5 Best Water Filters for Limescale Prevention 2024
Tired of limescale ruining your appliances? These best water filters soften your water, protect your home, and save money.
Updated August 12, 2024.
Limescale buildup is a persistent and frustrating issue that plagues countless homes. It leaves unsightly stains on your appliances, fixtures, and dishes while also shortening their lifespan.
You spend countless hours scrubbing away stubborn limescale deposits, only to see them reappear just weeks later. Not only is it time-consuming and exhausting, but it also leads to costly repairs or replacements.
Fortunately, there's a solution. You can effectively prevent limescale buildup and protect your appliances by investing in the right water filter.
» Prevent limescale buildup with a reverse osmosis filter
Top 5 Water Filters for Limescale Prevention
- Best overall water filter for limescale - MAYU Full Cycle
- Best whole-house limescale filter - 3M Aqua-Pure
- Best reverse osmosis limescale filter - Brondell RC100 H2O+
- Best faucet-mounted limescale filter - Brita Faucet Mount Filter
- Best under-sink limescale filter - Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum
What is Limescale?
Limescale is technically calcium carbonate (CaCO3). You can find the makings of this white, chalky substance in most water supplies nationwide. Hard water is most likely to contain high amounts of limescale, but soft water can as well—mainly if it’s concentrated.
Because of this, limescale can quickly build up anywhere water is running. It's in plumbing, faucets, shower heads, air conditioners, and more. The substance builds up when the calcium in water comes in contact with a hard surface. Heat and pressure can also speed up the process.
Signs that limescale may be in your household water system include:
- Being able to visibly see the white limescale buildup in pipes, on faucets, etc.
- Slowed water flow out of faucets and shower heads.
- Poor heat transfer in systems using water for heating. This can increase energy needs significantly.
» Check out the best water filter pitchers
5 Best Water Filters That Remove Calcium
1
MAYU Full Cycle
The 3-Step Solution for Cleaner Water
Price
$479
Filter lifetime
Up to 12 months
Flow rate
100 GPD
Why choose the MAYU Full Cycle
The MAYU Full Cycle kit comes with a countertop water filter. It uses reverse osmosis to remove impurities by boiling water away from them. It then captures the vapor and condenses it into clean water.
Reverse osmosis can filter out harmful substances like:
- Salt
- Copper
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Germs
- PFAS
In addition to a filter, you get a device that structures your water to improve hydration and electrolyte drops to restore the beneficial minerals.
Pros and cons
Replicates the natural water cycle
Free shipping in the US
180-day money-back guarantee
High initial investment
Requires regular filter replacements
2
3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Filter
Price
$942
Filter lifetime
Up to 12 months
Flow rate
1439 GPD
Why choose the 3M Aqua-Pure whole house filter
The 3M Aqua Pure whole-house system uses special filters to clean your home's water from limescale. It gets rid of dirt and hard water buildup, helping your pipes last longer and making your water taste better. The quick-change cartridge design also simplifies filter replacement.
Pros and cons
Reduces sediment, chlorine taste, and odor
Quick-change cartridge design simplifies filter replacement
Suitable for both residential and light commercial use
Some users might experience a slight decrease in water pressure
Cartridges need to be replaced periodically
3
Brondell RC100 H2O+
Price
$449.99
Filter lifetime
Up to 24 months
Flow rate
1439 GPD
Why choose the Brondell RC100 H2O+
Brondell RC100 H2O+ uses reverse osmosis, carbon, and membrane filtration to remove limescale and other contaminants. The result? Great-tasting water that doesn't need an outlet. It also comes with its own faucet with a signal light that tells you when it's time to change the filter.
Pros and cons
Significantly reduced water-to-waste ratio
Quick-connect fittings for easy installation
Filter change indicator
Some users have reported lower water pressure
Replacement filters can be more expensive than other brands
4
Brita Faucet Mount Water Filter
Price
$20
Filter lifetime
Up to 2 months
Flow rate
3167 GPD
Why choose the Brita Faucet Mount Water Filter
This faucet-mounted filter couldn’t be easier to install. It also removes many common contaminants, such as lead and asbestos, as well as limescale. The result is fresh, delicious-tasting water.
