If you are from Guelph, then you know about the problem of “hard water.” This manifests itself in the form of a white build-up on your shower heads, spots on your washed glasses, and even a ring around the bath. The problem with hard water isn’t visible, though; it happens within your water heater.
The city of Guelph has one of the hardest waters in all of Canada. It comes mainly from groundwater aquifers and contains calcium and magnesium. These elements, although they make the water safe for drinking, are disastrous for your plumbing. Here is why regular maintenance is non-negotiable for homeowners in the Royal City.
The Science of “Scale” inside Your Tank
However, when you heat your hard water, it crystallizes and leaves a deposit at the base of your storage tank; hence, forming what we refer to as “scale” or “sediment.”
The presence of this sediment acts like an insulation material lying between the water and your water heating system, thereby making it difficult for your appliance to heat your water since it will now need to go through all the rock-like deposits before reaching the water. This problem causes several expenses that most people do not identify.
Importance of Regular Flushing
1. Energy Efficiency
As the sediment deposits build up, your tank becomes less energy efficient and therefore has to stay longer than necessary when heating up your water, thus causing higher bills. With regular flushing of your tank, the sediment layer is eliminated, hence allowing the heating mechanism to come into direct contact with the water.
2. Eliminating “Kettling” Noises
Have you noticed sounds such as bangs, pops, or rumbles coming from underground? This is called “kettling”. During kettling, the steam bubbles get trapped under the sediment layer and finally burst. It sounds alarming because it is, it’s a sign that your heater is struggling and under unnecessary physical stress.
3. Preventing Premature Tank Failure
In addition to preventing heat transfer, sediment builds up hot spots that may lead to corrosion of the tank itself over time. In the case of an electric water heater, sediment might cover the bottom heating element, leading to its failure earlier than expected. Annual maintenance eliminates the accumulation of corrosive material that will eventually result in leaking water.
Tankless Systems Aren’t Immune
Many Guelph residents have switched to tankless water heaters to save space and energy. While these don’t have a big tank to collect “sludge,” they are actually more sensitive to hard water. The small copper heat exchangers can become clogged with scale very quickly, leading to an “Error Code” shutdown. Tankless systems in Guelph typically require a professional descaling (flushing with a specialized solution) at least once a year to keep the warranty valid.
What Does a “Flush” Actually Involve?
A professional flush isn’t just draining a gallon of water. It involves:
- Powering down the unit safely.
- Attaching a high-pressure hose to the drain valve.
- Running water through the system to stir up and eject heavy mineral deposits.
- Checking the Anode Rod (the “sacrificial” rod that keeps the tank from corroding).
In a high mineral content area such as Guelph, Kitchener, and Waterloo, performing this basic 30 minute maintenance procedure will add five to seven years to the life of your unit.
Don’t let a cold shower or a noisy basement signal the need for service. At Frozen Flame, we specialize in keeping Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo homes comfortable with expert HVAC and water heating solutions.If you need a powerful flush for your tank-style water heater or a professional descaling for your tankless water heater, we’ll make sure that your water heater operates at optimal levels throughout the year. The team we have had the expertise to solve any problem that relates to hard water that can be found in our environment.
