Have you noticed your tankless water heater struggling to keep up with your home’s hot water needs? If you live in a hard water area—like over 85% of the US population—the culprit behind these frustrating issues is likely calcium and magnesium buildup in your tankless electric or instant water heater.
Let’s look first at exactly how hard water hampers some tankless heaters and show you the most effective solutions for optimizing performance and longevity. With a clear understanding of the problem and a proactive approach, you can enjoy endless instant hot water once again!
Hard Water’s Negative Impacts
Hard water is bad news for some tankless electric heaters because of how it reacts when heated. The high calcium and magnesium content forms a concrete-hard limescale that builds up inside the heater.
This limescale clogs up the small internal components critical for heating water quickly. It coats the heat exchanger fins meant to transfer heat efficiently. Scale builds up in filters and pipes, blocking water flow. If you have issues with hardwater in your home, you’ll notice it in showerheads and faucets too, in the form of crusty mineral deposits.
All this scale throughout the system makes your on-demand heater work much harder to deliver hot water. The obstructed water flow and poor heat transfer mean it struggles to heat water properly.
Over time, the strain can cause error codes and premature shutdowns. Scale buildup progressively cripples the heater, reducing its lifespan to as little as 2 years without maintenance.
Left unchecked, hard water deposits can transform your water heater from an efficient, convenient appliance to an unpredictable unit that delivers lukewarm water at best.
Signs You Have Hard Water Issues
Here are some common signs that your on-demand water heater is experiencing hard water issues.
- Decreased hot water flow – You notice the hot water coming out of faucets or showerheads is weaker than it used to be or shuts off unexpectedly. This happens as scale clogs components and chokes water flow.
- Turning up temperature – You find yourself adjusting the temperature dial higher and higher trying to compensate for less hot water. The unit struggles to heat effectively due to limescale buildup.
- Unexpected shutoffs – The heater abruptly shuts off as scale obstructs internal sensors. This triggers an inexplicable shutdown.
- Error codes – You get error codes on your heater indicating overheating or insufficient water flow. Scale has reduced heat transfer and water flow, fooling sensors.
- Noisy operation – Hissing, popping, or rumbling sounds point to boiling water from poor heat exchange.
These issues tend to creep up over time as scale buildup worsens. Paying attention to changes in performance can reveal hard water problems before your heater fails completely.
Scale Buildup Solutions
Here are some solutions you can use to address hard water problems with your tankless electric heater.
- Install a water softener – This whole-house system removes minerals and prevents scale buildup. Models exist for both well water and municipal water. However, water softeners, while effective for treating hard water, have drawbacks to consider including costs, salt use, space needs, and potential leaks if not properly maintained.
- Use a scale remover regularly – Add a scale remover product monthly to bind minerals so they don’t form scale. Descalers provide a reactive, temporary solution but require repeated use of hazardous chemicals.
- Replace filters/showerheads – Change sediment filters and showerheads every 6-12 months as they collect scale.
- Adjust water chemistry – A professional can check water pH and hardness and add chemicals to optimize mineral solubility. Cost is the biggest downside to this solution.
- Upgrade heater – Invest in a newer model with scale reduction features like electronic descaling and a secondary heat exchanger.
The Long-Term Hard Water Solution
Chronomite water heaters are designed to stop limescale before it starts. Inside the heater, the heating element has a unique assembly that allows water to flow through it. As water passes over the element, its natural abrasive force cleans away any potential mineral deposits.
This self-cleaning action means scale cannot accumulate on the heating element surface. The constant water movement erodes any small crystals trying to form. It’s like a flowing stream that stays clear instead of minerals accumulating in still pools.
The result is zero buildup inside the water heater. You’ll never have to descale or delime the heater – the water flow itself prevents any limescale from forming. No more handling harsh chemicals or scrubbing scale deposits. Our technology harnesses water’s natural properties to inhibit scale.
So, while other heaters gradually accumulate harmful limescale that blocks heating efficiency, our innovative design eliminates scale formation. You’ll enjoy reliable hot water without scale-related headaches. The self-cleaning element is the secret to nonstop performance.
Take Back Control
Hard water can take a heavy toll on tankless water heaters, but with the right strategies, homeowners can take back control. By understanding what causes performance issues, recognizing symptoms, and implementing preventative maintenance, you can minimize scale buildup and keep your on-demand heater operating at peak condition.
Your tankless water heater is designed to provide a steady stream of endless hot water – don’t let hard water cut your supply short. Invest a little time and effort into countering water hardness, and you can enjoy reliable, convenient hot water for many years to come.
