How Hard Water Can Affect Your Water Heater And What To Do About It

If your home has hard water, you've probably noticed scale buildup around your faucets and on the shower tile. This buildup also happens inside your water heater and can cause it to malfunction. Here's a look at the signs of scale buildup in your water heater and how a plumber can fix the problem and keep it from happening again.

Signs Of Hard Water Scale In Your Water Heater

Scale in a hot water tank can make a lot of odd noises. Unusual sounds may be the first indication of a problem with your water heater. The scale might make rumbling noises as it is pushed around the inside of the tank. Scale can also make popping noises when it settles on the bottom of the tank where the heating element is located.

You might also notice a problem with the pressure of water in your shower when the water heater is clogged with scale. Since odd noises and reduced pressure in a water heater are caused by different things, call a plumber to diagnose the problem. Even if the problem is scale buildup, you want to have repairs done so the water heater isn't damaged to the point it needs repairs or a replacement.

Methods For Clearing Scale From The Water Heater

Your plumber may recommend flushing out the water heater. This is done by attaching a hose to the valve at the bottom of the heater and letting water and scale flush out of the tank. The plumber may also add a cleaning product that dissolves scale left behind. Even something as simple as vinegar can work on hard water scale.

If you have hard water, you may need to flush out the water heater once or twice each year. You can do the job yourself or you can call a plumbing contractor for help. If you flush the heater as a preventative measure, you may not run into problems with scale blocking the valve like you might if the buildup has already started.

Prevention Of Buildup In A Water Heater

If you'd like a permanent solution for hard water scale so you don't have to worry about flushing the water heater so often, talk to your plumber about having a water softener installed. A residential plumbing contractor might also provide water softeners, or they might refer you to a company that does. By softening the water, there will be fewer hard minerals to leave scale behind and your problems with odd noises and low shower pressure due to mineral deposits could be solved for good.

 

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