If you live in Lake Elsinore, you have probably noticed white, chalky buildup on your faucets and showerheads. This is due to the incredibly high mineral content—commonly known as hard water—found in our local water supply. While it is a minor annoyance when cleaning your bathroom, it is a silent killer for your home's plumbing appliances, especially your water heater.
The Problem With Hard Water and Heat
When hard water is heated, the dissolved minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium) precipitate out of the water and fall to the bottom of the tank. Over time, this creates a thick, solid layer of sediment. Because the heating element (in an electric heater) or the burner (in a gas heater) is located at the bottom of the tank, it now has to heat through this thick layer of rock before it can heat your water.
This causes your water heater to work much harder, driving up your energy bills and severely overheating the bottom of the tank, which eventually leads to stress fractures and catastrophic leaks.
Warning Signs Your Water Heater is Struggling
- Popping or rumbling noises: This is the sound of water boiling underneath the sediment layer.
- Lukewarm water: As sediment takes up space, your tank holds less water, meaning you run out of hot water faster.
- Rusty water: If the sediment corrodes the sacrificial anode rod, the tank itself will begin to rust.
How to Protect Your Tank
The best defense against Lake Elsinore's hard water is an annual tank flush. By draining the tank and flushing out the loose sediment before it hardens, you can extend the life of your unit by years. Additionally, considering a whole-home water softener can eliminate the problem at the source.
If your water heater is already making loud noises or failing to produce enough hot water, it might be time for a professional assessment. Visit our Water Heater Repair and Installation page to learn how we can restore your hot water today, or head to our Home Page to see all the services we offer in the Lake Elsinore area.