Hard water is destroying your water heater – shortening it’s life by an average of 2 years!

How San Antonio Hard Water Will Destroy Your Water Heater

Deep In the heart of Texas, San Antonio homeowners face a particularly challenging issue: hard water. With San Antonio hard water is considered VERY HARD with most recent water testing showing San Antonio Texas tap water at 357 mg/L or 21 gpg. While the consequences of hard water are noticeable through the filmy residue on dishes and reduced soap lathering, its silent but destructive effects on water heaters are alarming.

How Hard Water Impacts Your Hot Water Heater

The process starts with the basic principle of evaporation. As water heats up in your water heater, the molecules move rapidly, transforming into gas. This gas eventually escapes out of the water heater. However, the minerals present in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, don’t evaporate. Instead, they remain, accumulating over time within the water heater.

This ever-growing mineral buildup doesn’t merely sit idle. It actively hampers the water heater’s functionality. For instance, sediment buildup can affect the temperature sensor, making it misread the actual water temperature. This malfunction could lead the water heater to dangerously overheat the water.

Moreover, essential components like heating elements can deteriorate due to these mineral deposits, leading to expensive replacements. Many homeowners also report unsettling popping noises coming from their water heaters—a direct consequence of sediment build-up. Over time, this buildup undergoes repeated heating and cooling, leading to weak spots in the tank, which, in turn, become susceptible to leaks.

Water Quality and Plumbing Concerns

Apart from damaging the water heater, hard water affects the quality of the water you consume. While hard water itself isn’t toxic, the taste difference between hard and soft water is discernible, with many households preferring the latter. Furthermore, there is a prevalent misconception: people often confuse hard water minerals with harmful elements like rust or lead. While hard water isn’t typically a health concern, the corrosion process within a deteriorating water heater might introduce harmful elements such as cadmium and lead. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of these metals can cause severe health issues, including heavy metal poisoning.

Another hidden consequence of hard water is its adverse effect on plumbing. Over time, these minerals accumulate in the pipes, leading to blockages. This not only hampers water flow to various household fixtures but can also escalate into significant plumbing issues, necessitating extensive drain cleaning.

Protect Your Home

Don’t wait for these issues to escalate. If you’re facing problems with your water heater or are looking to shield your home from the detriments of hard water, consider seeking professional assistance. Air & Plumbing Today offers free estimates on replacing water heaters. Moreover, they provide exceptionally priced water softeners, a valuable investment to prolong the life of your appliances and improve water quality.

For a free estimate or to learn more about how to tackle hard water challenges, reach out to Air & Plumbing Today at 210-519-5959.