaps with issues we solve under Blocked Pipes and Scale.
Why limescale is especially hard on boilers and hot water systems
Boilers and hot water systems get hit first because heat accelerates mineral deposition. Over time, scale can:
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reduce hot water performance
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raise running costs (system works harder)
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increase the chance of faults and callouts
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shorten the lifespan of key components
If hot water is becoming unreliable or slower than it used to be, it’s worth having the system assessed via Hot Water Systems.
And if your property uses radiators, overall efficiency issues can also show up across Central Heating.
How to protect pipes and boilers from hard water in Calpe
1) Start with “easy wins” (good habits that slow scale)
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Clean tap aerators and shower heads regularly
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Wipe down wet surfaces to reduce visible deposits
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Keep appliances maintained (filters, inlet screens)
These help, but they don’t remove hardness from the water.
2) Use a proper long-term solution (the real protection)
If you want to protect pipework, boilers, and appliances, you usually need a water treatment approach suited to the property and usage. That’s exactly what we install and advise on through Water Treatment.
3) Don’t just treat symptoms if flow is already reduced
If pressure/flow is already dropping, the underlying restriction may be inside valves or pipework. In that case, diagnosis often sits within Domestic Water Supply checks or a broader General Plumbing inspection.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if you notice:
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hot water performance dropping over time
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boiler noises when heating
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recurring scale + pressure issues despite cleaning
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pressure dropping across the whole home
If you’re unsure, these warning signs overlap with the guidance in When to Call a Professional Plumber.
Need help with hard water or limescale in Calpe?
100% Plumbing is based in Calpe and supports homes across the Costa Blanca with plumbing, water supply, heating, and water treatment solutions—plus emergency support when needed. Book an assessment via Contact Us.
FAQs: Hard Water & Limescale in Calpe
Is hard water in Calpe bad for my boiler?
Hard water can be tough on boilers because minerals form limescale on heat-transfer surfaces and inside waterways. This reduces efficiency, can increase energy use, and raises the risk of breakdowns over time.
What are the quickest signs of limescale at home?
White deposits on taps/shower heads, cloudy shower screens, and reduced flow—especially on the hot side—are the most common early signs.
Can limescale reduce water pressure?
Yes. Limescale can build up inside tap cartridges, valves, and pipework, narrowing the waterway and reducing flow. It often presents as a gradual pressure drop.
Why is hot water pressure often worse than cold?
Hot water systems scale faster because heat accelerates mineral deposition. That’s why hot flow is frequently the first to weaken in hard water areas.
What’s the best long-term protection for pipes and boilers in Calpe?
The most reliable long-term approach is a properly selected treatment/scale protection solution for your property, installed and maintained professionally. A good starting point is Water Treatment.
Should I use chemical descalers for low pressure?
Mild descaling can help for removable parts like aerators and shower heads, but aggressive chemicals can damage seals and components if misused. If you suspect scale inside the system, professional diagnosis is safer.
Who should I call for hard water and limescale problems in Calpe?
If you’re in Calpe or nearby on the Costa Blanca, contact a professional plumber who can assess the system and recommend the right solution. You can reach 100% Plumbing via Contact Us.
