Calcium is good for the bones and teeth – but not for the home’s water heater. If left unchecked, calcium can build up inside the tank of the water heater, which can increase the monthly energy bills and cause the unit to break down earlier than expected. The good news is simple maintenance tasks can prevent calcium deposits from harming the water heater.
Whether users are on a municipal water supply or have a well, the water coming into the home includes common minerals that are generally not harmful to the health. However, if users have a high level of calcium or magnesium, they have what is considered ‘hard water.’
Inside the tank water heater, the hard minerals can build up and form deposits that can disrupt the heat transfer process and make the unit work harder than it should to heat and distribute water throughout the home.
A few signs that users may have calcium build-up in their water heater include:
- Loud banging noises coming from the tank
- Hot water from a faucet is rust-colored or has a strange odor
- The unit stops working or producing hot water
Preventing calcium deposits
How to handle and prevent calcium deposits:
- It’s fairly quick and easy to check to see if they have calcium deposits floating inside the tank.
- Turn off the power to the water heater and shut off the cold water supply to the unit.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve that should be on the side of the tank close to the floor – the hose will twist on just like the outdoor spigot.
- Open the drain valve, which will release water through the house – it’s a good idea to have a bucket handy or drain nearby.
- Inspect the water for white particles, which are likely calcium deposits.
Preventing calcium deposits
To remove calcium deposits, it’s a good idea to empty and flush the water heater every 6-12 months
To remove calcium deposits, it’s a good idea to empty and flush the water heater every 6-12 months. If users have hard water, they’ll want to do it even more frequently to prevent calcium from building up inside the tank. Users can perform this maintenance task themselves or bring in a professional plumber, who can also identify signs of a failing water heater.
Other methods for protecting the water heater from calcium include descaling the tank with vinegar or lime cleaner while flushing out the tank. They can also have a water softener system installed to remove hard minerals from the water before it enters the water heater tank.
If users are unsure or uncomfortable draining the water heater, they can bring in the local experts at Pratt Plumbing. Their maintenance programs prolong the life of the tank water heater and ensure comfort in the home.
