Determining calcification in a household appliance

A water heating assembly in a home appliance having a treating chamber, comprising:

• a heating element adapted to heat a flow of water through the water heating assembly;
• a thermostat sensor configured to determine a temperature of the heating element;
• a water sensor configured to determine a temperature of the flow of water through the water heating assembly;
• and
• a controller communicatively coupled with the thermostat sensor and the water sensor, and configured to:
• selectively energize the heating element during a cycle of operation;
• compare the determined temperature of the heating element with a predetermined temperature threshold, and upon satisfaction of the comparison, indicate a thermostat trip by ceasing power to the heating element, defining a thermostat trip;
• receive the determined temperature of the flow of water from the water sensor corresponding to the thermostat trip;
• and
• determine a calcification level of the water heating assembly based on the thermostat trip and the received water temperature.