Descaling

The Importance of Descaling Your Water Heater and Plumbing System

February 14, 20252 min read

The Importance of Descaling Your Water Heater and Plumbing System

Why Descaling Matters for Your Home

If you live in Riverside, California, you’ve probably noticed how hard water affects your plumbing. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium build up inside your water heater and pipes, reducing efficiency and causing costly damage. Descaling is the process of removing these mineral deposits to keep your plumbing system working properly. Without regular maintenance, your water heater and pipes could become clogged, leading to poor water pressure, increased energy bills, and even complete system failure.

Descaling

How Hard Water Impacts Your Plumbing

Hard water is common in Riverside, and while it’s safe to drink, it’s not so safe for your plumbing system. When water heats up, minerals separate and cling to the inside of pipes and your water heater. This buildup—often called “scale”—acts like cholesterol in arteries, restricting water flow and making appliances work harder than necessary.

You might notice some common signs of scale buildup, including:

  • Water taking longer to heat up

  • Reduced water pressure

  • White, chalky residue on faucets and showerheads

  • Higher energy bills due to inefficiency

  • Odd noises from your water heater, like popping or rumbling

Ignoring these signs can lead to major plumbing repairs. The good news? Luke Bates Plumbing and Rooter offers professional descaling services to keep your system running smoothly.

The Descaling Process: How It Works

Descaling isn’t a complicated process, but it does require expertise. Here’s how we do it:

  1. Assessing the Buildup
    Our team first inspects your plumbing system to determine the level of scale buildup. We use specialized tools to check for clogs and inefficiencies.

  2. Flushing the System
    A descaling solution, often made of food-safe acids like vinegar or citric acid, is circulated through your water heater and pipes. This breaks down mineral deposits and flushes them away.

  3. Rinsing and Testing
    After descaling, we thoroughly rinse the system to ensure no residue remains. We then test the water pressure and temperature to confirm everything is running efficiently.

  4. Preventative Measures
    To keep scale from coming back, we recommend installing a water softener or using scale-inhibitor devices. Regular maintenance and flushing can also extend the life of your plumbing system.

    Descaling

How Often Should You Descale Your Water Heater?

For homes in Riverside, descaling should be done at least once a year. However, if you notice signs of buildup sooner, don’t wait. The longer you let scale accumulate, the harder it is to remove—and the more damage it can cause.

Why Choose Luke Bates Plumbing and Rooter?

At Luke Bates Plumbing and Rooter, we specialize in Plumbing in Riverside, offering top-tier descaling services to extend the life of your plumbing system. Our team ensures your water heater and pipes stay in peak condition, saving you money on costly repairs.

Don’t let hard water ruin your plumbing. Call us today for a professional descaling service and keep your home running efficiently!

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