By heating water only when it is needed, gas tankless water heaters cut energy costs, while providing an endless supply of hot water. Lime scale or scale deposits, forms when the calcium in hard water separates and accumulates as a white or gray substance on faucets, showerheads, and shower doors. Hard water can adversely affect the entire plumbing system with the accumulation of mineral deposits. The same process occurs inside both conventional water heaters and tankless water heaters in Katy. The extent of scale will depend upon the hardness of the water in your area. 

Whole-home gas tankless water heaters supply hot water without a storage tank. They save energy by eliminating standby loss. When a hot water tap is opened, cold water enters the water heater. A flow sensor activates the gas burner, warming the heat exchanger, which heats the cold water to its set-point temperature. By heating water only when a hot water tap is turned on, your home’s tankless water heaters in Katy operate with greater efficiency than conventional water heaters.

The Formation of Scale

In a tankless water heater, scale forms when the heat inside the unit separates calcium from the water. The calcium deposits accumulate on the heat exchangers over time, and without descaling, it will lower the water heater’s efficiency and lifespan.

The cause is due to the built-up scale interfering with the heat transfer within the tankless water heater. This causes the unit to run longer in order to heat the water to the set temperature. This extended cycle results in increased energy costs with its inefficient operation and a reduced lifespan of the appliance.

Determining the degree of scale build-up is not always an easy task. Fortunately, a number of tankless water heaters feature scale detection technology. When it detects that heat transfer has slowed, the unit displays an error message that it is time to descale your tankless water heaters in Katy. For households with tankless units lacking this feature, schedule descaling annually to restore a fully efficient unit.

Water Softener

A water softener will prevent the build-up of scale in your water heater and plumbing system. Hard water is typically composed of calcium and magnesium. The water softener removes the ions dissolved in the water that cause hard water, exchanging calcium and magnesium ions for another ion, usually sodium or potassium. In addition to damaging pipes and appliances, hard water inhibits the cleaning action of soaps and detergents. A water softener assists in extending the lifespan of pipes, the water heater, and other appliances, while providing water that is less drying to your skin than hard water. Your hair will be softer and shinier, spots on your dishes will be eliminated, and your plumbing system will last longer.

Professional Installation

The installation of a tankless water heater in Katy requires the expertise of an experienced, licensed plumber. Electric models will have specific voltage and amperage requirements, while gas will require a specific gas supply, some electricity to operate its electrical components, and specialized venting requirements. 

Furthermore, the tankless water heater will require proper sizing for your household’s hot water usage and habits. Contacting a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Katy for the accurate assessment and installation of tankless water heaters in Katy will assure your satisfaction and the lifespan of the unit.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg's professional plumbers are dedicated to providing first quality plumbing services and to your satisfaction. For the professional installation of energy-efficient tankless water heaters in Katy, maintenance and removal of lime scale from your unit, or other plumbing services, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg. We serve Katy, Sugar Land, Houston, and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.