What Is Scale in Hot Water Heaters?

Scale is caused by mineral deposits.

Scale in hot water heaters is a common problem for many people. When scale builds up inside a water heater, it can cause pressure problems in pipes and insulate the heat exchangers. This leads to higher energy use to heat water and shortens the life span of the heater.

Causes

Scale in hot water heaters is created from having hard water. Having hard water means that the water has high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. Both can form white, rock hard deposits that can build up over time.

Treatment

Scale can be removed with a deliming agent, such as sulfuric acid, or by scrubbing it off by hand. To prevent scale build up, Hard Water.org recommends using a water softener. Magnetic, chemical or mechanical softeners can be added to the plumbing system to prevent scale build up.

Toxicity

Depending on the amount of calcium in the water, it can have both positive and negative effects on human health. Lenntech Water Treatment Solutions advises that calcium is a dietary mineral and can add strength to teeth and bones. However, too much can corrode the skin and eyes, or result in death if the concentration is between 5-50 mg/kg of body weight.

References

• Wave Home Solutions: Hard Water Problems
• Hard Water.org: Hard Water Treatment
• Lenntech Water Treatment Solutions: Calcium (Ca) and Water

Resources

• Wilkes University, Center of Environmental Quality: Hard Water Hardness Calcium Magnesium