If you’ve had a trained plumber mention “descaling” your water heater, then chances are you’re on thin ice. Scaling is a buildup of mineral deposits, and it can render your water heater inefficient, useless, or even dangerous. Routine plumbing service, such as flushing or descaling the tank, can save you from exorbitant energy bills, unnecessary repairs, and safety risks.
In this brief article brought to you by Rooter Hero, we’ll give you a quick rundown of scaling in water heaters and why it’s such a common problem in the Los Angeles area. We’ll go over its causes, risks, and solution. If you’d rather consult with a uniformed plumber, then call Rooter Hero to get in touch.
What is “scaling” on water heaters?
Here in greater LA, hardness isn’t the same everywhere. Homes fed mainly by the LA Aqueduct, which covers much of the San Fernando Valley and the Westside, tend to see moderately hard water. Homes on Metropolitan Water District’s Colorado River supply, more common across the Harbor Area, Eastern LA, and parts of the San Gabriel Valley, often deal with meaningfully harder water. That mineral load is exactly what drives the scaling we’re talking about below.
Scaling happens when minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, stick to the interior surfaces of the water heater. Over time, these mineral deposits will build up and create a layer of “scaling” that can hinder the heater’s performance. Higher temperatures accelerate the precipitation process, making scaling more pronounced in water heaters.
Scale acts as an insulating layer between the heating element and the water, forcing the heater to work harder to achieve the desired temperature. This not only increases your energy bills but also reduces the tank’s capacity to hold water. Every ounce of hot water matters when you’ve got multiple people waiting for a shower!
In rare cases, the scaling can affect the thermostat. This can cause the heating element to run continuously, leading to excessive temperatures and pressure. The combination of high pressure and weakened structural integrity can cause the tank to rupture explosively.
How does water heater “descaling” work?
As you can guess, descaling is the process of removing mineral deposits from the water heater. The goal is to restore its efficiency and functionality. Regular descaling is essential for the longevity and performance of your appliance.
Rooter Hero’s descaling solutions are minimally invasive and quick. We typically use a descaling solution to dissolve the mineral deposits. The solution is circulated through the water heater using a pump, breaking down the scale. For severe cases, mechanical methods such as scraping or using specialized tools might be necessary.
The frequency of descaling depends on the hardness of your water and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, descaling should be performed annually or biannually. In harder-water pockets of LA, like the Harbor Area or Eastern LA, we often recommend sticking to the more frequent end of that range. Rooter Hero’s comprehensive water heater maintenance service tackles the threat of scaling and ensures your water heater is working at optimal levels.
Tackling the risk of scaling at its root
Scaling is primarily due to hard water, which is a preventable issue! A water softener installation can remove the excess minerals in the water supply, thereby reducing the risk of scaling altogether. A water softener also provides you with clearer drinking water.
Because hardness varies so much by neighborhood across LA, the right softener size really depends on your specific address, not just a citywide average. Rooter Hero can test your water and recommend a system sized for where you actually live.
Additionally, remember to flush your water heater tank once every year or six months. For comprehensive water heater maintenance, you can leave the work to Rooter Hero. We offer upfront pricing and long-lasting results.
Water heater scaling FAQs for the LA area
Is Los Angeles tap water hard?
How often should I flush my water heater if I live in a harder-water part of LA?
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Need emergency water heater repair? Call Rooter Hero
If you understand the value of hot water, then you know water heater repair CAN NOT wait! Homeowners and businesses across the greater Los Angeles area who need urgent assistance can call Rooter Hero at (424) 396-2740 to speak with a live representative today.
