Understanding the Damaging Effects of Scale Buildup on Water Heaters

You probably know what “hard water” means. It might sound weird that it is not all that bad for you to consume. After all, hard water is just regular water with an excess of calcium and magnesium content. However, we cannot guarantee the same for your plumbing. Scaling is a layered deposit left from hard water. While it can affect other parts of your plumbing, you can easily clean them using some vinegar and a faucet. However, it is not the same with water heaters. Scaling is hugely damaging to your water heaters. If you are keen to know about the harmful effects of scale buildup, then give this article a read.

How Deposits Form

You must have noticed thin, flaky yellow, green, or white buildup around the drain, handle, or faucet. This is caused by scaling – the remnants of hard water, which causes the buildup of those visible layers. The magnesium and calcium stick to the metal surface, and it takes quite an effort to drain them away. Unlike water, they are challenging to get rid of. So, that is how these minerals get lodged into your water heater as well as the bottom end of your water heater tank.

Damage Caused by Scaling

The scaling can damage your water heater in many ways. First of all, the mineral deposit keeps adding one layer on top of another. Eventually, the layer becomes so thick that it obstructs the passage of water through the pipe.

The damage to heater tanks is of more significant concern. The mineral prevents proper heating of water in the tank. The tank also becomes less efficient at maintaining the pressure levels inside the tank. Worst of all, the minerals form small chunks at the bottom of the tank and rattle against the tank, which causes them to rust through the layer.

How to Identify Scaling

The rattling sound inside the tank would indicate the most obvious sign of scaling; this will produce a knocking or a popping sound — the bubbles formed by steam try and escape through the deposited layer at the end of the tank.

You might also notice a change in the temperature of the water. Additionally, if your heater is tankless, the deposit of scales might make it even more difficult for the water to gain heat by coating the heat exchanger.

Possible Solutions You Can Adopt

You can opt for a few combinations of options. A whole-house water filter might be an excellent solution to consider. Alternatively, you can also use a whole-house water conditioner for more efficient elimination of ions, which will essentially trade hard water magnesium and calcium ions for salt.

Depending on the seriousness of the hard water problem at your house, you can have a professional plumber. They may flush out the ions that cause damage to the tank by fine-tuning and inspecting it.

Lastly, choosing the right kind of commercial heater which will functionally prevent the formation of scaling deposits is the best way to make sure you don’t face these problems again. Water Heating Direct provides the best commercial heaters available in the market. With the cutting-edge technology of AquaPLEX, you will never have to worry about fixing a commercial water heater ever again.