The Impact of Water Softeners on Water Heaters: Insights from KC Water Heaters
At KC Water Heaters, we prioritize not only the efficiency and longevity of your water heating systems but also the health and safety of your home’s water supply. Our extensive experience replacing Water heaters in the Kansas City area has highlighted a crucial aspect of water treatment that homeowners need to be aware of: the impact of water softeners on water heaters and, importantly, on overall water quality.
The Role of Calcium and Magnesium in Water Quality
Calcium and magnesium, commonly found in hard water, play a significant role in the health of your plumbing system and the safety of your water. While these minerals are responsible for scale buildup that can affect the efficiency of water heaters, they also offer protective benefits:
- Protection for Water Heaters: Calcium and magnesium contribute to the longevity of anode rods in water heaters. These rods are designed to corrode in place of your water heater’s tank, and the presence of these minerals can help protect against rapid deterioration.
- Safety Concerns: In areas where lead fittings or solder might be present in older plumbing systems, calcium and magnesium can form a protective layer that reduces the leaching of lead into the drinking water. This is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes maintaining a certain level of these minerals in the water supply to safeguard public health.
Water Softeners and Their Effects
Water softeners, while effective at removing the hardness from water, also strip out calcium and magnesium. This process can lead to:
- Shortened Lifespan of Water Heaters: Without the protective layer provided by these minerals, water heaters can experience accelerated anode rod degradation, which can significantly reduce their lifespan.
- Potential Health Risks: In homes with older plumbing, the removal of calcium and magnesium could increase the risk of lead exposure, a serious health hazard that the EPA aims to mitigate by ensuring certain mineral levels are maintained in the water.
Our Approach at KC Water Heaters
Understanding the delicate balance between water quality, appliance longevity, and health safety, we at KC Water Heaters advocate for informed decisions when considering water softeners:
- We do not recommend installing or using a Water Softener if you are a WaterOne customer.
- If you do not want to remove your Water Softener it’s best to keep an eye of the anode rod by pulling it out and inspecting it each year. We usually will install an aluminum anode rod when there is a Water Softener present.