Limescale problem any suggestions please?

[Paul Cockhill]

I have been asked to replace a shower mixer control unit, it is made by Triton, which has become incredibly stiff, as it has gunked up with limescale and it is virtually impossible to turn on. The woman says she has only had the shower for two years and it has gradually become blocked up. The shower is pumped but the pump only turns on when a certain flow rate has been reached.

The other taps in the house work fine and she does not want a water softner

Two questions

1. Can any solution be put on the mixer control unit to clean off the limescale?
2. Can you buy just the control unit as she wants to keep the pipework as it is?

Many thanks

Paul

 

[Robtheplumb]

If you strip out the valve you could try some de-scaler however,

You should be able to get replacement parts ok, ring triton and give them the model and they will be able to sell you replacement bits. If you fit a Combimate to the incoming mains it should help with the limescale problem, you would be better fitting a softener though.

 

[helpsy]

What about electrolytic/magnetic scale inhibitor?

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

try one of those limebeaters, they aren't to badly priced and make claims to dramatically reduce Limescale

I have fitted them in the past with some good results

 

[charliejamesuk]

The SESI is not badly priced.

 

[handyman]

I had the same problem with the stiff control. I removed the cover and worked in 3 in 1 oil turning the control know back and forwards - it now works fine