If you have ever seen crusty spots on and around your faucets or white spots on your dishes after you wash them, you likely have hard water. Hard water has a high mineral content, as it contains significant amounts of calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not bad for your health; however, they can do a number on your water-dependent appliances, such as your water heater. In time, this damage accumulates in ways that you do not realize.
The Inside of Your Water Heater Is Not Safe
Your water heater constantly works to provide you with the hot water you need for bathing, cleaning, and cooking. Cold water enters the tank to be stored and heated until you need it. Once you use all the hot water, this process repeats. When the minerals enter the tank with the water, they settle at the bottom, and a thick layer of sediment can develop over time.
The thicker the sediment layer becomes, the harder your water heater must work to provide you with hot water. This wears down its internal components and wastes energy. If you hear popping or banging sounds while your water heater operates, the sediment layer is trapping heat and may cause bubbling inside the tank.
Shorter Lifespan, Higher Bills
Your typical tank water heater can last eight to 12 years. But when it has a considerable amount of mineral buildup, this shortens its lifespan. Homeowners have no idea there is a problem until they have no hot water, or utility bills rise sharply while usage remains the same.
What You Can Do About It
The good news is that you are not powerless. There are measures you can take to help your water heater last.
For starters, you need to schedule an annual service call. During your appointment, a plumber will flush out your water heater to remove all the sediment. They will also inspect all components thoroughly to make sure they are functioning properly.
You can even install a whole-house water softener. This system will treat your water so that high amounts of minerals do not enter your water heater tank. While this is a significant investment up front, it will protect your water heater as well as your other water-dependent appliances and plumbing fixtures.
Being proactive can save you significant stress and money, before bigger issues occur. For help with professional water heater maintenance in Caldwell, NJ, reach out to our team at Lesco Plumbing, Heating & Cooling right away.