How Hard Water Affects Your Water Heater (And What to Do About It)

If you live in Central Ohio, chances are you’ve got hard water flowing through your home’s plumbing

system. Hard water is high in dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which, while safe to drink and use, can gradually wear down your plumbing infrastructure and household appliances. Over time, these minerals leave behind scale and buildup that can clog fixtures, reduce water pressure, and severely impact the performance of your water heater.

Your water heater is constantly battling mineral deposits as it heats the water supply, making it one of the first appliances to suffer the damaging effects of buildup. You might not notice it right away, but the damage accumulates silently until performance drops or components begin to fail.

At Parson Plumbing and Drains, we encounter this issue regularly and understand just how crucial it is to catch and manage hard water problems early. Preventive care can significantly extend the lifespan of your system, improve energy efficiency, and spare you from costly emergency repairs down the road. Here are our tips for battling the effects of hard water in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio to keep your water heater running smoothly.

The Impact of Hard Water on Your Water Heater

When hard water is heated, the minerals begin to separate and settle at the bottom of your water heater tank. Over time, this sediment builds up into a thick layer that reduces the efficiency of your unit. This buildup can insulate the heating element, forcing your water heater to work harder and use more energy to do its job.

As sediment accumulates, you might notice symptoms like inconsistent water temperature, rumbling or popping sounds from the tank, or even a longer wait for hot water. In gas water heaters, sediment buildup can cause overheating and damage the tank lining. In electric units, it can burn out the lower heating element. Left unchecked, the stress from this buildup can lead to premature failure, costly repairs, or a complete replacement of the unit.

What You Can Do to Prevent Damage

The best way to protect your water heater from hard water damage is through regular maintenance and long-term treatment solutions. Flushing your water heater annually can remove mineral deposits and restore efficiency. This involves draining the tank completely and flushing it with clean water—a task that Parson Plumbing and Drains can handle safely and effectively.

For a more permanent solution, consider installing a whole-home water softener. Water softeners work by removing calcium and magnesium from the water supply before it reaches your appliances. This not only protects your water heater but also extends the life of your faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, and plumbing pipes.

Water softeners also come with added benefits: softer skin, cleaner dishes, longer-lasting clothing, and fewer issues with soap scum and scale buildup around your fixtures. It’s a smart investment for any homeowner dealing with the challenges of hard water.

Call in the Experts

If you suspect hard water is taking a toll on your water heater, don’t wait until it fails. At Parson Plumbing and Drains, we offer professional water heater maintenance, system flushes, and water softener installations to keep your home running smoothly. We’ll help you assess your water quality and recommend the best course of action based on your household’s needs and budget.

Don’t let hard water drain your wallet. Contact Parson Plumbing and Drains today to schedule a water heater check-up or learn more about our water treatment solutions.