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Fix the Flow: Cleaning Up Hard Water

Toledo Bathtub Faucet Being CleanedThe hard water problem is nothing unusual for renters across the country. It makes spots and crusty buildup that can seem like it is next to impossible to remove. It restricts the flow of water through faucets and showerheads, creating problems with water pressure, amongst other things. Some tenants avoid dealing with it, which sooner or later leads to faucet damage and replacement. This is an expensive alternative and not one we’d endorse. Cleaning hard water buildup off a sink faucet, inside and out, is not difficult, but it will demand a bit of time. With the right information and materials, it is possible to get the faucets in your Toledo rental property working as if it is still brand-new.

Water that is high in calcium and other minerals, recognized as hard water, can turn your sink faucets ugly. Calcium buildup, occasionally called limescale, can also produce water flow issues. If you are undergoing water flow problems, the cause of your problem is with the faucet aerator, found inside the fixture. A faucet aerator is a hollow metal cylinder that screws over the end of a faucet. Inside the aerator is a tiny screen, a rubber washer, a mixer disc, and perhaps a flow restrictor or an inner plastic housing. Whenever these elements get congested with mineral deposits, the fixture will start having water pressure problems, possibly creating an uneven or erratic flow.

To remedy these problems, try cleaning your faucet’s aerator. Cleaning a blocked aerator is a simple process, but one that must be done meticulously to avoid destroying any of the many parts that are inside. Most aerators can be taken off with your hand or a pair of pliers, letting you check the faucet spout for any deposits or blockages inside. As soon after taking the aerator apart, simply soak the pieces in a bowl of white vinegar overnight. This will loosen the mineral buildup and will let you rub off any debris. Re-assemble the aerator and replace it on the fixture, then check your water flow. You should see substantial improvement instantaneously.

White vinegar is also helpful in cleaning up hard water buildup on the outside surfaces of a sink faucet, too. There is no need for expensive household cleaners if you follow the method recommended by the pros at Mr. Rooter. Their website has comprehensive instructions on how to clean hard water buildup on faucets, but the process is simple. Just soak some paper towels or strips of rags in white vinegar and wrap the base of the faucet with them. Fasten the rags to the faucet with rubber bands and let the vinegar sit for at least an hour, then scrub clean.

For an even easier sort of this process, you can try the plastic bag method. To apply this method, you have to fill a plastic sandwich bag with vinegar and tie it to the end of the faucet with a rubber band, ensuring that the end of the fixture is completely covered in the vinegar. Let the faucet soak for an hour or two, and then remove the bag and scrub it clean. Then, test your water flow: if the problem is still there, you’ll need to try cleaning the aerator as described above.

Are you thinking about moving to a new rental house? If so, be sure to check out our available property listings. We might have a property that works well for you. If you’re a property owner interested in our management services, contact us online or call us at 567-200-2320 today.

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