Safeguard Your Water Heater Against Hard Water Effects
12th March 2024 | Written By: Vinod Pottayil | Read Time: 4min | Last Updated: 20th January 2026
A water heater (geyser) comes in direct contact with water during every use. The water quality can have a bearing on its efficiency and lifespan. The hard water supply can cause more damage than you think.
High concentrations of calcium and magnesium in water are primarily responsible for its hardness. However, other minerals can also affect its hardness and quality to some extent. The Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024 states that high concentrations of nitrate, fluoride, arsenic and iron were found in groundwater across different locations in India. These contaminants can either cause scaling in geysers or make the water indirectly unsuitable for human health.
Here is all you need to know about safeguarding your geysers.
Evaluating Water Hardness
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you often have scaled watermarks on the sink and dishes that are difficult to wash away?
- Does the colour of your clothes fade way too quickly with each wash?
- Is the water pressure in your pipes decreasing with every passing day?
- Are you using up a lot of soap to wash the dishes, clothes and yourself?
- Do you hear a rattling sound when using your water heater?
If all your answers are yes, you likely get hard water supply.
Effects of Hard Water on Water Heater
Here is how hard water can damage a water heater:
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Mineral Build-up:
This is the most common symptom of hard water damage on a water heater. When hard water heats up, the excess minerals start accumulating to build up scales inside water pipes and on the components of your water heater. The thermostat and heating elements have to work harder to give hot water.
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Corrosion:
Most components of geysers are made from metal. Hard water can react with metal, accelerating the corrosion. Corrosion causes wear and tear, causing the components to crack and leak water.
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Sedimentation:
Sedimentation happens when mineral residues start settling at the bottom of the geyser tank. Gradually, they form a thick layer which reduces heat transfer efficiency and causes strange noises on heating.
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High Electricity Bills:
Geysers, especially poor quality or with low BEE ratings, can become energy vampires for your household electricity bills. The scaling, sedimentation and corrosion due to hard water reduce their efficiency. They take more time to heat and dispense water. As a result, the geyser runs for a longer time, consumes more power and escalates utility bills.
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Shorter Lifespan:
The mineral build-up in the pipes causes blockages and reduces the flow of water. They can also lead to component failure in the long run. The water may take more time to reach the desired temperature. These factors reduce the overall lifespan of the water heater.
Preventive Steps to Protect the Water Heater Against Hard Water
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Sediment Flushing:
This simple DIY hack can prevent mineral deposits in your water heater. After every use, turn off the geyser so that it stops heating water. Allow the residual hot water to flow from the tap until it turns cold. This technique is called sediment flushing.
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Water Softeners:
Water softeners convert hard water into a softer form by removing calcium and magnesium. They can also prevent salt or lime scale formation inside the geyser.
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Anode Rod Replacement:
The water heater has an in-built sacrificial anode rod to prevent corrosion and safeguard the equipment from hard water. It is made from magnesium, zinc or aluminium and placed inside the tank interior. It attracts iron, limestone and other minerals present in hard water. Over time, the anode rod will deplete and need replacement, but protect the tank. That’s why it is also called a sacrificial rod.
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Scale Inhibitors:
Scale inhibitors, also known as antiscalants, are special chemicals to delay, reduce or prevent scale formation caused by hard water. They disrupt the natural growth of scale crystals and thereby stop them from turning into dense deposits. They minimise the damage to pipes, plumbing system and water heater.
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Corrosion-Resistant Water Heaters:
These water heaters have corrosion-resistant components. They protect the tank and heating elements from rust and sedimentation. Their tanks are usually glass-lined or titanium-coated – both features improve the efficiency and lifespan of the water heater.
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Periodic Maintenance:
Sediment flushing at regular intervals is one of the best precautionary actions to shield the water heater against hard water. Routine servicing, timely repairs and using high-quality components for replacements will also enhance the durability of the water heater.
Conclusion
In general, water will always have traces of minerals and impurities. If the amount of hardness of your water is mild, periodic maintenance and sediment flushing are good in the medium term, with occasional replacement of the anode rod. If you have a proven problem of hard water, then it’s best to consider water treatment options along with the use of corrosion-resistant water heaters. Invest in superior-quality water heaters with a higher BEE rating.
Safety Note: Geysers are electrical appliances, and certain inspection or maintenance tasks can be potentially hazardous. Always switch off the power supply before checking the unit, and for any technical, electrical, or internal work, it is strongly recommended to seek assistance from a qualified electrician or professional technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
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Q1. What is hard water and how does it affect the water heater?
Hard water has a high concentration of calcium, magnesium and other dissolved minerals, which can cause rust and corrosion. They lower the efficiency and lifespan of water heaters.
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Q2. How to test the presence of hardness in domestic water?
Some of the signs of hard water are spots on your utensils, scale on faucets/sink, roughness in washed clothes, gauzy residue on tiles or frequent plumbing issues.
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Q3. Can hard water increase the utility bills?
Yes. The water heater takes more time to heat hard water. It will use more energy, which is directly related to higher electricity bills.
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Q4. What are the ways to treat hard water to protect water heaters?
Periodic servicing and maintenance, anode rod replacement, water softeners and scale inhibitors are effective measures to protect water heaters against hard water. You can also buy corrosion-resistant water heaters, which have a glass line or titanium coating.
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Q5. Is it advisable to buy a water heater with a higher BEE rating to tackle the hard water problem?
Definitely yes! A water heater with a 4-star or 5-star BEE rating has better energy efficiency despite hard water usage. It can keep your electricity bills in check.
