If your hot water heater is not operating as efficiently as you would like, you probably want to know what the issue is. There are actually lots of potential problems, in fact. Your hot water heater might need to be replaced.

You might have to get it fixed. Or it could be as straightforward as hard water accumulation in your hot water heater. Contact Econo West to deal with an expert water heater business and be certain. You can read on to find out more about how hot water might be the problem in the interim.

What causes hard water, and what can I do to prevent it?

The first thing you should know about hard water is how it can impact a water heater. Your pipes are filled with the same water that is used for drinking, washing, and bathing. The distinction is that hard water contains minerals while non-hard water has far less of them.

If you have hard water, your water has higher than typical concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Drinking this water usually has no negative effects on your health; in fact, with the correct dosage, it may even be beneficial; the problem is that hard water can damage your plumbing and appliances because the excess minerals can linger and form a filmy accumulation inside your hot water heater.

How does hard water impact my water heater’s efficiency?

If your hot water heater is using hard water, the minerals may accumulate on the sides and finally sink to the bottom of the tank. This buildup, known as limescale, forces the hot water heater to work harder to heat the water. The buildup makes it more difficult for the heating element to efficiently transfer heat to the water in the tank.

The more effort you put into the water, the more energy it will need. This may cause your electric expenses to be significantly higher than they would be if you did not have hard water. Additionally, it can prevent your appliance from lasting as long as it should.

What can I do if my water is hard?

There are two major solutions if limescale is an issue. You can first purify the water. Your hard water issue can be resolved and kept from damaging your hot water heater in the future with a whole-home water softener.

Having said that, if you have had hard water for a long time, you should still get your tank’s limescale cleaned off or have the tank removed. You want to get a technician to come out, drain your tank, and evaluate the harm. When you call Econo West at (661) 269-0308, you can rely on our straightforward recommendations for the best course of action.