A water softener can significantly help extend the lifespan and improve the efficiency of a water heater. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can lead to mineral buildup, reduced heating efficiency, and premature system failure.
A softener WILL reduce calcium/lime/scale buildup inside pipes & on fixtures, and will reduce the sediment buildup inside a water heater which can potentially extend the life of the heater. It can also reduce usage of detergents and provide other intangible quality of life benefits.
The two major cons associated with water softeners are cost and maintenance. Depending on the type and size of water softener you choose, the initial price along with installation can cost you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
If you have a water softener you do not need to flush your water heater because there's no mineral build-up. You just need to clean the filters out. Depending on where you live, you'll need to do this service every 6 months instead of once per year.
Sediment buildup in the tank
While the water sits in and is heated by your water heater, this debris settles to the bottom of the tank. Many water heater burners are on the bottom of the tank. So, this buildup of debris can make your water heater less effective at heating your water, leading to lukewarm water.
A: Common causes of water heater malfunctions include sediment buildup, faulty heating elements or thermostats, corroded anode rods, and excessive water pressure. Regular maintenance can help prevent many of these issues.
EPA tests showed that soft water is likely to leach lead from lead pipes and lead-soldered joints, thus posing a threat of low- level lead poisoning. Another study, conducted by the Gas Institute, found that softened water accelerates the depletion of anode rods in water heaters.
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.
Sometimes yes, but more often no. If your home has a water softener loop this means the service pipe is pre plumbed to a convenient location in the garage, often times near the water heater. If your home does not have the loop then you will have to located your main supply pipe to determine placement.
The cost of treating this wastewater is significantly higher than other types of waste, and much of the water treated in this way still isn't recoverable. Thus, in 2005, California took action and made it legal for communities to ban this type of water softener in order to meet toughening environmental standards.
Water conditioners are the best alternative to a water softener if you are concerned about sodium in your water.
Cons of Fabric Softener
Builds Up on Clothes: Over time, fabric softeners can leave a residue on clothing, affecting their absorbency and breathability.
As discussed, a water softener system only removes excess calcium and magnesium content from the water. However, if you want to remove chlorine from your water, you'd require an additional water purifier. Chlorides, fluorides, and other similar negatively charged ions can't be replaced by positively charged sodium.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
The Benefits of Softening Only the Hot Water
Eventually, the salt will run out, and you will need to replace it. If you only use your water softener for hot water, you won't have to go through your salt supply as often, which could help you save some money on your salt expenses.
If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself. If you flush a water heater that already has a significant sediment buildup, it can actually cause more problems.
Scale buildup will be much more prevalent if you have a salt-based water softening system and you might have to drain your water heater more because of it.
-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Anode rods require routine inspection and replacement, approximately every three to five years. Without proper maintenance, the anode rod loses its ability to divert damaging particulates from your tank and can accelerate rust and corrosion from chemical reactions, excessive heat, and imbalanced pH levels.
Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Sediment Buildup
This is because the buildup reduces the capacity of your water heater, which means that you have less hot water than you did without the buildup taking up that space. Cleaning out the sediment will make it so that your water heater has the room it did before.