When a water softener removes the minerals that make water “hard,” it reduces the stains, soap scum, and crusty buildup that clogs showerheads and coats pipe walls. That’s good. But the downside is that it also shortens the life of your tank water heater. Softener systems use salt to remove the minerals (typcially calcium and magnesium) from the water through a process called “ion exchange.” But, after the exchange, not all of the salt gets flushed out with the minerals, and softened water ends up slightly saline. Salt water is more electrically conductive, so it speeds up the normal rate of electrolytic corrosion inside the tank.

    Water heaters have an anode rod, sometimes called a sacrifical anode, that hangs down into the tank from the top and attracts the corrosive ions. The rod “sacrifices” itself to save the tank wall, gradually being eaten way until only a thin wire remains. When the anode rod is consumed, corrosion moves to the tank wall and speeds up, resulting in premature failure of the tank.

    Many water heater manufacturers warn against using a water softerner because of this problem. But, if you do decide to install one, we recommend checking your anode rod once every 12- to 18-months, and replace when it gets spindly and eaten-way. To learn more, go to Why do water heaters have a sacrificial anode?

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Here’s links to a collection of more blog posts about WATER HEATERS:

• Are water heaters required to be raised off the floor? 

• Can a Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR or T&P) valve be mounted to discharge horizontally?

• Where are gas water heaters not allowed to be installed?  

• Is the minimum size water heater inlet pipe 1/2" or 3/4" according to the building code? 

• Can you use a light switch for a water heater disconnect? 

• How can I tell if a water heater is HUD-approved for mobile/manufactured homes?

• Can you wire a 240-volt water heater with 120 volts? 

• Is it alright to have a shut-off valve on both the hot and cold water pipes at a water heater?  

• What is the minimum clearance to doors and windows for an outdoor tankless gas water heater? 

• What is required clearance for access and working space in front of an electric water heater? 

• Why is the water heater older than the house? 

• Does a water heater need a shut-off valve? 

• Why should a tankless water heater have an isolator/service valve kit installed?

• When was a gas water heater first required to be elevated 18 inches above a garage floor?  

• Can the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve discharge pipe for a mobile/manufactured home water heater terminate under the home? 

• What is the purpose of a thermostatic mixing valve above a water heater? 

• Does a tankless gas water heater still work with no electricity during a power outage?  

•  Why do water heaters have a sacrificial anode? 

• What is the difference between a manufactured/mobile home water heater and a regular water heater? 

• Does a tankless water heater require a pressure relief valve?

• When is a water heater drain pan required?

• Why is there water in my water heater drain pan?

• What does it mean when a water heater Temperature/Pressure Relief (TPR) discharge pipe is "trapped"? 

• Can I leave a gas water heater in place when remodeling a garage into a family room or bedroom? 

• Where do I find the water heater in a mobile home?

• Does a tankless water heater in an attic require a drain pan? 

• Does an electric water heater require a disconnect? 

• Is a catch pan and drain piping required for a replacement water heater?

• What is the difference between a single element and dual element electric water heater? 

• What is an FVIR water heater?

• What's the valve with the flip-up handle on the water heater for?

• Why is an older water heater an insurance problem?

   Visit our WATER HEATERS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

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