Key Takeaways:
- Spring and summer are the perfect times to perform maintenance on your water heater, as demand for hot water typically decreases.
- Descaling is a necessary process that helps remove built-up mineral deposits from the interior of your hot water system.
- Descaling a water heater includes shutting off the power/gas supply, releasing pressure, draining the tank with a garden hose or faucets, preparing a descaling solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and flushing out after 8 hours.
- Benefits of descaling include improved flow rate, reduced energy loss due to insulation issues, increased efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs over time.
- Other tips for maintaining a healthy hot water system include regularly inspecting the pressure relief valve, checking for leaks in connections/valves/tank itself, flushing out yearly with a garden hose connected near the base & cleaning around the heater at least once per year.
Spring has arrived, and it’s time to say goodbye to the chilly mornings and hello to warmer days! As the weather heats up, ensuring your water heater is in top working order is essential.
Spring and summer are the perfect times to perform maintenance on your water heater because it is during these seasons when the demand for hot water typically decreases. With less demand, scheduling maintenance and repairs without disrupting your daily routine are easier.
Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will discuss descaling and maintenance of your water heater. From troubleshooting common problems to tips on keeping your water heater running like new, we’ve got all the information you need to ensure you never have to endure a cold shower again. So, as you’re enjoying the warmer weather, let us guide you in keeping your water heater in tip-top shape.
Descaling: An Overview
What is Hater Hardness and Scale Build-up?
Before discussing descaling, it’s essential to understand the concept of water hardness and scale buildup. Water hardness refers to the level of calcium and magnesium in your water. When water has a calcium and magnesium concentration of 180 mg per Liter, it’s called hard water. Excessive concentration then leads to scale buildup inside your pipes and water heater, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage.
What is Descaling?
Descaling is a process that helps remove built-up mineral deposits from the interior of your hot water system. Without regular descaling, these minerals will accumulate over time, leading to a decrease in efficiency and a buildup of heating elements, thermostats, and other internal components.
Why is Water Heater Descaling Crucial?
Descaling shortens the time it takes for hot water to be ready, reduces energy consumption, and keeps your heater working properly for longer.
Steps For Water Heater Descaling
Wondering what you need to do to descale your water heater? Here are the necessary steps to follow to get it descaled safely:
1. Shut off the Power /Gas Supply
Depending on your water heater storage tank, shut off the power/gas supply. It will ensure there is no electrocution or burning risks when descaling.
2. Release Pressure
If you have a pressure release valve on your tank, slowly open it to release any built-up pressure and steam. Keep your face and body at arm’s length when doing this, as steam can be scalding hot. Steam has a temperature over 100 C, and direct exposure can cause first to third-degree burns.
3. Drain Water from the Tank
Using a garden hose, slowly drain the water from the tank into an outdoor drainage system. It will help you avoid flooding inside your house or garage. Or release the water through the hot water faucets.
4. Prepare Descaling Solution
Mix the descaling solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions and pour it into the tank through a funnel. Wait for at least 8 hours before flushing out the solution. Consult with a qualified technician to choose a descaling solution.
5. Flush Out Descaling Solution
Flush out the descaling solution using a garden hose connected to the drain valve of your water heater tank. It will help remove all traces of scale from inside the tank and eliminate any residual odors in your water supply caused by hard minerals.
6. Refill the Tank and Turn On the Heater
Finally, refill your tank with cold water and switch on the power supply to turn on your water heater again.
Although descaling is pretty straightforward, it is highly recommended to consult a qualified technician before proceeding with any descaling process to ensure your water heater is working at peak efficiency.
What Benefits Can Homeowners Get From Water Heater Descaling
Descaling your water heater has many advantages. People who live in areas with hard water will experience a marked improvement in the quality of their hot water supply after descaling their tank:
1. Improved Water Flow
Descaling helps to remove scale buildup, which can reduce the flow of hot water, leading to pressure issues and slow delivery times.
2. Reduces Energy Loss
Removing scale deposits from the interior walls of water heaters reduces energy loss due to insulation issues. It can lower your energy bills over time.
3. Improves Heater Efficiency
Scale buildup on heating elements leads to higher resistance when producing hot water, resulting in inefficient performance and increased costs for you. Descaling your water heater helps to reduce this resistance, allowing the hot water tank to work more efficiently and save you money in the long run.
4. Reduced Maintenance Costs
Descaling a water heater can extend its lifespan significantly, reducing maintenance costs due to regular repairs or replacements.
These are just some of the benefits of descaling your hot water tank. It’s recommended to be descaled by a professional once every year, depending on how complex the local water supply is in your area, to ensure that your hot water system is working correctly.
Other Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Consider
In addition to descaling your tank regularly, here are some other maintenance tips you can use to keep your water heater functioning at its best:
1. Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve
This necessary safety valve is designed to ensure your water heater doesn’t reach dangerously high temperatures. Inspecting and replacing your pressure relief valve every couple of years can help you avoid dangerous accidents or costly repairs.
2. Check for Leaks
Checking for possible leaks in the connections, valves, and the tank itself is a great way to prevent potential problems down the line. Leaks should be addressed immediately before they cause any more damage.
3. Flush the Tank Regularly
You should flush it out yearly with a garden hose connected to the drain pipe near its base to eliminate any sediment buildup in the tank. Doing this will keep your hot water system running smoothly for extended periods.
4. Clean Around the Heater
Dust and dirt can build up around the heater, clogging vents or gaskets necessary for proper functioning. Inspect your water heater at least once a year for any dust or debris buildup, and clean away anything that might hinder its performance.
Related: What Type Of Water Heater Is Right For You And Your Family?
Conclusion
Water heater descaling and regular maintenance are essential for ensuring your hot water system runs optimally and safely. By descaling regularly, you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs, extend the life of your heater, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy hot water system! With these easy steps, you can maintain your water heater for years.
Get Qualified Technicians for Water Heater Descaling and Maintenance inNashua, NH
Daigle Plumbing Heating & Cooling is the best choice in Nashua, NH, for water heater descaling and maintenance. Our certified technicians are highly knowledgeable, and they understand all aspects of plumbing systems. We use advanced technology to detect any problem you might have with your heater and offer comprehensive solutions for its repair or replacement. Contact us today and get a free estimate for water heater care.
