Over 60% of UK homes are in hard water areas. If you've ever noticed white chalky deposits around your taps or shower head, that's limescale — and left unchecked, it can dull, pit, and permanently damage even premium tap finishes.
The good news: with the right habits and a small amount of routine care, hard water doesn't have to shorten the life of your fixtures.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals — primarily calcium and magnesium. As water evaporates off surfaces, these minerals are left behind as white or grey deposits, commonly called limescale or scale build-up.
Hard water areas in the UK include most of South East England, the Midlands, and parts of East Anglia. If you're unsure whether you're in a hard water area, your local water supplier can confirm.
Which Finishes Are Most Vulnerable?
Some finishes handle hard water better than others:
- Chrome — Shows limescale most visibly due to its reflective surface. Requires the most regular wiping.
- Matte Black — Shows white deposits clearly against the dark surface. Benefits from daily wiping.
- Brushed Brass — The textured surface hides deposits better than polished finishes. More forgiving in hard water areas.
- Brushed Nickel & Stainless Steel — Among the most resistant finishes to hard water damage. Excellent choice for hard water areas.
- Brushed Copper — Moderate resistance. Regular polishing helps maintain the finish.
Daily Habits That Make a Big Difference
- Wipe after use — The single most effective thing you can do. A dry microfibre cloth after each use prevents mineral deposits from forming in the first place.
- Dry the spout and base — Water pools around the tap base and spout tip are the most common sites for limescale.
- Use a soft cloth only — Abrasive pads scratch finishes and remove protective layers, making future build-up worse.
Removing Existing Limescale
For light deposits:
- Dampen a cloth with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water
- Wrap it around the affected area for 20–30 minutes
- Wipe clean and dry thoroughly
Important: Never use undiluted vinegar or acidic cleaners directly on Brushed Brass or Brushed Copper — the acid can strip or discolour these finishes. For these finishes, use a specialist brass cleaner or a mild soap solution instead.
Longer-Term Protection
A water softener or filter fitted at the point of entry (or under the sink) dramatically reduces mineral content in your water supply. This is the most effective long-term solution for hard water households and can significantly extend the life and appearance of all your fixtures.
Point-of-use filters fitted under the sink are a more affordable alternative and work well for a single tap — particularly useful for kitchen taps where drinking water quality also matters.
Cortenvale in Hard Water Areas
All Cortenvale taps are made from solid brass, which is inherently resistant to corrosion and more durable in hard water conditions than cheaper zinc alloy alternatives. For hard water households, we particularly recommend our Brushed Nickel or Stainless Steel finishes for lower maintenance.
Browse our full range at cortenvale.com.