Water Sofener ruins Water Heaters,

[steamron]

I had a Rainsoft water system installed 25 years ago, and since then we have gone trough several hot water tanks.
Looks like it is leaking again.

It is a low or short tank due to the area it is in, really hard to change the anode.

Anyone have this problem?

Thanks

 

[Steve Lawrence]

I seem to need replacement on mine pretty often--every 4-6 years on my 2 water heaters. And yes we have a Culligan soft water system so maybe there is something to your complaint. Hard to believe that soft water could do that but who knows?

 

[Zee]

I seem to need replacement on mine pretty often--every 4-6 years on my 2 water heaters. And yes we have a Culligan soft water system so maybe there is something to your complaint. Hard to believe that soft water could do that but who knows?

That's crazy... 4-6 years?


I have one in the house that's been there for at least 18-19 years.. The only thing was replaced was the thermocoupler to keep the pilot flame on.


We don't have soft water installed.

 

[Papa John]

The quality of water heaters has decreased. we don't have water softeners and our water heaters tend to last only about 8-10 years.

 

[steamron]

I believe it may be due to the little bit of salt being used to regen the resins.

 

[Steve Lawrence]

I believe it may be due to the little bit of salt being used to regen the resins.

Could be. They always seem to fail at a lower seam.

 

[jcooper]

I will say it's uprising how true/accurate the labeling(estimated lifespan) has been with ours.

Both water heaters went out within maybe six month of hitting the "estimated lifespan" on the label. You buy the 8 year hater heater, don't expect it to last much longer.


Anyone have the new style on demand type water heaters?

 

[Nomad74]

Why is it crazy to think that a soft water system would be bad for your water heater? Hell, you're running salt water through the damn thing. Might as well drop it in the ocean.

 

[Old Coastie]

I will say it's uprising how true/accurate the labeling(estimated lifespan) has been with ours.

Both water heaters went out within maybe six month of hitting the "estimated lifespan" on the label. You buy the 8 year hater heater, don't expect it to last much longer.


Anyone have the new style on demand type water heaters?

I’ve installed and owned the gas version. Not a ton of flow, but unlimited water and no energy cost to store hot water.

 

[Papa John]

I believe it may be due to the little bit of salt being used to regen the resins.

Why is it crazy to think that a soft water system would be bad for your water heater? Hell, you're running salt water through the damn thing. Might as well drop it in the ocean.

when properly plumbed-- this is not the case. the "salt water" should only go through the resin tank and dump out into the sewer line.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Soft water is "hungry for minerals. It gets them first from a "sacrificial" metal anode, and then from the alloys in the tank's welded seam.

 

[Steve Lawrence]

Soft water is "hungry for minerals. It gets them first from a "sacrificial" metal anode, and then from the alloys in the tank's welded seam.

So the solution is to replace the metal anode more often?

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Yes

 

[steve_64]

I believe it may be due to the little bit of salt being used to regen the resins.

If water is not being run during the cycle there shouldn't be any salt in the system I thought.

It's why you cycle it late at night when no water is being used.

 

[Jack Zipper Zerkie]

You need two circus elephants to remove the anod rod from the tank. Not removable after a few years. We have the same problem in south west Fl. A new tank every 4 years. Maybe draining twice a year from the bottom drain might help. I now have added large magnets on the incoming lines and on the hot water lines.

 

[Scott S.]

Are they not glass lined anymore? They used to be. The new one at one of my rentals is fiberglass.

 

[Newman]

If you live in a hard water zone which requires a water softener, the hard water is far more damaging to all of your plumbing lines and devices than properly softened water. The same holds true for your truckmount.

Flush out that tank twice a year from the bottom drain valve and you will extend the water heater tank life.

Minerals settle to the bottom of the water heater tank and build up over time which accelerates corrosion. Purging the tank also has the added benefit of exercising that drain valve regularly to prevent it from seizing.

When I install a new water heater, I will pull the anode rod, apply anti seize compound to the threads, then reinstall. Then only one elephant is needed to swap it out.

 

[Jack Zipper Zerkie]

Chris what is your elephants name but really does the anti seize replace the Teflon tape as a seal . I will try it Thank you. jz.

 

[Newman]

It is typically a NPT tapered thread. IMHO and experience, anti-seize will delay the corrosion longer than thread tape or dope, making the anode easier to replace years later, and the thread seals fine without teflon. Teflon is not a thread sealant, it is a thread lubricant.

 

[Steve Lawrence]

Chris what is your elephants name but really does the anti seize replace the Teflon tape as a seal . I will try it Thank you. jz.

So right, Jack. In fact I can't get one out that has been there less than 2 years.