Hard water is described as water with at least 60 milligrams of minerals per liter of water. Along with calcium and magnesium, minerals include iron, zinc, and sodium. But it’s magnesium and calcium that are the most responsible for laying down limescale, a crust that builds up inside water pipes and the inner components of your water heater. Indeed, limescale is even more likely to build up on hot water fixtures. This causes all types of problems with your water heater. Here are some of them.
You Won’t Get Enough Hot Water
Limescale can build up so much inside a traditional water heater that it can stop the heating element from heating your water. Since a tankless heater works differently and actually doesn’t store water, limescale can throttle the amount of water that’s coming into your house. This also results in less hot water and frustratingly low water pressure.
The Water Heater May Be Noisy
Cracks, pops, squeals, and whines from your water heater are signs that its pipes are clogged with limescale. Fixing this is a job for a skilled plumber.
It Will Take a Long Time for the Tank to Drain
You’re supposed to drain your hot water tank at least once a year, but you may find that it takes a surprisingly long time to drain. You or your plumber may need to drain your water heater frequently to get it to operate as efficiently as it should.
Your Water Heater’s Lifespan Will Be Shortened
A water heater is supposed to last about 15 years, but a heater that’s full of limescale will have its lifespan shortened. This is because minerals clogging its components make the water heater work harder than it should. Eventually, it breaks down and you’ll have to get a new hot water heater installed.
Energy Bills Will Go Up
Because limescale affects the water heater’s heating element, it may take longer for your water to get as hot as you’d like it. This means the shock of unexpected cold showers followed by a wait for the water to heat up. This cumulates in higher energy bills.
Contact Our Professionals to Check Your Hot Water Heater
A build-up of limescale can damage your water heater to the point where it stops delivering hot water or stops working altogether. In severe cases, your water heater can become so damaged that it can rupture or even explode. A water softener can go a long way in preventing hard water damage to your water heater, so don’t forget to ask about installing one. If you feel your water heater is being affected by limescale and you’re thinking about getting a water softener, don’t hesitate to call our experienced plumbers at G. I. Plumbing in Bethel Park, PA.
