Pipe scale is mineral deposits — primarily calcium and magnesium carbonate — that build up on pipe walls.
As water flows through pipes, dissolved minerals in the water can precipitate out and deposit on the pipe interior. Hard water (water with high mineral content) accelerates this. Over time, scale can significantly reduce the interior diameter of a pipe and restrict flow.
Scale looks white or grey on camera, often with a rough, chalky texture. It feels hard to the touch (unlike grease, which is soft) and requires mechanical or high-pressure removal.
In the Metro Atlanta area, water hardness varies by municipality. Some areas have harder water than others. If scale is a known issue in your water supply, periodic maintenance — either jetting or descaling — helps maintain flow capacity before scale causes a significant restriction.
Questions about your pipes? Call Sunburst Environmental at 678-799-4389 — same-day response across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Or request a free estimate online.