How to Descale a Boiling Water Tap (Any Model or Brand)

Tom Volpe February 26, 2023

Do you own or recently purchased a boiling water tap? Want to keep it in tip-top shape but don't know where to start? Descaling your boiling water tap is easy with the right steps and tools. This guide will explain why descaling your boiling water tap is important and teach you exactly how to do it for any model or brand.

What Causes Limescale on Boiling Water Taps?

Limescale buildup on boiling water taps is an annoying domestic problem that many of us encounter, but most don't know why it happens. It's an issue caused by hard water. Hard water occurs when there are high levels of calcium and magnesium in the tap water. When the water evaporates, these minerals are left behind as a white powdery deposit - which is limescale!



This limescale can impede the functioning of your boiling water tap and also make cleaning it difficult. Thankfully, special anti-limescale products such as descaling sprays or tablets can help to dissolve the deposits so you can get your tap back up and running again like normal.

Identifying Your Boiling Water Tap Model and Brand

When descaling the calcium and limescale buildup on your boiling water tap, proper identification of your model and brand should be established. This will help you identify which descaling product to use and how to carry out the descaling process.

The model and brand of your boiling water tap could be printed on the unit itself or the manual which you should have received when purchasing it. If this information is not available, a quick search online should help you locate the exact specs of your boiling water tap.

Before you begin the process, it's worth getting in touch with the manufacturer to establish which products they recommend using, and which you should avoid entirely. This could save your tap from unwanted damage.

Preparing for Descaler Application

Once you've identified the make and model of your boiling water tap, it's time to prepare for descaling. Before starting, make sure to shut off the power supply and disconnect the boiler tank from its power source. This is an important safety precaution as leaving it active could cause a nasty shock or even start a fire!

Now that the power supply is off, it's time to get the necessary materials and tools. Depending on how serious the limescale issue is, you'll need descaling sprays or tablets, white vinegar, a cloth/brush and a bowl of warm water.

Applying the Descaler Solution

The first step is to clean the boiling water tap thoroughly with a damp cloth. This will remove any dirt or dust which could otherwise block the descaling product from doing its job properly.

If you've chosen to use white vinegar, simply pour it into the areas affected by limescale and then leave it there for 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen the calcium deposits.

If you're using descaling sprays or tablets, follow the instructions printed on the packet/bottle carefully. Make sure to read how long the product should be left in place for before wiping it away with a damp cloth. Finally, run some clean water through the tap afterwards to get rid of any residue.



For a deeper clean, fill up the tank of your boiling water tap with two litres of cold water and one tablespoon of descaler solution (or to the quantity directed on the packaging). Leave the mixture for two hours before draining it out of the system. This will help get rid of internal scale as well. Once you're done, rinse the tap with clean freshwater multiple times to ensure all residual product has been removed from the tank's interior walls before filling it up again and enjoying perfect-tasting drinks!

Flushing the Tank and Tap with Vinegar

One of the simplest ways to descale your tap is to flush the tank and taps with vinegar - this will help remove any limescale or other deposits that have formed without damaging the surface. All you'll need is a few cups of white vinegar, some patience, and good old-fashioned elbow grease!

First, turn off the hot water supply at the mains and let all the existing water out of the tank. Then fill it three-quarters full with undiluted white vinegar and let it sit for an hour or two. Turn on the hot tap to begin flushing out the vinegar mixture and wait until it starts running clear into a large bowl placed underneath. Once you're done flushing out all mains taps in sequence, flush out any remaining vinegar with cold water from the mains before turning on the hot water again. After this process, you should have a thoroughly descaled boiling water tap.

Final Checks and Clean Up

Once you've finished descaling your boiling water tap, completing a few checks and cleaning up the surrounding area is important. Firstly, check that all components are securely attached and there is no limescale buildup in any pipes or taps. Then use a cloth to wipe down all surfaces that have come into contact with the descaling solution. Finally, check that all valves are properly sealed and working correctly to avoid further limescale buildup or leaks.

