When chemically cleaning a water system with scale, which chemical is recommended?

When chemically cleaning a water system that has developed scale, an inhibited acid is the recommended choice. Inhibited acids contain additives that help to protect the metal surfaces of the system while effectively removing scale and other deposits. The inhibition serves to reduce the likelihood of corrosion that can occur during the cleaning process, ensuring that the system remains intact and functional.

In contrast, bleach is primarily used as a disinfectant and is not suitable for scale removal. Hydrochloric acid, while effective at dissolving minerals and scale, lacks the protective additives found in inhibited acids, leading to a higher risk of damaging the components of the water system. Sodium hydroxide is a caustic chemical that can be used for other types of cleaning but is not effective for removing scale in the same way that inhibited acids are. Thus, inhibited acid stands out as the most appropriate choice when addressing scale in water systems, balancing effective cleaning with metal protection.