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Fix the Flow: Cleaning Up Hard Water

Cranston Bathtub Faucet Being CleanedThe hard water hurdle is nothing unfamiliar for renters across the country. It makes spots and crusty buildup that can make it 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 Cranston rental property working as if it is still brand-new.

Water that is high in calcium and other minerals, more casually known as hard water, can make your sink faucets look horrible. Calcium buildup, sometimes also called limescale, can also create water flow issues. If you are going over water flow problems, the cause of your dilemma is with the faucet aerator, placed 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. As soon as these elements get congested with mineral deposits, the fixture will start to have water pressure problems, probably generating an uneven or erratic flow.

To repair these concerns, make an effort at cleaning your faucet’s aerator. Cleaning a blocked aerator is an upfront process, yet one that has to be executed prudently to circumvent the possibility of breaking any of the parts that are inside. Most aerators can be removed by hand or a pair of pliers, letting you scrutinize the faucet spout for any deposits or blockages inside. As soon as you are finished taking the aerator apart, simply soak the pieces in a bowl of white vinegar overnight. This will clear the mineral buildup and let you rub off any debris. Re-assemble the aerator and replace it on the fixture, then check your water flow. You should be able to observe a striking difference right away.

White vinegar is suitable when cleaning up hard water buildup on the outside surfaces of a sink faucet, too. There is no need for expensive household cleaners if you apply the method recommended by the experts at Mr. Rooter. Their website has thorough 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 simpler and less complicated version of this process, you can try the plastic bag method. To use this method, you need to fill a plastic sandwich bag with vinegar and tie it to the end of the faucet with a rubber band, guaranteeing 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 not solved, you’ll have to try cleaning the aerator as described above.

Are you thinking of transferring 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 401-272-3300 today.

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