Hard Water Impact: How Much Can It Ruin Your Water Heater?

Hard water is an issue that is rarely talked about despite it being a common problem in Durham households. As a substance that contains high traces of calcium and magnesium, these minerals build up over time in your home’s pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Your water heater is no exception to this.

As the go-to team for water heater repair in Durham, NC, Optimal Plumbing Solutions has seen first-hand how hard water can lead to various problems in your water heater unit. Below are some of them:

Reduced Efficiency

Hard water is full of calcium and magnesium. Once heated, these turn into sediment that settles inside your tank, acting as a layer between the heating element and your water.

So, your system has to work twice as hard just to get lukewarm. That means longer waits for hot water and a slow, steady climb in your utility bill.

Corrosion

Calcium and magnesium thin out metal parts of your water heater whenever they react with the metal parts of the system. This can lead to leaks or the breakdown of pipes and other components, causing the need for frequent repairs or a complete water heater replacement.

Clogging

Hard water can also clog pipes and reduce flow—especially impactful to a tankless water heater unit’s flow rate, making it more difficult to get hot water. This can be a major inconvenience, especially during peak times of use.

Homeowners have the power to stop hard water from taking over by having a professional technician install a water softener or reverse osmosis filter. This, in a way, is an effective form of water heater maintenance that will help improve your unit’s efficiency and service life.

If you think that hard water is causing problems with your water heater, reach out to Optimal Plumbing Solutions. Aside from providing reliable water heater installation, we can also help keep your unit in tip-top condition. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.