When your bathtub’s jets lose their power, you need more than just guesswork; you need professional Houston plumbing services and bathtub repair to accurately diagnose and solve the problem. The two most common culprits for this common issue in jet bathtubs are either mineral blockages or general internal wear and tear. While the outcome of both of these ailments is similar, the reasons and symptoms can be vastly different. Luckily, both of these issues within your bathtub’s internal system are easily fixable when you work with an expert team of Houston plumbers like our team at Santhoff Plumbing. If you’re tired of lackluster bathtub jet power and want to get back to enjoying a clean, reliable, and relaxing bathtub experience, use this blog as your guide to understanding the difference between jet degradation and hard water buildup in your bathtub jets.
The Essential Components of Your Jetted Tub
The first step in understanding the difference between internal degradation and hard water buildup in your bathtub is learning about the simple process that moves water through this system. What many Houston homeowners don’t realize is that their bathtub jet system is a closed-loop system, meaning that there are three primary components that contribute to making a relaxing, spa-like bathtub experience. These components include:
- The pump and its impeller
- Plumbing lines
- Jets and nozzles
Within this system, the pump works as the heart of the bathtub. It circulates the water via a spinning impeller within its internal cavity. This impeller spins rapidly, physically forcing the water through the rest of the system – because of this, the impeller and pump are one of the most integral aspects of bathtub repair.
The plumbing lines are also a key component, working to move water throughout the rest of the system. The jets and nozzles are how air and water exit and re-enter the system, creating the “bubbling” effect that delivers a luxurious bathtub experience.
In order for your tub to work optimally for years to come, all portions of this dynamic system must work in harmony. One slight malfunction in the lines can lead to detrimental outcomes in the pump, which can affect the impeller. Because everything connects, professional Houston plumbing companies provide an essential aspect of city home ownership, not just a recommendation.
Bathtub Impeller Wear vs. Mineral Scale: Understanding the Failure Modes
Although the final outcome is the same regardless of the cause, usually a weak jet output, the bathtub repair solution is based on the specific problem causing the slow stream. Because of this, the next section of this blog will be focused on the primary differences between a mineral scale issue and overall impeller degradation.
Mineral scale is usually a symptom of Houston’s notorious hard water. Houston’s water supply is primarily sourced from natural water reservoirs like Lake Houston, Lake Conroe, and the Trinity River. Because of this, the water is naturally full of minerals due to it flowing over the limestone river beds and lake bottoms on its way to your home’s pipes. Over time, the water within the pipes absorbs dissolved minerals, mostly magnesium and calcium, which leaves them behind, leading to significant buildup—otherwise known as mineral scale. This can occur both within the plumbing lines and on the jets and nozzles, impacting the intake and outflow of water within the system.
The Three Main Causes of Impeller Degradation
On the other hand, impeller degradation can also significantly alter the flow and lead to non-negotiable bathtub jet repair. The three main causes of degradation of the impeller blades include:
- Erosion: This happens when high-speed water continuously flows through the pump, gradually breaking down the blades over time. As the blades lose both their size and their shape,
- Cavitation: Sometimes, when small air bubbles continuously form inside the motor, it can lead to tiny, repeated impacts on the blades, which can break them down over time.
- Debris: All aspects of plumbing suffer from clogs due to a wide array of debris, including hair, soap scum, and even bath salts. When this occurs, the debris can be sucked into the motor, wreaking havoc on the delicate valves and components.
When any of these variations of degradation occur, the impeller is unable to effectively propel the water through the jets and nozzles, resulting in a weak stream or no stream at all.
DIY Bathtub Diagnostic Test Before Calling For Expert Repair
While the majority of bathtub repairs in Houston require a professional plumbing company for a long-term solution, there are several DIY checks that you can use to find what the problem at hand is. First, check the visible openings of the jets, being sure to look for white, sand-paper colored grit or buildup on the opening. Usually, it resembles chalk. If you noticed a large amount of mineral scaling, you can bet that it is the primary issue.
The best way to see if the problem is actually impeller degradation instead of hard water buildup is to do a simple listening test. Try running your motor and listen carefully; it should sound like a consistent, powerful hum. If you hear any significant rattling, clicking, or grinding noises, this is a clear indicator that the problem is either debris caught in the motor or impeller degradation.
Bathtub Solutions and Professional Plumbing Intervention
Once you look into whether the issue is impeller degradation or mineral scale, the next step is contacting your Houston professional plumbing team at Santhoff Plumbing. We approach these two different problems differently in order to offer the most long-term, reliable, and cost-effective bathtub repair solutions for our clients.
In cases where mineral scale is the primary issue for a bathtub jet system, our team can help by employing aggressive cleaning techniques and special chemical solutions that help fully strip the system of mineral buildup. In almost all cases, it is essential to continuously follow up with this service by doing DIY white vinegar flushes in order to maintain the cleanliness of the plumbing system’s pipes and keep your bathtub repair-free.
When it comes to impeller degradation, this is a highly technical bathtub repair that requires taking apart the system and replacing the weakened components. Typically, it involves replacing the motor or the impeller, depending on the unique level of degradation at play. The most important thing to remember is that many times, plumbing issues are more complex than they may seem, so contacting your plumbing team at Santhoff Plumbing is the best bet for finding a lasting solution.
Bathtub Repair For Quality Jet System Upkeep
If you enjoy taking long, relaxing bubble baths with a fully functioning jet system, then professional plumbing and bathtub repair is a non-negotiable. In contrast, it might seem like a simple system, a bathtub repair requires precise and accurate techniques from a dependable, expert plumbing team. At Santhoff Plumbing, we help our clients by providing efficient bathtub repairs for any issues they may be facing.
Whether you need a full-fledged professional pipe cleaning or a new set of motors and impellers, Santhoff Plumbing is the best team in Houston. Don’t let mineral scale or a broken-down motor system ruin your relaxing spa experience at home. Contact us today for a free bathtub repair estimate for your jet system.