2 inch hard water build-up, i.e. calcium, lime. I change the heating element every 2 months. Does the unit have a thermocoupler? can't find anything in the manual or the website parts list. Could that cause a spike of the electric bill? Thanks, JR
Water Heaters - Reliance - & 40 Gal Mobile Home Water Heater
Answers & Comments
I think your problem is the buildup, which would cause your elements to work much harder trying to heat the water - especially if you have well water as opposed to chlorinated city water, although city water still has calcium, etc. in it.. Add a whole house filter to your water line where it comes into your dwelling - there are a myriad of elements available at varying microns to catch the calcium
and other contaminants. These filters normally need changed every 3 months - I would check your after a month to see what it is catching. These whole house filter systems are not expensive - check out your local hardware or plumbing store, I'm sure they can guide you to the proper set up ( after you verify what they say through some online research) . Better safe than sorry !!
p.s.there should be 2 elements in your water heater - 1 above and 1 below, so after you've installed your filter change both elements - I'm sure you'll find they last a lot longer!! Also - before you cut off water to your home for the install, fill up a clean 5 gallon bucket and RINSE the filter element , then turn off the water supply to your water heater to prevent a loss of prime and water hammer to the pipes.