Adding ACV to water with heating element

[Chickenwing77]

I keep going through heating elements in my 5 gallon waterer (using horizontal nipples). Would adding vinegar prolong the life of the element? We get some calcium build up on the element. It's my guess that is why they are breaking. I'm using the 250 watt aluminum stock tank de icer from TS. Yes, it gets wicked cold here - 25 or so.

 

[Chickenwing77]

I'm also using a plastic bucket so no worries about galvanized leaching metals

I keep going through heating elements in my 5 gallon waterer (using horizontal nipples). Would adding vinegar prolong the life of the element? We get some calcium build up on the element. It's my guess that is why they are breaking. I'm using the 250 watt aluminum stock tank de icer from TS. Yes, it gets wicked cold here - 25 or so.