How to Dissolve Sediment in Your Water Heater

Dealing with sediment buildup in your water heater is a common issue that homeowners face. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium settle at the bottom of the tank as sediment. This buildup reduces the efficiency of your hot water heater and can lead to problems like decreased hot water output, increased energy bills, and odd noises coming from the unit. Fortunately, dissolving and removing sediment from your water heater is a straightforward process that you can tackle yourself.

With some basic tools and regular maintenance, you can keep your water heater sediment-free for optimal efficiency.

What Causes Sediment in Water Heaters?

There are a few key culprits behind sediment buildup in water heaters:

• Hard water - Water high in dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium contributes to scale buildup in appliances that heat water. These minerals precipitate out of the water as it heats up and settle at the bottom of the tank.
• Rust and corrosion - If the tank interior rusts and corrodes over time, flakes of metal can mix with mineral deposits to create sediment.
• Well water - Sediment particles from untreated well water can accumulate in the water heater.
• Old pipes - Corroded pipes or loose pipe scale entering the water lines and heater can lead to sediment.

Effects of Sediment Buildup

Some signs that your water heater has excessive sediment accumulation include:

• Decreased efficiency - Sediment buildup reduces the heating capacity of the water heater's elements by acting as an insulator.
• Cloudy/discolored water - Sediment particles make the heated water appear unclean.
• Rotten egg smell - Sediment provides an environment for sulfur-reducing bacteria growth which causes a "rotten egg" odor.
• Rattling noises - Loose sediment can clang around the tank interior as the water heats and circulates.
• Lukewarm water - With heating elements coated in sediment, the output water doesn't get as hot.

How to Remove Sediment from Your Water Heater

Removing sediment buildup involves draining the tank and flushing it to wash out mineral deposits and other debris. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn Off Power and Water Supply

Shut off the power to the electric or gas water heater at the breaker or control switch. Turn the water supply valve to the "off" position.

2. Connect Garden Hose to Drain Valve

Attach a garden hose to the water heater's drain valve spigot. Place the other end of the hose in an area where you can safely dispose of hot water, like a drain or outdoors.

3. Open Hot Water Faucets

Open all hot water taps in the house. This allows air to enter the tank and facilitates thorough draining.

4. Open Drain Valve and Flush

Open the water heater's drain valve to release the pressure. Sediment will discharge through the hose. Flush until the water runs clear without particles.

5. Optional - Pump Flushing

For severe sediment buildup, use a submersible pump to flush the tank via the drain valve. Pumping water through under pressure helps dislodge stubborn deposits.

6. Refill the Tank

Once sediment is removed, close the drain valve and open the water supply to refill the tank. Turn the power back on when full. The water heater is now ready for use.

Preventing Future Sediment Buildup

Take these steps to stop sediment from accumulating again:

• Install a water softener if you have hard water. Softeners remove scale-forming minerals.
• Flush the tank annually. Draining sediment out regularly prevents major buildup.
• Use a whole house sediment filter. Filters installed before the water heater catch debris.
• Replace old pipes and fittings. Corroded plumbing introduces scale particles.
• Inspect and replace anode rods. Corroded rods can be a sediment source.

When to Call a Professional

In some instances, professional assistance may be required to thoroughly remove sediment from a water heater:

• The tank has extensive buildup that home flushing cannot clear.
• Your water heater is over 10 years old. Older tanks are prone to leaks and failures.
• Significant interior tank corrosion is causing sediment.
• You encounter other issues like leaks or element failures.

For major sediment removal and repairs, a trained plumber has specialized tools to handle the job. They can also assess when tank replacement is needed.

Safety Tips for DIY Sediment Removal

When tackling sediment removal on your own, keep these safety precautions in mind:

• Allow the tank to cool completely before draining to avoid scalding water.
• Direct the drain hose safely away from any electrical sources.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when operating the drain valve.
• Use the proper size equipment - a standard garden hose fits most residential heaters.
• Check for leaks after refilling the tank.

Removing Severe Sediment Buildup

For water heaters with years of buildup or other issues causing excessive sediment, extra steps may be required:

Chemical Cleaners

Cleaning solutions containing acids or degreasing agents can break down stubborn mineral deposits and corrosion when flushed through the tank and heating elements.

Power Flushing

Plumbers use high-pressure jets or powered augers to scour sediment from tanks and pipes. This aggressively removes debris and scale.

Tank Replacement

If the water heater is outdated or structurally compromised by corrosion, replacing the entire tank may be the best solution. Sediment issues often indicate a tank nearing the end of its lifespan.

Signs You Have a Sediment Problem

Be on the lookout for these common indicators that your water heater needs sediment removal and cleaning:

• Hot water takes longer to arrive at faucets.
• Reduced hot water capacity.
• Rumbling or banging noises from the tank.
• Cloudy gray or brown water at faucets.
• Rotten eggs or sulfur smell.
• Higher energy bills from decreased efficiency.

Prevent sediment buildup and keep your water heater running efficiently with these maintenance practices:

• Drain and flush the tank annually.
• Replace heating elements as needed.
• Inspect anode rods every 2-3 years and replace if corroded.
• Check pipes and fittings for corrosion or leaks.
• Consider installing a water softening system.
• Set temperature between 75degC and maximum to slow mineral precipitation.

By removing sediment buildup and practicing preventative maintenance, you can optimize hot water heater performance. Contact a professional plumber if you need assistance getting rid of stubborn tank deposits or have other water heater issues.