How to Remove Scales from a Water Heating System
The water heater in your home is continuously working. Hard water, sulfates, silicates, and similar materials, cause the deposition of lime or scale in plumbing systems. It coats the surface of the electrodes in an electric water heater or its bottom, which interferes with proper water heater operation. This reduces hot water quantity and water heater noises while increasing the operating costs and reducing the water heater's life.
The process of removing these mineral deposits is known as descaling. Descaling is essential for your water heater to avoid needing an urgent plumber visit. You'll need three basic DIY water heater descaling items: A system descaler, valves, and a descaling solution.
To remove the scale from the water heater, follow a few simple steps:
Turn Off the Valves
The very first step is to turn off the water heater's valves. It is typically placed on the inlet pipe of your water heater. The heater's valves control the water flow to and from your heater. You should locate the breaker panel and turn the valves off.
Attach the Descaling System
The next step is to disconnect the hose and tether the descaling system. It is an effective method for removing rust or odors. Remember to take into account the hot valve located on the inlet hose.
Connect the system to the valve using the hose's end
At this point, you should connect the descaler system to the valve by inserting the hose end. The difference from the previous step is that you must insert the hose end and connect it to the hot and cold water valves.
Switch on and off the hot-cold water, and the pump
Allow the water to flow and collect it in the bucket to immerse the descaler pump. Now, add some descaling liquid to the bucket. Check all the hose connections and start the secondary tap.
Turn off the gas at this point to avoid heating the water as it passes through the system. You're all set to begin descaling. Plug in the pump and turn it on. Allow it to run for approximately an hour. Switch off the water supply.
Disconnect the Hose
Turn off the outlet and inlet valves and disconnect the hoses. Reopen the valve for hot water and allow the remaining water to run out. You'll need a bucket under the water flow for indoor water heaters.
The tankless water heaters have a small screen at the bottom. Take it out and make sure it's clean. Rinse it in the remaining descaling solution and remove any remaining mineral deposits. After cleansing everything, pour fresh water through the steam generator (heat exchanger) to get rid of the descaling liquid residue in the system.
Turn on the Isolation Valve
First, reconnect the hose to the system's hot side. Turn off the isolation valve on the hot side. To pressurize the system, start the cold water. Start the port for the hot water hose before turning back on the gas.
Allow water to circulate within the system until it reaches a comfortable temperature. Unfasten your hose and turn off the valve. Replace the hot water valve cover and reconnect the isolation valve. Turn on the fuel supply for the water heater. Check that hose ports are turned off, and isolation valves are turned on.
If you are concerned about conducting this process on your own, lack the necessary tools, or have any other plumbing issues, you can contact a professional for assistance.