How Hard Water Affects Your Water Heater

07/05/2016

You’ll often hear hard water discussed with regard to your plumbing pipes, but that’s not the only area it can affect. Hard water is also a major threat to your water heater if it goes untreated for long enough. It can make your system less efficient and provoke more repair needs, which is why you should take steps to treat it before it gets that far. Let’s take a look at how hard water can hinder your water heater’s operation.

Sediment Buildup

Hard water is water with a higher than normal magnesium and calcium content. As it flows over a surface, small amounts of those minerals are deposited on it. These mineral deposits eventually build up into lime scale, which is especially problematic for the water heater. Most lime scale tends to build up on the bottom of the storage tank, in water heaters that use storage tanks at all. Over time, the buildup can become so extensive that it actually acts as insulation. The water in the tank is shielded from the heat given off by the burner assembly. This causes the output of the water heater to drop significantly.

Treating Sediment Buildup

If your water heater already has sediment buildup in it, the easiest way to treat it is to have a professional flush the tank. If the lime scale is really stuck on the bottom of the tank, it can be scrubbed out manually. This is only a temporary solution, though. Unless you take more extensive steps, the lime scale will just reform and you’ll have the same problem. The best way to protect against this issue is to install a water treatment system in your home.

Rooter Man offers a full range of water treatment installation services throughout Clifton Park, NY. Call today to schedule an appointment.