How to Prevent Scale Buildup in Your Water Heater

• Soften Your Water with a Reliable System

The main culprit behind scale buildup in water heaters is hard water. When this water is heated inside the water heater, these minerals lose their solubility and come out of suspension, clinging to the interior surfaces of the tank as scale. The scale buildup can reduce the heater’s efficiency, decrease hot water availability, and shorten its lifespan.

A reliable water softener serves as your first line of defense against scale buildup in a water heater. This system removes hardness-causing minerals from your water supply. Call a trusted plumbing service for water softener installation if you have hard water in your home.

• Flush Your Water Heater

Regularly flushing your water heater at least once a year is essential for keeping the system healthy. This process is all about draining the tank and removing any sediment or mineral buildup that has accumulated at the bottom. Flushing your water heater is a fairly simple process that won’t take much time or effort. Here are the steps to follow to flush your water heater:

1. Turn off the power before getting started for safety purposes.
2. Open a hot water tap—this is necessary to create an air gap to help drain the tank.
3. Connect a garden hose to the valve near the bottom of the tank and route it to a safe drain location.
4. Open the drain valve to empty the tank.
5. Once clear, shut off the drain valve and cold water supply.

If you need help with flushing your water heater, call an experienced plumber who specializes in water heater maintenance.

• Adjust Your Water Heater’s Temperature

There are several reasons why the recommended temperature setting for a water heater is between 120 and 140°F. One of them is to prevent scale buildup in the system. A higher temperature can accelerate scale buildup in your water heater. Keeping your water heater’s temperature within the recommended range not only prevents scale buildup, but it also reduces the risk of scalding. If you need help adjusting your water heater’s temperature, reach out to a professional plumbing repair service.

• How To Adjust Your Water Heater’s Temperature

1. Turn off the power to your water heater at the circuit breaker box.
2. Locate the thermostat near the bottom of the tank.
3. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully turn the dial.
4. Turn the water heater back on.

Consult your water heater's manual for specific instructions if you're unsure about any steps, or call a nearby plumbing repair service for help.

• Inspect The Sacrificial Anode Rod Annually

The anode rod protects a water heater tank from corrosion. It attracts minerals and corrosive elements present in the water. The sacrificial anode rod typically lasts around three years, depending on water quality.

If you're experiencing problems like rusty water or leaks from your water heater tank, it could be a sign that the anode rod is no longer functioning effectively and needs replacement. Get in touch with a professional plumbing service for anode rod replacement.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Water Heater Maintenance

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the name you can trust for all of your water heater needs. Perhaps you’re in need of water heater repair to restore your system to good working condition, or it’s time to install a new water heater. We’ve established ourselves as the go-to plumbing company for reliable and affordable water heater services.