limescale!!

[yoyoyo]

i live in a hard water region and have old leaky bathroom taps. limescale has seemed to form in my sink basin and won't come off!! i've tried limescale removers from the shops and also tried leaving a sink full of hot water and vinegar over night but nothing helps!!! Any ideas?!

[woofgang]

get the gel type scale removers and be very patient. I know from experience that this will work if you persevere. When you put the stuff on does it fizz? cos if it does its working. I use the harpic blue gel one made for toilets as I think that it is stronger

[stanleyman]

Go to B&Q or a plumbers merchant for Fernox DS-3 scale remover, concentrated with boiling water it is ten times better than any shop stuff.

[derekpara]

If you can afford it the best remedy is to have a water softener installed. I live in a very hard water area, but with a softener the water lathers so easily - and you save on washing powder etc. It will also remove, and prevent lime scale in your pipework.

[lady_p_gold]

I agree with Derekpara ... I got so fed up with the constant limescale battle that I had a water softener fitted ... it even makes your hair feel all nice like when you have been to the hairdressers!

[buildersmate]

Stanleyman's solution is good. This stuff is acidic. It won't hurt the porcelain but it may take the chrome plate off the taps if left in it too long. An equivalent (equally corrosive) alternative that may be cheaper is either Brick Cleaner or 15% hydrochloric acid - its the same thing.