How hard water wears out your water heater

If your faucets have a white crust or your dishes come out spotted, you have hard water. The same minerals are building up inside your water heater, where you cannot see them.

What hard water does to a tank

Austin water carries a lot of calcium and magnesium. When water heats up, those minerals settle at the bottom of the tank as scale. Over time, the layer gets thick enough to trap heat.

The heater then has to work harder to warm the water. That costs more on your energy bill and shortens the life of the tank, sometimes by several years.

Signs your heater is scaling up

A popping or rumbling sound when the burner runs is the most common sign. You may also notice hot water running out faster than before, or small white flakes in the water from your faucets.

How to slow it down

Flushing the tank once a year removes loose scale. It takes about an hour, and we do it as part of every Care Plan visit. A water softener stops most of the buildup before it starts and also protects your faucets, dishwasher and washing machine.

Is it worth a softener?

For most homes in Austin, yes. A softener costs less than replacing a water heater early, and you will see the difference on your fixtures within weeks. We test your water for free and size the system to your household.