Calcium Buildup in water lines? Or Chemical Reaction?

Question

I am getting alot of calcium chips through my cold water pipes. There are none coming through the hot water and I am thinking that the calcium is going into the hot water tank (which is not good). I live in a mobile home but have not been hooked up to a well. I have city water, but all these calcium chips are clogging everything up. I called the city and they came and checked my water and said the calcium balance in it was fine. And they checked the water coming into the trailer and said there was no calcium coming in from there.

The only thing they said it could be is a chemical reaction caused by having 2 different pipes connected together. How do I find out where the real problem lies before I go spending alot of time on something that won't help? (They said this is a 1 in a million chance)

Answer 1

The calcium test determines the level of ionized calcium, that is, the amount of Ca dissolved in the water. If Ca has precipitated, the results of the test will be lower. Factors that could increase the precipitation include colder water, more alkaline water, increases in other anions (Magnesium, Iron). There may even be a small breech in the supply line, allowing minerals from the soil into the system.
Galvanic action (the dissociation between two dissimilar metals) is not likely the problem.

Check the pH of the water. Check for presence of Fe and Mg. Check for the presence of organic compounds (permanganate test). If any of these are out of range, further investigation should be demanded. If not, an acid flush of the entire system and installation of a water softener should solve the problem (although that should not be necessary with a municipal water supply, unless it is actually processed ground water)

Answer 2

david gave you some good info.
about your water heater, you're right to be concerned. the manufacturers suggest that you flush them out annually. you'll find a valve near the bottom of the unit that is threaded to accept a standard garden hose. turn off the heat source, attach the hose, and open the valve. you'll probably see some sediment. this is normal and also why they recomend periodic flushing.