Hard water is no friend of your water-using appliances but it’s particularly rough on your water heater. Hard water is loaded with minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can fall out of solution when the water is hot, forming a scaly buildup on the heating elements.
These deposits can interfere with the heating process. If your showers aren’t as steamy as they used to be, hard water may be to blame.
How to Prevent Hard Water From Taking a Toll On Your Water Heater
Lower the temperature: The hotter the water the more easily minerals are separated from the solution. If you’ve never adjusted your water heater’s thermostat, it’s likely set to 140°. That’s typically the manufacturer’s default setting. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends adjusting the temperature to 120°. Doing this will not only slow the build-up of calcium deposits, but it will also slash your water heating costs. A water heater set at 140° wastes hundreds of dollars a year.
Drain the tank: When is the last time you flushed your water heater? Consider tackling this important chore once a year to prolong your water heater’s lifespan and help it operate more efficiently. Flushing the tank removes the sediment that accumulates on the bottom. If your water heater is making a popping or knocking sound, then this task is long overdue. What you’re hearing are bubbles breaking through the sediment layer — not good!
Install a water softener: A whole-house water softener helps remove minerals from your source water, whether that’s a well or municipal supply. The public water in our region tends to have a high amount of mineral content. Anaheim’s water, for example, has 18 grains per gallon — one liter of which is enough to meet your daily recommended calcium requirements! A combination water softener and filtration system will remove hard minerals and other contaminants including fluoride, silica, sulfates, arsenic and iron among others.
Turn to the Covina Water Repair Experts
There are few things as frustrating as a poor-performing water heater. Whether it’s caused by hard water or failing heating elements, our expert technicians at Courtesy Plumbing will diagnose and repair the issue promptly. To schedule an appointment, call (626) 774-7167.
