Why Tankless Water Heaters Are Still Prone to Hard Water Mineral Buildup And Sediment Accumulation

tankless water heater with deposits from hard water

Tankless water heaters are efficient and provide on-demand hot water., but they are not immune to issues caused by hard water. Despite their modern design, tankless water heaters can still suffer from mineral buildup and sediment accumulation. This can affect their performance and lifespan.

Understanding Hard Water and Its Effects

Hard water contains high levels of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. When heating hard water in a tankless water heater, these minerals precipitate out of the water and form scale on the heating elements and internal components. Over time, this buildup can restrict water flow, reduce heating efficiency, and increase the energy required to heat water, leading to higher utility bills. They can also corrode these parts and lead to major damage.

Impact on Tankless Water Heaters

Mineral buildup on the heating elements can act as an insulating layer, preventing efficient heat transfer. This means the water heater has to work harder to heat the water, reducing its overall efficiency.

Continuous exposure to hard water can lead to premature wear and tear on the internal components of a tankless water heater. This shortens the lifespan of your heater. The buildup causes components to overheat and fail. They lead to frequent repairs or even early replacement of the unit.

Sediment accumulation can clog the narrow pathways within the tankless water heater. It restricts water flow and reduces the system's ability to deliver hot water on demand. This results in inconsistent water temperatures and reduced water pressure.

Effective Solutions And Preventive Measures

Regular descaling and maintenance are crucial to keeping a tankless water heater in optimal condition. Manufacturers often recommend descaling at least once a year or more. Adding a pre-filter can also help remove larger sediment particles before they enter the tankless water heater.

Installing a water softener significantly reduces mineral content before it reaches the tankless water heater. Water softeners exchange calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, reducing the hardness of the water.

Call E.R. Services today for professional tankless water heater services since 1997. We also offer water filter systems for long-term hard water solutions.

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