Solving the Scaling Problem
The formation of scale inside pipelines is a problem for • reducing pH of water
many landholders. It is not just inconvenient and
expensive to clean up, but can cause loss of productivity • using sequestering agents in the water
or even lead to the death of stock. • checking pipeline operation
Scaling can be triggered by physical, chemical or • treating pipes periodically
biological factors in the water supply or distribution
system. The problem is more common with the • replacing the pipeline
reticulation of groundwater supplies. • installing a water conditioner.
Scale formation Hardness reduction
The likelihood that water will deposit scale can be
Reducing water hardness can be achieved in one of the
gauged through analysing water hardness, pH and the
following ways:
ratio of chlorides to carbonates.
• water softener
Scale formation is usually related to either a physical or
chemical change in the water, or in the distribution • reverse osmosis
system. For example, a temperature rise, pressure
change, or change in pH can trigger scale formation. • lime softening.
The release of carbon dioxide from water pumped from Water softeners exchange calcium and magnesium ions
bores and wells can trigger a chemical reaction which for sodium ions. They are available commercially for a
can lead to the deposition of scaling compounds. range of applications. The ion exchange medium requires
Scale is usually a mineral compound consisting mainly of periodic recharging to replace sodium ions. A water
calcium or magnesium carbonates or calcium sulphate. analysis is required to ensure that the process will work.
The main culprit is calcium carbonate deposits. In many Reverse osmosis reduces the concentration of ions in
cases it is mixed with other substances such as iron or water by about 90 per cent, by forcing water under
sand grains. pressure through a semi-porous membrane. These units
are designed for a range of uses, from single domestic to
Test for scale material urban applications. A by-product of reducing the salinity
of feed water is wastewater high in salts, which can pose
One sure way of determining whether or not the material
a disposal problem.
causing the blockage is calcium or magnesium carbonate
is to test the material using hydrochloric acid. Placing a A water analysis of the supply source is required,
few drops of the acid on a sample of the encrustation will especially as scale deposition can be a problem within
cause it to fizz as it reacts with calcium or magnesium the units themselves. The sizing of the unit will also
carbonate. If there is no reaction you are faced with a depend on water use.
different problem.
Lime softening involves adding hydrated lime to water
to precipitate calcium carbonate. The amount of lime
Water analysis required will depend on hardness levels. The process
Where the problem is suspected to be caused by requires a settlement period and its overall effectiveness
chemical deposition, a water analysis is necessary to is governed by the pH of the water. Lime softening is
help devise a suitable remedy. Otherwise the treatment usually confined to applications where constant
may not be effective. monitoring can be afforded.
Treatment methods Reduce pH
Scaling of pipes can occur in many situations ranging Reducing pH means acidifying the water. This can be
from domestic to stock and irrigation reticulation. The done by adding hydrochloric or sulphuric acid to the
treatment methods suggested in this fact sheet are not water to lower the pH level to below 6.0 units. Acidifying
tailored towards any particular application. the water aims to keep scale-forming calcium and
magnesium ions in solution, as the water moves through
Common treatment methods include: the pipeline. Be aware that reducing pH can corrode
• reducing water hardness metal pipework.
Sequestering agents Water conditioner
Adding sequestering agents (scale inhibitors) to water Water conditioners have been marketed in one
may inhibit the precipitation of scale. They may also form form or another for many years with a somewhat
a lining on the pipe wall to deter the deposition of scale. controversial history. They have not been
totally accepted by the scientific community
One such agent, sodium hexametaphosphate, is
mainly because the results cannot, or have not,
marketed under the trade name of ‘calgon’.
been quantified.
Pipeline operation At this stage, no recommendation can be given as to the
suitability of such devices for water treatment. If
Constrictions in the pipeline can accelerate precipitation considering their use, seek a guarantee from the supplier
of scale-forming compounds. A change in the flow that it will do the job. A water analysis should be made
pattern can result in a change in pressure or velocity that available to the supplier.
triggers precipitation in susceptible waters. You should
ensure that unnecessary bends, or constrictions such as
Further information
a change in pipe diameter, are eliminated.
For more information contact a local groundwater
If flow velocities are high, consider changing to a larger
consultant. You will find their contact details in the yellow
diameter pipe.
pages under ‘Natural Resources Consultants’ or ‘Boring
Calcium carbonate may also precipitate out if there is a and Drilling Contractors.’
change in water temperature. When near to or at ground
More information on groundwater or other natural
surface, pipelines can absorb sufficient heat to cause
resource management topics is available on the
deposition. This is particularly so where pipes that have
Department of Environment and Resource
intermittent flow or periods of low flow are in hot sunlight.
Management's website at <[Link]>.
Treat pipelines
If encrustations in pipelines occur over a long time September 2011
period, or the blockage is not major, it could be W50
worthwhile just cleaning the pipeline periodically.
Complete blockages can be treated with acid.
Hydrochloric acid will dissolve carbonate scale. If metal
pipework is involved, ‘inhibited’ hydrochloric acid must be
used to minimise corrosion or attack the metal surface.
Once you have determined the frequency with which
scaling becomes a problem, you know when treatment
should occur. In a long pipeline, isolate or break the line
near the blockage and empty it of water. Introduce acid at
the upstream end, and allow sufficient time for this to
work. Thoroughly wash the line with clean water when
finished. If practical, recirculating the acid is the most
effective way to remove scale.
Flushing with an acid solution before the problem
becomes too great should be considered.
Replace pipeline
The cost of treating the water supply or cleaning out the
pipeline must be weighed up against replacing the line.
For example, if the encrustation takes a long time to
develop and the pipeline is short in length, it may be
more cost effective to simply replace the blocked line.
Replacing the pipeline with a larger diameter pipe may
extend its life before further blockages occur.