Pros and cons
Easily installed on your faucet
Reduces chlorine taste in tap water
Reduces plastic waste from bottled water
High initial investment
Requires regular filter replacements
5
Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum
Price
$449.99
Filter lifetime
Up to 12 months
Flow rate
1036 GPD
Why choose the Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum
The Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum filter system stands out from the competition in several ways. It tackles a wider range of contaminants than traditional filters, including lead, mercury, and even pharmaceuticals.
On top of that, you won't experience the typical slowdown often associated with under-sink filters—Aquasana has a 44% faster flow rate for a more convenient user experience.
Pros and cons
Removes lead, mercury, and pharmaceuticals
Retains beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium
Faster water flow compared to other under-sink filters
You might need to hire a plumber to install it
Some users have reported a slight change in water taste after installation
Effects of Limescale on Water Systems
Limescale buildup in pipes can cause several problems:
- Reduced Water Flow: This leads to lower water pressure throughout your system.
- Less Heat Transfer: If you use your plumbing system for heating, slower water flow can decrease efficiency and increase energy costs.
- Clogged Pipes: Severe limescale buildup can completely block water flow, causing pipe clogs.
» Consider these 4 things before buying a reverse osmosis system
What to Look for When Buying a Limescale Filter
To effectively address these issues, it's essential to invest in a filter that uses advanced technology. This ensures optimal water filtration without compromising safety.
Consider the following factors when choosing a filter:
- Installation: Can you install the filter yourself, or do you need professional help?
- Maintenance: How often does the filter require cleaning or replacement?
- Flow rate: A faster flow rate means quicker access to clean water.
The ideal filter should:
- Last: Be durable enough to handle your water usage.
- Perform: Effectively filter large volumes of water.
- Fit Your Budget: Allow for ongoing maintenance and replacement filter costs.
» Discover different ways to remineralize reverse osmosis water
Say Goodbye to Limescale
You can effectively combat limescale buildup in your home by investing in one of our top-rated water filters. They will prolong the life of your appliances and enhance the overall quality of your water.
Remember to consider factors such as your water hardness, budget, and desired level of filtration when making your choice. With the right filter in place, you can enjoy softer, cleaner water throughout your home.
» Stop worrying about limescale. Use a reverse osmosis system
Reference:
- P. Sengupta, “Potential health impacts of hard water,” PubMed Central (PMC), Aug. 01, 2013. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775162/
FAQs
Does BRITA filter out limescale?
Yes, BRITA filters can help reduce limescale.
While they don't completely remove all calcium and magnesium (which are essential minerals), they do reduce the carbonate hardness of the water, making it less likely for limescale to form.
Is it ok to drink water with limescale?
Limescale is not harmful to our health when we drink it. In fact, calcium is an essential mineral for healthy bone growth and heart health. [1] But, it can impact the taste of water.
Will a carbon filter help with hard water?
Carbon filters are not very effective at reducing hard water.
While they excel at removing chlorine, taste, odor, and certain organic contaminants, they are not designed to tackle the minerals (calcium and magnesium) that cause water hardness.
Does a sediment filter help with hard water?
No, a sediment filter does not help with hard water.
A sediment filter is designed to remove physical particles like sand, dirt, rust, and other suspended solids from water. It does not affect the mineral content that causes water hardness.
Which additive is used to remove calcium from water?
Sodium carbonate (soda ash) is a common chemical used to remove calcium from water. It reacts with calcium ions to form insoluble calcium carbonate, which can then be removed through filtration or sedimentation.
Disclaimer: The information published by Mayu Water is not a substitute for the expert knowledge, advice, and recommendations of trained professionals. We strongly recommend consulting with industry experts and primary or scientific sources before making any health, research-related, or other important decisions.
