Hard water has been a problem for renters across the country for a long time. It creates spots and crusty buildup that can appear as though it is difficult to remove. It restricts the flow of water through faucets and showerheads, creating problems with water pressure, amongst other things. Some tenants disregard it, which would then usually end up in faucet damage and replacement. This is an expensive option, and one we strongly discourage. Cleaning hard water buildup off a sink faucet, inside and out, is not tricky, but it does need a bit of time. With the correct information and materials, it is not impossible to get the faucets in your Riverdale rental property working as if it’s still brand-new.
Water that is high in calcium and other minerals, also commonly known as hard water, can make your sink faucets look filthy. Calcium buildup sometimes called limescale, can likewise generate water flow issues. If you are undergoing water flow problems, the cause of your concern 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. When these rudiments get jammed with mineral deposits, the fixture will begin having water pressure problems, possibly producing an uneven or erratic flow.
To correct these problems, try cleaning your faucet’s aerator. Cleaning a blocked aerator is a basic process, although it must be performed thoroughly so as to make sure you are not damaging any of the many parts that are found on its interior. Most aerators can be taken off manually by hand or a pair of pliers, allowing you to inspect the faucet spout for any deposits or blockages inside. After taking the aerator apart, simply soak the pieces in a bowl of white vinegar overnight. This will loosen the mineral buildup and allow you to rub off any debris. Re-assemble the aerator and replace it on the fixture, then check your water flow. You should see massive changes right away.
White vinegar is likewise useful when cleaning hard water buildup on the outer sides of a sink faucet, too. There is no need for expensive household cleaners if you use the method recommended by the pros at Mr. Rooter. Their website has full 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 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 there, you’ll have to attempt cleaning the aerator as described above.
Are you considering a move 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 801-546-1770 today.
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