Descaling your boiling water tap is essential to keep it functioning effectively and providing you with hot drinks whenever you need them. With regular descaling, you can be sure that your tap is always in optimum condition, saving you time and money in the long run. Follow these simple steps to descale your boiling water tap and enjoy its benefits for years to come!

Replacing Your Boiler's Filter

Replacing your boiler tank's filter is essential to maintaining a boiling water tap that ensures it stays clean and free from scale buildup. Your supplied filter should be changed every 6-12 months, depending on the model and make. For example, the filters that come with our boiling water taps should be changed every 6 months. Doing this yourself is a simple task requiring some basic supplies like a screwdriver and wrench, but if you feel unsure, it's best to call in the experts for assistance!

Common Problems with Descaling Boiling Water Taps and How to Avoid Them

Boiling water taps are a fantastic asset if you would like to make tea, hot chocolate and other hot beverages without the hassle of waiting for a pot to boil. However, the one thing that can be worrisome is descaling them. The difficulty often comes from scale buildup since it accumulates from constant tap usage. The best way to avoid any potential problems is by getting into the habit of cleansing your tap regularly. Once every few months, you should use a descaler cleaner and give the tap a light scrub to ensure no blockages appear.


a person in glove using detergent while cleaning sink

 

Additionally, it is important to change out all filters on your boiling water tanks periodically, as these can also cause further impediments in the dispersion of hot water from your tap. By taking the time to maintain your boiling water tap occasionally, you will help keep it in great condition and ready for those times when you crave a cuppa!

Troubleshooting Tips

When descaling boiling water systems, leaking taps can be a major issue. If you experience leaking valves, the best thing to do is turn off the water to where the leaking tap is situated and check for any signs of the formation of limescale. When working with descaling boiling water systems, an important troubleshooting tip is identifying the source of the leaking tap, whether it be due to corroded pipes or damaged seals.

Additionally, checking for any calcium buildup in the pipes and using an appropriate cleaning chemical can help solve leaking issues with descaling boiling water systems.

Natural Alternatives to Chemical Solutions

Descaling a boiling water tap is an essential household maintenance job and can often require chemical solutions. For those looking to find natural alternatives to these, baking soda, lemon and vinegar all offer effective alternatives. Baking soda can be used with lemon, vinegar, or both if desired. Simply mix baking soda with some water and pour it into the tap.

If using lemon or vinegar, dilute them in equal parts of warm water before adding them to the tap, where they should be left for 15 minutes before being drained away. Regular descaling will help maintain your boiling water tap for years to come without the need for potentially harmful chemicals.

FAQs

Does WD40 remove limescale from taps?

Removing limescale from taps and faucets is a common struggle for many homeowners. It can be tough if hard deposits have built up over time. Fortunately, WD40 has many uses, and the company claims it can help remove limescale including taps.

To do this, spray some WD40 onto the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes before gently rubbing it off the surface with a rag or sponge. This should clear away any calcium deposits, restoring your tap's shine and making it function better in general. While WD40 may not work flawlessly every time, it's worth giving it a shot if you're having trouble removing limescale buildup.

Is it okay to drink water from taps that have limescale?

It is a common misconception that drinking water from limescale taps can harm your health. While there may be some risk of contamination, in most cases, the limescale itself is harmless and does not add any additional contaminants or residue to the water. Many experts even argue that it can be beneficial since limescale indicates a higher mineral content, contributing to healthy dietary intake.

Therefore, unless you are confident the source of your tap water is contaminated or unsafe, it is generally okay to consume it — regardless of whether limescale appears in your sink.

Conclusion

Although most people think that descaling a boiling water tap is a very difficult task, it is very simple. Following the steps we have provided in this blog post, you can quickly and easily descale your boiling water tap. If you have any questions or need help with your specific model or brand of boiling water tap, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Find out more about how a boiling water tap works today.