Specifications

Hard Water

Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium

and is harmful to all water heaters. Calcium and

magnesium combine with other elements in the water and

form salts which build up as scale. Scale is somemes

referred to as lime deposits. Hard water is most noceable

as a hard-to-remove soap scum on tubs and other

bathroom xtures or as very low sudsing when using

detergents. When water is heated, it becomes less dense

allowing scale to deposit at a higher rate.

In electric water heaters, scale builds up on the heang

elements reducing their ability to transfer heat to the

water. This causes the elements to repeatedly overheat

stressing the element’s outer sheath and causing it to

crack or split

In gas water heaters, scale builds up on the tank boom

head causing small pockets of water and air to be trapped

which promotes corrosion. During the heang process,

water between the layer of accumulated scale and the

boom head will superheat ashing to steam and causing

popping noises. Accumulated scale acts like insulaon on

the inside of the boom head resulng in overheang. The

stress of being repeatedly overheated will eventually

cause the tank boom head to leak.

A chemical water soener can be installed to correct hard

water problems, but chemical water soeners substute

sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions making the

water more corrosive. This will also shorten the life of the

tank.

Iron and Manganese

Some water sources may contain iron and manganese.

When iron comes in contact with oxygen it turns red or

brown. When manganese oxidizes it turns black or brown.

Iron and manganese will stain clothing, bathtubs and

plumbing xtures. Both substances can cause water to

taste and smell foul. Iron and manganese also combine

with bacteria to create a slimy, gelanous substance that

can clog pipes and lter screens. Iron and manganese

problems can be improved by installing a mechanical

ltering system.

Water