Few things are more infuriating than waiting what seems like ages for your heater to warm up your water, especially when you also have to endure banging sounds as the heater works. However, that will likely be your experience if you have calcium buildup in your water heater.
Calcium is great for bones and teeth but is highly damaging to water heater systems. Unfortunately, many residents of Havertown, PA, have to deal with this issue at some point.
MVP Plumbing, certified plumbers in Havertown, PA, will discuss how to remove calcium buildup in water heaters in this post.
What Is the Cause of Calcium Buildup in Water Heaters in Havertown, PA?
Calcium buildup occurs when water contains a lot of calcium. This is the case in places with lots of limestone, dolomite, and gypsum in the ground. Water flowing from aquifers encounters these calcium-containing rocks, absorbing bits of calcium as it flows over them.
By the time the water reaches your water heater, it has a significant level of calcium and other minerals. Here in Havertown, PA, we have many calcium-containing rocks beneath our soil.
Therefore, as a resident, you’ll most likely have to deal with calcium buildup in your water heater system at some point, whether you’re connected to the municipal water supply or using your own private well.
Tips for Removing Calcium Buildup in Your Water Heater
Here’s how to remove calcium buildup in water heaters:
Turn Off the Water Heater
First things first: turn off the power supply to your water heater and wait for it to calm down if you’ve just had a hot shower. Don’t just turn off the heater from the controls on its body. Turn off an electric heater from the circuit breaker and turn off the gas control valve for a gas water heater.
Turn Off the Supply
Find the heater’s cold water inlet valve and turn it off. This ensures you won’t unnecessarily waste water while clearing up the calcium buildup.
Drain the Water Heater
Connect a pipe to the drain valve underneath the water heater tank and channel it outside or into your bathroom if it’s close by. Open the drain valve and then allow the water to flow out completely. If you notice any issues during this process, it might indicate the need for professional water heater repair. Depending on the size of your tank, this process might take a while.
Add a Descaling Solution
With the tank empty, you can now add a descaling solution to remove the calcium buildup. Most people use white vinegar here, but you can also use a commercial descaler. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Whatever you decide to use, pour a few gallons through the supply valve at the top of the tank. Be sure to cover the heating element completely until it’s submerged.
Allow your descaling solution to sit for 12-18 hours to break down the calcium buildup.
Flush the Tank with Fresh Water
After you’ve waited long enough for the descaling solution to work, reconnect the hose to the drain valve and flush the tank using fresh water.
Start Using the Tank Again
Close the drain valve and turn on the cold water supply, then allow the tank to fill completely before you turn the power supply back on. If you have a gas heater, you have to relight the pilot light.
How to Prevent Calcium Buildup in a Water Heater
Now you know how to remove calcium buildup in water heaters, you’ll want to do your best to ensure the buildup never returns. There are essentially two things you can do here:
Install a Water Softener System
Water softeners help remove calcium from water through a process known as ion exchange. An efficient water softener system that is the right size for your home will prevent most of the calcium from reaching your water heater and other parts of your residential plumbing system.
Monitor the Water Temperature
If you have a habit of heating the water beyond the recommended temperature range, you’ll need to pay more attention to your thermostat. The higher the temperature, the higher the probability of calcium buildup forming in the tank. Always ensure the water temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees.
Get Custom Hot Water Heater Solutions in Havertown, PA
Do you want to learn more about how to remove calcium buildup in water heaters? Do you have other issues plaguing your water heater or are you wondering can a plumber fix a gas leak? Call the MVP Plumbing team in Havertown, PA, today at 484-904-8411 to schedule a consultation.