How To Keep Safe Geyser from Hard Water: Hard Water Solution for Geysers
You may use water from different sources, such as borewells, tap water, rivers, wells, tankers, etc. These sources contain varying minerals, with some exceeding regular levels, which can impact your geyser. The presence of sludge and scaling may lead to rust in inlets and tanks. Additionally, it can cause a decrease in heating efficiency, resulting in increased electricity bills and maintenance costs.
To address this, you should opt for a geyser that works effectively with hard water. If you don’t have a standard geyser for hard water, regular servicing of your geyser and heater is necessary to increase its lifespan. Let’s understand how to keep your geyser safe from hard water.
What is hard water?
Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals are dissolved as water percolates through deposits of limestone and chalk. While generally safe for consumption, hard water can create issues in plumbing and appliances as the minerals tend to precipitate and form scale. This scale buildup can reduce the efficiency of water heaters, resulting in soap scum in bathrooms and contributing to clogged pipes. The hardness of water is often measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm), with higher values indicating greater mineral content.
- Hard water may lead to scaling around the thermostat, affecting its heating efficiency and causing the heater to take much longer to heat up.
- It causes rust inside the tank, thermostat, and inlet pipes. Hard or salty water reduces its lifespan, and the heater may not work completely due to the higher intake of hard water.
- These issues may increase bills, especially with scaling around the anode rod and thermostat rusting affecting heating, leading to longer heating times and higher electricity bills.
- After the buildup of rust and scaling, it gathers into the tank, making noise during operation, and it may also affect your health.
How To Protect Geysers from Hard Water
As we already discussed hard water and its impact on the water heater, let’s now explore how to keep your geysers safe and protect them from the effects of hard water.
Choose the Right Geyser: Opt for a geyser specifically designed to handle hard water. Look for features such as anti-corrosion materials, glass-coated heating elements, and robust anode rods made of corrosion-resistant materials.
Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks for your geyser. This includes inspecting and cleaning components like the heating element, anode rod, and inlet pipes to prevent the buildup of scale and rust.
Install a Water Softener: Consider installing a water softener in your water supply system. Water softeners help reduce the mineral content in hard water, preventing scale formation in the geyser and prolonging its lifespan.
Use Descaling Agents: Periodically use descaling agents to remove built-up scale in the geyser. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate descaling solution and procedure.
Adjust Temperature Settings: Set your geyser’s temperature to a level that minimizes the risk of scale formation. Lower temperatures can help reduce the impact of hard water on the heating elements.
Flush the Tank: Flush the geyser tank regularly to remove sediment and accumulated minerals. This simple practice can prevent clogs and maintain efficient heating.
Consider a Water Filtration System: Install a water filtration system to reduce impurities before they reach the geyser. Filtration systems can help improve water quality and protect the geyser from mineral deposits.
Monitor Water Hardness: Keep track of the hardness of your water. Regularly check the water hardness levels and adjust your protective measures accordingly.
By following these steps, you can proactively protect your geyser from the adverse effects of hard water, ensuring its durability and efficient operation over time.
Tips for Selecting the Best Water Heater for Hard Water
If you’re searching for a water heater that can handle hard water, here’s a quick guide to assist you in making an informed decision. To simplify the process, here are some key parameters to consider when choosing your geyser.
Build Quality: Check for corrosion-free and anti-rust construction, especially along pipes and inlets. Look for a geyser with a high-grade magnesium anode rod for enhanced performance and durability.
Heating Element Coating: Opt for a geyser with a glass-coated heating element to prevent scaling caused by direct contact with hard water, ensuring a longer lifespan for your heater.
Size of the Family: The ideal size of your water heater depends on the number of people in your household who use hot water during peak hours. Generally, a 6, 10, or 15-liter capacity is suitable for a family of 2–3 individuals. However, if your household has four people or more, it is recommended to opt for a water heater with a capacity of 25 liters or above.
Anode Rod: Choose a geyser with a robust anode rod made of corrosion-resistant magnesium. A durable anode rod protects the tank and heating element from corrosion, contributing to an extended lifespan.
Weather Conditions: Consider your region’s climate when choosing a water heater. For moderate temperatures (15 degrees), 6–10 liters suffice; for colder areas (<15 degrees), opt for 15–50 liters.
Warranty: Prioritize models with comprehensive warranties for both the heating element and tank. A reliable warranty ensures that you can address any issues that may arise, offering long-term peace of mind for your hard water geyser investment.
