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RESIDENTIAL GAS, NON POWER VENTED, WATER HEATER
SERVICE HANDBOOK
State Water Heater Technical Training Department
© 2004 Ashland city, TN
26
TECHNICAL BULLETIN - 13
MINERAL BUILD-UP
SYMPTOMS
Rumbling
Crackling
Popping
CAUSE
With the advent of high input and larger storage tanks in both commercial and
residential heaters, deliming has become a necessity of modern maintenance.
Lime (CaCO
3
), is the most notable factor when discussing water hardness.
Lime is present in every water system to some degree across the entire
United States. Since lime is inversely soluble [the more you heat, the more
lime comes out], higher usage, excessive hardness, and increased heating
surface can lead to a high incidence of “limed-up” heaters.
Symptoms often include a popping of water trapped under lime deposits or
the sizzling of water trapped next to elements, boiling it to steam.
THE FIX
Treatment of a “limed-up“ heater is relatively simple. Since CaCO
3
is a base,
the easiest way to dissolve it so it can be flushed from the heater is with an
acid. The most commonly used is phosphoric acid at a food-grade level.
Two common treatments available from State are Mag-Erad and Un-Lime.
Any well-stocked plumbing supply house should have a deliming solution
available.
The directions on the product should be followed explicitly.
NOTES
For additional information and instructions in deliming water heaters and
boilers, please refer to the following pamphlets available from State:
Why? When & How: To Remove Water Scale from Tank Type Water
Heaters
The Mag-Erad
Method of Cleaning Gas Fired Water Heaters
Up-N-Down
Transfer Kit
All About Deliming Coil Type Water Heaters