- Q.I’ve had several
customers interested in salvage sinks and faucets for
kitchen and bath remodels. However, most of these old
fixtures are covered with water scale. What causes the
scale buildup on kitchen and bath faucets and fixtures,
and how can it be removed?
A.Scale is normally
the result of minerals in the water being left
behind as small amounts of water evaporate. It
usually consists of various calcium and magnesium
salts, with some iron and sulfur compounds mixed
in, depending on the local water conditions.
Installing a water softener tends to reduce scale
formation by exchanging sodium ions for the calcium
and magnesium. These sodium compounds are more
soluble and don’t build up.
Use white vinegar to remove both the scale and
caked-on soap scum from old fixtures.