Why Tankless Water Heaters Need Regular Descaling in Hard Water Areas like Phoenix

The water coming out of the pipes of a house is rich in calcium and magnesium. The tankless water heater heats the water through a small heat exchanger on demand. With time, the minerals accumulate in the exchanger and build up a crust called scale, which hinders the heating process. This article is going to describe the significance of getting a descale done for a tankless water heater in hard water areas and how the homeowner benefits from it.

The formation of mineral crust takes place quickly within tankless water heaters. A nearby contractor, such as the one who provides water heater repair in Phoenix can provide this service.

How Hard Water Affects a Tankless Heater

Hard water contains dissolved rock minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium. Tankless heaters rapidly increase the temperature of this supply as it flows through small copper or stainless coils. Due to high temperatures, the dissolved minerals precipitate and deposit on the inside walls of the coil. Every hot shower and wash cycle adds an additional layer to the existing layers. Therefore, a considerable amount of the build-up is likely to develop in a few months for homes with very hard supply.

What Scale Does Inside the Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger forms the heart of a tankless heater. Energy from the burner or electric element passes through the walls of the coil to the water supply. A layer of scale separates the burner from the supply, thus reducing the heat transfer. This means that the unit will use extra amounts of gas or electricity in order to heat water to the required temperature. In addition, the build-up limits the inner passage space.

Clear Signs a Tankless Unit Needs a Descale

An indicator that a tankless system is plagued by scale formation will include some tell-tale signs that are seen at the outlets. Property owners should keep an eye out for temperature, noise, and pressure changes in the home. A fault code in the control system may also suggest that there is scaling taking place in the machine, especially as most models monitor their internal temperature levels. Some machines even feature a service reminder after a certain number of running hours.

Common Indicators at the Faucet Outlets

The list below includes the indicators that scale formation is most likely taking place in the system.

• Sudden change from warm to cold water temperature during a shower in Phoenix.
• Popping or rumbling sounds from the unit while the burner is on.
• Pressure at the faucets reduces even when the valves are fully open.
• Appearance of a scale or flow error code in the control panel.

 

How a Professional Descale Works

This process uses a mild acid solution running through the heat exchanger to remove the deposits. The technician starts by turning off the power or gas supply to the machine as well as closing the isolation valves. The second step is attaching a small pump to the service ports of the machine to run a food-grade vinegar or a commercially purchased cleaner for nearly an hour. The solution removes calcium and deposits the loose deposits via a drain hose. Once done, the technician runs a supply of fresh water through the system, cleans the inlet filter, and turns back on the power supply.

Checks Performed on the System after Flush

A comprehensive visit also involves some checks on the system that keep it running optimally after the flush.

• The inlet screen is checked for any dirt or residue.
• The flame sensor or heating element is also checked for wear and tear.
• The exhaust vent on the gas-type models is checked for clear flow.
• The whole system undergoes a test cycle to make sure there is consistent temperature at the tap.

A Descale Schedule for Mineral-Rich Homes

For those homes in Phoenix that have moderate levels of minerals in the water supply, most manufacturers recommend a descale once a year. One can use a test strip from a hardware store to measure hardness in grains per gallon, which is the standard measurement for mineral content in water. Hardness above 7 grains per gallon is considered hard, while anything above 10.5 indicates a very hard water source. Such homes might require a descale twice a year. In addition, there is the owner’s manual that gives exact information about the descaling schedule for each model.

Benefits of a Clean Heat Exchanger

With a clean heat exchanger, the burner is able to transfer heat to the water source with ease. This allows the heater to attain the required temperature easily and maintain it. The heater will save on energy since it does not have to force the energy through the layer of minerals. Parts like the flow sensor and the heat exchanger coils will be subjected to less strain. Consistent maintenance might increase the lifespan of a tankless heater to up to 20 years.

Hard water leaves mineral crust inside every tankless heater, yet a routine descale clears the coils. Clean coils support steady temperatures, strong flow, and a long service life. For a simple next step, test a kitchen tap with a hardness strip and book a descale once results exceed 7 grains per gallon. Local help, such as a trusted provider of water heater repair in Phoenix, can handle the full flush.