Tankless water heaters produce hot water quickly without storing large quantities in a tank. These water heaters also can last up to 20 years, compared to eight to 12 years for tank water heaters. To get the longest life out of your water heater, you want to avoid the damage done by minerals in hard water. A home water softener can mitigate the issues that living in Southern California, where hard water is common, have on your tankless water heater.
Damage Done By Hard Water on Tankless Water Heaters
Hard water contains calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that create scale inside a water heater’s heat exchanger. If you have especially hard water or don’t schedule annual flushing of the system, this scale can compromise the heat exchanger’s operation. Your tankless water heater’s life will decrease significantly.
Preventing Hard Water Damage
If you live in Southern California, you likely know that you have hard water. However, by installing a home water softener, you eliminate the problematic minerals before the water reaches the water heater. Water softeners use ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium ions. These don’t create scale in your water heater, leading to a longer life for the unit.
Another option is a point-of-use softener just before water enters your water heater. However, these small devices don’t protect the rest of your home’s plumbing from hard water. Installing a whole home water softener is the best option for protecting your water heater and the rest of your plumbing system.
Does Having a Water Softener Replace the Need for Annual Tankless Water Heater Flushing
Water softeners never replace the need for regular service of your tankless water heater. You should still schedule an annual flush of the system to remove any sediments or other deposits inside the unit. If your home’s water is exceptionally hard, you may have had a plumber recommend flushing the system two or three times a year. With a water softener, you can reduce this service to once a year. You should always talk to the plumber who services your tankless water heater for specific recommendations on scheduling maintenance, especially system flushes.
Let Us at Oceanus Provide You with the Whole Home Water Softener You Need to Protect Your Tankless Water Heater
If you have a tankless water heater, you need to seriously consider the benefits on the device’s longevity of installing a whole home water softener. Find out more about your options and installation by contacting us at Oceanus. We’re the experts in water treatment in Southern California and have the high-quality water softening equipment you need for your home
Sources
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21019184/read-this-before-you-buy-a-tankless-water-heater
https://besthomewatertreatmentsystems.com/
https://besthomewatertreatmentsystems.com/contact-us/
https://besthomewatertreatmentsystems.com/product/water-softener/
