Calcium Buildup
💧 What Causes Calcium Buildup on Shower Heads and Faucets?
Calcium buildup — also called limescale — is caused by hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium minerals.
When hard water flows through your plumbing and fixtures, these minerals don’t stay dissolved. Instead, they separate and cling to surfaces as the water evaporates, leaving behind a chalky white or crusty residue.
Over time, that residue:
- Clogs showerhead nozzles and reduces water pressure
- Leaves white spots or streaks on metal and glass
- Makes fixtures look dull or corroded
- Can even shorten the life of plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances
🔍 Why It Happens More in Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock’s water is naturally very hard due to high mineral content in the area’s groundwater. That means the calcium and magnesium levels are higher than average — causing faster buildup in showers, sinks, and appliances.
✅ How to Prevent It
The most effective way to stop calcium buildup is to treat the water before it reaches your fixtures with a water softener.
A softener removes calcium and magnesium through a process called ion exchange, replacing them with harmless sodium or potassium ions. This keeps your fixtures clean, your water pressure strong, and your home easier to maintain.