What causes limescale? The Real Reason Behind White Deposits in Malta’s Homes

If you live in Malta, limescale isn’t a possibility — it’s a certainty.

White stains on taps, clogged shower heads, noisy boilers, rising energy bills…
All of these problems start with the same simple question: What causes limescale?

Let’s break it down properly — no myths, no sales talk, just how it actually works.

Quick help: ask anything on WhatsApp — I’ll reply fast.

What Is Limescale, Exactly?

Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit made mainly of:

• Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
• Magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃)

These minerals are naturally present in hard water.

When water flows, heats up, or evaporates, the minerals separate from the water and stick to surfaces.

👉 That white crust you see?
That’s rock… slowly forming inside your home.

The Main Cause of Limescale: Hard Water

The number one cause of limescale is hard water.

Hard water contains a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up as water passes through limestone-rich ground.

Malta is built on limestone.
So the water? Naturally very hard.

This means:

• Every litre of water carries minerals
• Every tap, pipe, boiler and appliance becomes a collection point

Hard Water in Malta Is a Documented Reality

In Malta, hard water is not a theory or a myth but a documented reality. According to information published by the Water Services Corporation (WSC), Malta’s water supply contains naturally high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium.

These minerals are completely safe for drinking. However, when water is heated or circulates repeatedly through household systems, calcium and magnesium gradually crystallise and form solid limescale deposits inside pipes, boilers, kettles, and other appliances.

Over time, this buildup reduces heat transfer efficiency, increases energy consumption, and accelerates wear and tear on household equipment. This is why limescale problems are so common in Maltese homes, even with normal daily water use.

Why Heat Makes Limescale Worse

Heating water accelerates limescale formation.

Here’s why:

• Cold water keeps minerals dissolved
• When water heats up, minerals lose solubility
• They crystallize and attach to surfaces

That’s why limescale attacks:

• Boilers & heating elements first
• Kettles and coffee machines
• Shower mixers and pumps

💡 Even a 1–2 mm layer of limescale can reduce heating efficiency dramatically.

Where Does Limescale Build Up Most?

Limescale doesn’t spread evenly.
It targets pressure, heat and turbulence points.

Most affected areas:

• Boiler heating elements
• Water heaters & tanks
• Shower heads and mixers
• Washing machines & dishwashers
• Pipes near pumps and valves

The worst part?
Most of it forms out of sight, until something breaks.

Is Limescale Dangerous?

Not to drink — but very expensive to ignore.

Consequences of untreated limescale:

• Higher electricity bills
• Shortened appliance lifespan
• Boiler failures
• Reduced water pressure
• Constant descaling & chemical use

In places like Malta, limescale is one of the main hidden household costs.

Why Scraping and Chemicals Don’t Solve the Cause

Descaling products remove existing deposits — not the cause.

So:

• You clean → limescale comes back
• You descale → minerals keep arriving
• Pipes keep collecting scale again and again

It’s like drying the floor while the tap is still running.

The Only Real Way to Stop Limescale Formation

To stop limescale, you must prevent minerals from sticking in the first place.

That means:

• Not removing minerals (like salt softeners)
• But changing how they behave in water

This is exactly where electromagnetic anti-limescale systems come in.

They don’t soften water.
They alter the crystallisation structure, so minerals stay suspended and cannot attach to surfaces.

Result:

• No new limescale buildup
• Existing deposits slowly break down
• Appliances stay protected without chemicals or salt

So, what causes limescale?

Final Thoughts

• ✔ Hard water
• ✔ Heat
• ✔ Time
• ✔ And mineral crystallisation inside your system

You can’t change Malta’s geology —
but you can stop limescale from destroying your home.