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Plumbing News:
A Water Heater’s Nemesis: Scale
What is the level of scale in your water? Hard to say, I’d imagine. But, over time, believe me, you’ll know. Scale, also known as limescale, refers to mineral buildup—primarily magnesium and calcium—that creates a white, chalky-like substance that can accumulate on the plumbing system’s internal components, including water heaters, pipes, and fixtures. In other words, “Common in household water, especially in areas with hard water, scale is essentially the crusty stuff you sometimes see on old pipes or the heating element of an old kettle. When water is heated, these minerals crystallize and stick to surfaces such as the interiors of pipes, boilers, and heaters, forming a hard, insulating layer. It’s a natural process, but not exactly a welcome one, as it hampers the efficiency of any appliance it settles in. The accumulation of scale in a water heating system diminishes the overall performance, efficiency, and lifespan of the water heater unless preventative maintenance measures are implemented.
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