Top 5 Things to Consider Before Adding Salt to Your Water Heater in Austin, TX
Living in Austin, TX, it's important to keep your water heater running efficiently and properly. There are many tasks you can perform to ensure your heater works at its best, such as regularly flushing the system, ensuring proper temperatures, and installing a water softening system. However, one topic that might confuse some Austinites is the addition of salt to their water heater.
Salt can definitely help prevent maintenance issues with your water heater, but there are some things to take into account before adding salt to the system. To help you make an informed decision and ensure safe practices, here are the top 5 things you should consider before adding salt to your water heater in Austin, TX:
1. Always Consult an Expert Before Adding Salt
The first and most important step before adding salt to your water heater is to consult an expert. A certified plumbing specialist, like Abacus Residential & Commercial Plumbers, can evaluate your system and determine if salt is actually necessary and recommend the appropriate application instructions. Not all water heaters need salt. So, if you follow the advice of an untrained individual without consulting an expert, you could be putting your heater at risk.
2. Consider the Type of Water in Your Home
The next factor to consider is the type of water in your home. If you have hard water (high in mineral deposits such as calcium and magnesium), adding salt can help reduce scale buildup on the inside of your water heater and help the system function optimally for the long-term. Soft water, however, does not need any salt added, as there are no minerals for salt to bind to.
3. Different Types of Salt Offer Varied Benefits
Once you confirm that your system requires salt, you should look into the two main types of salt – solar and evaporated. Although similar in appearance and composition, these forms of salt offer different benefits. Solar salt provides better protection against calcium and magnesium buildup, while evaporated salt helps provide better taste and conditioning to the water. Ultimately, you should follow the recommendations of your water heater expert.
4. Consider the Applied Frequency
When adding salt to your water heater, it's important to consider the applied frequency. Poorly applied frequency can affect the water heaters performance and even damage the system. Again, a plumbing expert can help you determine the appropriate frequency and properly maintain your water heater for optimal performance.
5. Ensure Compliance With the Department of Health Regulations
Finally, before adding salt to your water heater, make sure to comply with the Austin-Travis County Department of Health regulations. This includes the limitations on sodium and other minerals found in your water. Use only certified, approved salt and only add a maximum of 6 grains of salt per gallon of water as stipulated by the department of health.
The bottomline
Salt in water heaters can provide multiple benefits when properly applied and maintained. Always consult an expert before adding salt; your water heater technician can evaluate the type of water in your home, recommend the best type of salt and guide you on the appropriate frequency for adding salt. Also, make sure to follow all Austin-Travis County Department of Health regulations to ensure your water heater works optimally for the long-term.
Salt in Water Heaters
Water Heater Maintenance
Austin-Travis County Department of Health Regulations
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