State Industries GS6, GSX, GPX manual Mineral BUILD-UP, Symptoms, Cause

SYMPTOMS

• Rumbling

• Crackling

• Popping

CAUSE

With the increase in fuel costs and hot water consumption, deliming has become a

necessity of modern maintenance. Lime (CaCO3), is the most notable factor when

discussing water hardness. Lime is present in every water system to some degree.

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 CaCO3 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 available treatments 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 the Technical Information Center listed

on the cover of this handbook:

• 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