How to Prevent Scale Buildup in Your Water Heater?

If you hear some unusual rumbling noise while using your water heater, this may be due to the scale buildup inside the water heater tank or on its elements. The scale buildups are generally the deposits of calcium or magnesium. This buildup looks like white particles or like paper pieces. These deposits can harm the efficiency of your water heater. These scale deposits can be removed easily. Find out how you can prevent the scale buildup in future and remove the deposits that are already present. 

Drain and Flush the Water Heater Tank
Flushing the water heater tanks help in removing the floating mineral particles and debris. Draining and flushing the tank is extremely easy and should be done twice a year. Shut off the cold water supply to the tank and turn off the electric supply or gas supply to the water heater. Now, connect a garden hose to the drain valve and drain the entire tank. Turn on the cold water supply and flush the tank for several minutes. Continue doing this till you obtain clear water from the tank. Disconnect the hose from the drain valve and turn on the gas or electric supply.

Maintain Correct Temperature
Heat is one of the main reasons of scale buildup. The hotter the water is, the more calcium, magnesium, and other minerals come out of the hard water and form sediment deposits in your hot water heater. So, if your thermostat is set at a higher value, it will worsen the issue. Hence, turn off the electric or gas supply, set the temperature dial, and maintain the temperature at 120°F to reduce the chances of scale buildup inside the tank. 

Use Vinegar
Vinegar is a weak acid and is known as an easy cleaning chemical for the kitchen. Just like clearing kitchen stains, vinegar breaks the scale buildup in your water heater tank. All you have to do is drain the heater tank, close the drain valve, and pour gallons of cider vinegar. Let it sit inside the tank for at least 6 hours and then drain it from the drain valve. Now, flush the tank with cold water till clear water comes out. Once you are done, close the valve and restart the gas or electricity supply.

Install Water Softener
A water softener system removes the ions of minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water. Installing this system will prevent scale buildup not only in the hot water tank but also in other appliances and plumbing system. This way you can expect clear pipes, faucets, appliances, and water heater.

Get in touch with Hot Water Tanks Edmonton to get more information about scale buildup and get professional assistance to prevent it in the future. Our professional water heater installers can help you with all your water heater and plumbing issues.