Will Tankless Water Heaters Work With Hard Water? - Watters Plumbing

It’s hard to avoid hard water in Wisconsin homes. If you have a tankless water heater, you must be extra careful to ensure hard water doesn’t destroy your system. 

The team at Watters Plumbing is here to help you learn more about hard water and how it impacts your tankless water heater to ensure your system continues running smoothly. 

Understanding Hard Water and Tankless Heaters

Yes, tankless water heaters can work with hard water. However, hard water, due to its high mineral content, can pose challenges for tankless water heaters. 

It’s important to know that tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat water directly as it flows through the unit, eliminating the need for a storage tank. 

When hard water is heated, the minerals can precipitate out of the water and form scale deposits inside the heater’s heat exchanger and other components. This buildup can reduce the heater’s efficiency, impede water flow, and lead to costly repairs or premature failure. 

Hard water scales can insulate the heating elements, causing them to overheat and potentially burn out. Regular maintenance and water treatment are essential to prevent these issues. 

Installing a water softener or descaling system can help reduce mineral buildup and prolong the life of your tankless water heater, ensuring consistent performance and energy efficiency.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals are naturally present in the earth’s crust and can dissolve into water as it comes into contact with rocks and soil.

The degree of water hardness is typically measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate equivalents. Water is classified as hard if it contains more than 60 mg/L (or ppm) of calcium carbonate.

Fox Valley homes with water wells are more likely to have hard water than those supplied with city water, but this ultimately depends on the area’s geological composition and the source of the city’s water supply.

According to an article from HydroFlow U.S.A., “Wisconsin’s water is considered moderately hard. The average water hardness for the Wisconsin resident is around 158 PPM.”

The article notes that Green Bay’s water hardness level is about 130 PPM, a moderately hard number according to the USGS water hardness page.

Common Hard Water Plumbing Problems

Addressing common hard water plumbing problems often requires a combination of preventative measures, such as water softening and regular maintenance, to minimize the impact on your plumbing system.

Scale Buildup 

Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can form scale deposits over time. These deposits can accumulate inside pipes, faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures, leading to reduced water flow and efficiency.

Clogged Pipes

Scale buildup can eventually lead to clogged pipes, restricting water flow and causing backups in sinks, showers, and toilets. Clogs can also put pressure on pipes, leading to leaks or bursts in severe cases.

Reduced Water Pressure

Scale deposits can restrict water flow through pipes, resulting in decreased water pressure throughout the plumbing system. This can affect the performance of showers, faucets, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.

Damaged Appliances 

Hard water can damage appliances that use water, such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. Scale buildup inside these appliances can reduce efficiency, increase energy consumption, and shorten lifespan.

Stained Fixtures

Hard water often leaves mineral stains on plumbing fixtures such as sinks, faucets, and shower doors. These stains can be difficult to remove and may require frequent cleaning to maintain the fixtures’ appearance.

Soap Scum

Hard water reacts with soap to form a sticky residue known as soap scum. This residue can accumulate on shower walls, bathtub surfaces, and glass doors, making them appear dirty and requiring extra cleaning effort to remove.

Corrosion

In some cases, the minerals present in hard water can react with metal pipes, fittings, and fixtures, leading to corrosion and degradation over time. This can weaken the plumbing system and increase the risk of leaks or pipe failures.

Contact the Watters Plumbing Professionals

If hard water is ruining your tankless water heater, contact the Fox Cities plumbing technicians at Watters Plumbing today. We can help you determine the source of the problem and prevent further damage. 

Contact us to get a quote today for your home in Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, and the surrounding area!