At Advanced Water Treatment, we’ve helped Michigan homeowners solve their water quality issues for over 40 years. In that time, we’ve found that proper water treatment is often the key to preventing costly home repairs.
In this article, we’ll share a real story from one of our Hartland customers that shows how untreated hard water can damage your water heater. You’ll also learn about noises that indicate your water treatment system isn’t working properly, which can put your entire plumbing system at risk.
If you think you may be facing water quality troubles, call us at (810) 231-2613 and one of our staff will be happy to help!
Is Your Water Heater Making Noise?
If you live in Michigan, then you know that your tap water probably isn’t clean and clear by default. If you have hard water, it can negatively impact your plumbing system, including your water heater.
If you hear your water heater rumbling, for example, it’s a sure sign of a problem. Let’s explore why unusual sounds might be telling you it’s time for proper water treatment.
A Rumble From the Basement
One of our technicians was at a home in Hartland, MI, installing a water softener for a new customer. Her condo was 12 years old and on Hartland city water. A water treatment system had never been put in place up until then.
Upon arrival, our technician heard a loud rumbling sound. The sound was coming— you guessed it —from the hot water heater in the basement. Immediately, the technician knew what the problem was.
Over time, when you use hard water, sediment (mostly calcium) gathers in the water heater tank. It sinks to the bottom where the heating element is. Water gets mixed in and trapped underneath the sediment. As the water heater’s burner heats the water, it creates steam bubbles that violently escape the sediment layers.
The homeowner mentioned that the water heater looked brand new. Unfortunately, in cases like this, the tank doesn’t typically look bad since you can’t see the calcium buildup from the outside.
When our tech opened the drain valve, it immediately plugged up with sediment. A light colored, muddy water came out. Nearly five inches of calcium buildup caked the bottom of the tank.
After installing the water softener and a larger drain valve, we ran 500 gallons of water through her new softener to flush the water heater. The lesson of the story is, untreated hard water can lead to expensive home repairs. A water softener that isn’t working properly, or the lack of one when necessary, could cost you hundreds.
In this instance, the rumble had dissipated by the time our technician left. The homeowner was left with softened, non-chlorinated water coming from the EVRC water softener that we installed. In addition, we were able to address the issue with the water heater, saving our customer any further expense.
If you need professional water quality treatment service, you can rely on us! Call (810) 231-2613 now to schedule a service appointment!
Water Softener Sounds That May Signal a Problem
A water softener is key to protecting your plumbing system against hard water. Unfortunately, if it stops working, you may not notice right away.
When your water softener is working properly, you’ll hear normal cycling sounds. However, certain noises can indicate problems. For example:
- For a water softener, running water sounds that occur at odd times or continuously can mean the system is stuck in the regeneration cycle.
- If your water softener sounds like air is escaping it, this might point to a pressure problem or faulty seal.
- If you hear loud banging or hammering sounds during the regeneration process, there could be a salt bridge in the brine tank. Loud noises, or even failing to regenerate at all, can also indicate the valve needs to be replaced.
- Grinding, humming, or vibrating noises can indicate there is a problem with the motor or loose components.
Additionally, if your water heater is acting up, it could be a sign your treatment system has malfunctioned. At Advanced Water Treatment, we can quickly diagnose and fix any softener issue you may be facing. We also offer water softener maintenance to help prevent unexpected repairs.
With over 40 years of experience working on water softeners in Michigan, we know what to listen for and how to keep your system running quietly and efficiently. Contact us today to book a service appointment!
The Real Cost of Untreated Water
When you hear strange sounds that point to a water heater or softener issue, the real danger isn’t the noise itself. Rather, it’s the costs that accumulate as a result. For example:
- When sediment builds up in your water heater tank, it acts as a layer of insulation. This causes your water heater’s burner to run longer, which uses more gas/energy. This results in higher utility bills.
- If your water heater isn’t operating properly, the metal tank can overheat. Over time, this will cause the system to deteriorate, eventually causing a leak and possibly even a flood. According to disastersafety.org, “Water heater failures cost an average of $4,444 per incident after the deductible was paid.”
- A failing water softener can cause clogged pipes and damage to appliances. This is because mineral buildup like limescale can gather in your water lines. It also impacts the operation of your dishwasher and clothes washer, building up on internal components and causing clogs.
Contact Us for Water Softener Installation & Repairs
One simple decision— installing a water softener —can protect your water heater and home from hard water. Contact Advanced Water Treatment today for a free in-home water quality test. We can help you find the right system for your needs.
