Your water heater plays a vital role in your home by supplying the hot water you need for daily tasks. A well maintained tank type water heater can last for many years, but the quality of your water has a major influence on its efficiency and lifespan. Understanding how water quality affects your system can help you prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your tank.
The Impact of Water Quality on Water Heaters
Hard Water
Hard water contains elevated levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals accumulate inside the tank and create scale. As scale builds up, it forms a barrier that forces the water heater to work harder to heat the same volume of water. This increases energy use and shortens the life of your water heater.
Key issues:
• Reduced efficiency
• Higher energy costs
• Increased risk of system failure
Solutions:
• Schedule regular maintenance that includes flushing the tank to remove scale
• Install a water softener to lower mineral levels in your water supply
Sediment
Sediment is made up of small particles that settle at the bottom of the water heater. These particles can come from aging pipes or natural debris in the water supply. Excess sediment reduces efficiency, raises the chance of overheating, and can eventually weaken or rupture the tank.
Key issues:
• Decreased heating efficiency
• Greater risk of overheating
• Potential damage to the tank
Solutions:
• Flush the tank on a regular schedule
• Install a sediment filter to capture particles before they enter the system
Corrosive Water
Water acidity is measured using the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidic water and a pH above 7 indicates basic water. Acidic water can corrode the metal parts inside your water heater. This corrosion may lead to leaks, damage to components, and premature system failure.
Key issues:
• Corrosion of metal parts
• Increased chance of leaks
• Shortened lifespan of the water heater
Solutions:
• Test your water regularly to monitor pH levels
• Choose water heaters that use corrosion resistant materials and protective coatings
Combat Water Quality Issues with Team Harding
Annual water heater maintenance is the most effective way to manage water quality concerns and protect your investment. Homes with hard water benefit from scheduling maintenance twice a year. Team Harding provides reliable preventative service that helps prevent emergencies, improves efficiency, and lowers your energy costs.
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
