Every day, your water heater works behind the scenes to power your showers, dishwashing, and laundry. Over time, though, the water inside it can start doing more harm than good.
That’s because water quality in Des Moines has unique challenges, especially when it comes to minerals that build up and damage equipment.
If you’ve never thought about how your water affects your water heater, you’re not alone. This guide explains what’s at stake and what you can do to keep your system working longer and more efficiently.
Des Moines Area Water Quality
Des Moines and much of Iowa are known for hard water, which means the water supply contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While this water is safe to drink, it can be tough on your home’s plumbing and systems, especially your water heater.
These minerals enter your home’s plumbing system and settle in the bottom of your water heater. Over time, they create buildup that affects performance, energy efficiency, and the lifespan of the unit. Some areas may also contain low levels of chlorine or sediment, depending on local water treatment practices.
How Poor Water Quality Damages Your Water Heater
Sediment Buildup: The Number One Issue in Hard Water Areas
When hard water is heated, minerals come out of solution and form solid particles. These particles settle at the bottom of the water heater and cause several issues:
- Reduced Efficiency: Sediment acts as an insulator between the heating element or burner and the water, forcing the system to work harder and use more energy. Just 1/8″ of scale can cut your water heater’s efficiency by 25%.
- Reduced Capacity: Buildup takes up space in the tank, leaving less room for hot water.
- Noise: Popping or rumbling noises during heating often come from sediment shifting inside the tank.
- Corrosion and Leaks: The base of the tank may corrode faster, leading to early leaks or failure.
Scale Buildup on Heating Elements and Pipes
In addition to settling in the tank, minerals can also form scale on electric heating elements or accumulate inside water lines. This reduces efficiency, restricts water flow, and can cause components to overheat or fail.
Corrosion from Other Contaminants
Chlorine and other water treatment chemicals can speed up the corrosion of internal parts, especially in older or unprotected tanks. While this is less common than mineral damage, it still poses a risk in some homes.
Signs Your Water Heater Is Suffering from Water Quality Issues
Watch for these symptoms that may point to water quality problems affecting your water heater:
- Strange popping, rumbling, or sizzling sounds
- Reduced hot water supply
- Cloudy or discolored hot water with visible particles
- Lukewarm water despite normal settings
- Rising energy bills without a change in usage
- Leaks or visible rust at the base of the tank
If you notice any of these signs, your system may need cleaning, repair, or replacement.
Protecting Your Investment: What You Can Do
Regular Flushing
Flushing your water heater at least once a year helps remove sediment from the tank. Some homes in Des Moines may need flushing every six months due to mineral content.
- DIY Option: You can perform basic flushing with a hose and a few tools.
- Professional Option: For older units or stubborn buildup, a trained technician can safely perform a full maintenance and check for other issues.
Install a Water Filtration System
A whole-home water filtration removes contaminants from your water before they enter your water heater and other plumbing fixtures.
Schaal has multiple solutions such as water softeners, water conditioners, and reverse osmosis options to help keep your water clean. Our team will go over all options with you and find the solution that works best for your home and budget.
Benefits:
- Less sediment and scale buildup
- Longer water heater lifespan
- Reduced wear on other appliances
- Better water quality throughout your home
Anode Rod Inspection and Replacement
The anode rod helps prevent internal corrosion. In hard water areas, this rod breaks down faster and needs to be checked regularly. Replacing it before it fails is a key part of extending your water heater’s life.
Our Role: Your Des Moines Water Heater Experts
Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been helping Des Moines homeowners protect their plumbing systems for over 75 years. Our team provides complete water heater care with a focus on quality and customer education.
Professional Water Heater Flushing and Maintenance
We offer routine flushing, inspections, and cleanings to remove sediment and keep your system running efficiently.
Diagnosis and Repair
If your water heater is noisy, leaking, or failing to heat properly, we’ll diagnose the issue and provide effective repairs using trusted methods.
New Water Heater Installation
If your current system is beyond repair or outdated, we offer expert installation of gas, electric, tankless, and hybrid water heaters.
Water Quality Solutions
We also install water softeners and filtration systems to help protect your entire plumbing system from the effects of hard water.
Call Schaal for Professional Water Heater Maintenance
Des Moines water quality, especially its high mineral content, can take a serious toll on your water heater. Over time, untreated issues lead to reduced efficiency, higher costs, and system failure.
Don’t wait for problems to get worse. Contact Schaal today to schedule a water heater inspection, professional flushing, or to learn more about whole-home water softening solutions.