24 FEATURE
Signs for the consumer
• Notably higher electricity use – every 1mm of scale on a heating element can increase electricity consumption by about 10 % for the same volume of hot water, because the scale acts as an insulator.
• Geyser noises, such as‘ crackling’.
• White crust on taps, aerators, shower screens and kettles.
• Brown staining( caused by excess iron) on walls or fittings.
• Soap scum accumulates, causing difficult-to-clean baths or shower tiles.
• Itchy, dry skin.
• Dull laundry.
• Poor soap and shampoo lather.
• Blocked shower heads( or only some jets working) and blocked cartridges.
• Repeated element changes in geysers.
• Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines not cleaning properly.
• Frequent coffee machine, ice maker or hot-water dispenser repairs.
• Metallic taste in water.
Signs for the plumber
• Repeated element replacements.
• Cartridge failures.
• Pump cycling.
• Constant blocked filters.
• Declining borehole yield.
• Sediment entering the system.
• Persistent iron / manganese staining.
• Repeated call-outs for the same problems.
• Repeated water complaints despite replacing plumbing components.
• Repeated servicing of filtration and Reverse Osmosis systems.
• Low water pressure.
Borehole maintenance“ Many people believe that because groundwater is underground, it remains clean indefinitely,” says Anton Barkhuizen, Bore Restore. But this is not true – boreholes require regular monitoring and maintenance, and early intervention can prevent costly repairs down the line. Preventative maintenance is considerably more cost-effective than waiting until the borehole fails.
What is limescale? Hard water is one of the most common water quality issues encountered in South African boreholes, and one of its most recognisable consequences is limescale.
Limescale is the hard, white, often invisible mineral buildup mainly from calcium and magnesium that forms when pressurised water’ s minerals come out of solution and‘ stick’ inside plumbing systems and equipment.
Kurt Vermaak, Halcyan Water Conditioners, explains:“ The easiest way I explain limescale is: we all know cholesterol. Limescale is cholesterol to the plumbing systems and to the water. Nothing more, nothing less. It’ s that same buildup inside, and it causes major damage.” Cholesterol builds slowly, narrows arteries, and makes the heart work harder. Lime scale similarly accumulates slowly in pipes and equipment, forcing systems such as pumps and heaters to work harder.
And like cholesterol, the plumbing-related costs are not one big event. Rather:
• Electricity bills increase
• Equipment lifespan is shorter
• Maintenance and repair costs increase
• Purification methods such as filtration and reverse osmosis have a performance reduction
• Business and homes are disrupted
Some common warning signs that the borehole may need rehabilitation or maintenance include:
• Reduced water pressure or declining borehole yield.
• Water that appears discolored( orange, brown or black staining).
• Metallic taste or unpleasant odours.
• Frequent clogging of filters.
Supplied by Biozone
The Biozone borehole water treatment process.
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline October 2026 Volume 32 I Number 08