What Can Hard Water Do To Your Hot Water Tank?

Having hard water in your home has several disadvantages. Any plumbing surface or appliances that come in contact with hard water is at the risk of damages. One such appliance that experiences major damages due to hard water is the hot water tank. Take a look at various effects of hard water on hot water tanks.

Scale Build-Ups
Hard water in your home can lead to scale build-ups at the bottom of your hot water tank and even on the components of the hot water tank such as the heating element. The scale is a buildup of minerals, mostly magnesium and calcium. These build-ups lead to several other hot water tank problems. 

Hot Water Tank Corrosion
The hotter the water in your tank is, the more the rate of scale build-ups. This because many chemical reactions take place with the help of heat. Hence, magnesium and magnesium in the scale reacts with the tank which is typically made of iron or steel and results in corrosion of the tank. A severely corroded tank also leads to leaks.

Constantly Clogged Pipes
The minerals can deposit on the inner surfaces of the pipes connected to the hot water tank. Eventually, the amount of this scale build-up increases and several layers are formed. The scale build-ups obstruct the flow of water from pipes and also result in clogs. This is one of the major reasons why you may obtain less water from hot water faucets.

Not Enough Hot Water
Scale build-ups on the heating element and tank can affect the heat transferring efficiency of the tank to water. Scales can keep the heat from getting to the water in your tank. This is one reason you don’t obtain enough hot water in your appliances and faucets. In order to obtain enough hot water, you will have to use the hot water tank for a longer period. This also increases the energy bills.

Foul Smelling Water
If you notice that water from your hot water tank smells foul or like rotten eggs, it is due to hard water supply. The minerals in the scale, mostly magnesium and calcium produce the foul smell that mixes with water inside the tank.

Strange Sounds From The Tank
You may hear strange rumbling or knocking sounds from the hot water tank while it is in use. This is generally because of scale build-ups inside the tank. When water flows through the tank, it experiences friction with the scale and produces these loud sounds.

Shorter Lifespan
The sacrificial anode rod depletes at a faster pace as a lot of oxidization occurs inside the tank. Also, you have to flush your hot water tank too often in order to maintain it. But eventually, replacing the anode rod and flushing the tank becomes less effective and you need repeated repairs. This way the life expectancy of the tank is reduced.

If you are facing any of these issues, you must call our Edmonton hot water tank installers immediately to avoid catastrophic situations.