Calcium build-up in pipes

[melypr1985]

So, I have what appears to be a build-up of calcium in my return hose. Its white filmy stuff that has started tearing apart and shooting into the display. Its very thin and breaks apart easily, no smell, kinda gritty and slimy at the same time when felt out of the water. Now for my question.... is this bad? Normal? Preventable? Do I need to take immediate action to disassemble the return and clean it? Thanks for the help!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is only bad if it gets to the point where it begins to clog the pipe.
It can be hard to remove without circulating vinegar or some other acid through the pipes.

You can confirm it is calcium carbonate rather than bacteria by putting some in acid and seeing if it bubbles. Gritty is likely CaCO3 but slimy is bacteria. It may be CaCO3 with bacteria on top.

 

[melypr1985]

Is there a household item that would work to test it? Im not sure I have acid laying around, but I would love to test this and see! The guys in my club are curious about it too.

 

[Chameleon]

vinegar and lemon juice are some good household acids

 

[melypr1985]

How silly of me to not realize that! Looks like I'm going to do some science in my kitchen today! Thanks guys.