Brighton and Hove sits on chalk, so the water here is hard. Over time, dissolved minerals leave scale on tap cartridges, toilet valves, shower fittings and waste pipe surfaces. The effect builds slowly, which is why many people only notice it once something starts to fail.
Common Signs
Hard water scale tends to show up in the same places. Watch for these warning signs.
- Taps that drip after you turn them off
- Mixer taps that feel stiff or uneven
- Toilet fill valves that stick or keep running
- White scale around outlets and traps
- Showers and basins that drain more slowly
None of these means disaster by itself. However, two or three together suggest scale is working through the system, and it is worth getting the parts checked.
Why It Matters
Scale creates rough surfaces, and rough surfaces catch hair, grease, soap residue and debris. In older pipework, a small restriction can therefore get worse quickly. Our guide to unblocking a shower or bathroom drain shows how this plays out in the trap below a plughole.
Scale also wears moving parts. A tap cartridge or a toilet valve that grinds against mineral deposits fails sooner than one that moves freely. Prompt tap repair and valve repairs prevent staining, wasted water and damp cabinets. For a closer look at the tap side of things, read why Brighton taps drip.
What To Do About It
You cannot soften the water from the mains with a quick fix, but you can look after the parts it affects. Descale visible fittings with a product made for the job, and replace worn cartridges and washers before they fail. Avoid harsh chemicals in the waste, because they can damage older fittings. If you are unsure what a fitting needs, ask for advice first.
Kitchens suffer too, since taps, hoses and appliance connections all meet hard water daily. See our notes on kitchen sink and appliance leaks to learn what to check under the sink. A drip that turns into a bigger leak may also be covered by our guide to bathroom leaks in flats.
Local Help
For help with taps, toilets, leaks, kitchens and bathrooms, request a free quote online from Brighton Plumbers Direct through our local plumber service. We also work further along the coast, with plumbing help in Lewes area, Peacehaven area and Saltdean area. If a leak gets urgent, our advice on what to do before help arrives tells you how to limit the damage.
