What happens when sediment builds up in water heater?

Cleaning water heater sediment can save you money on monthly energy bills by reducing the amount of heat lost to the atmosphere. Sediment buildup in water heaters is an issue that occurs when the minerals that are naturally present in your water source accumulate in your water heater. If left unattended, not only can this cause overheating and reduce the lifespan of your water heater, but the impurities can also leach into your water supply. If you happen to use this water for cooking, you may even accidentally ingest the impurities. So how can one tell if their water heater is suffering from sediment buildup?

Table of Contents Show

Signs and Symptoms of Sediment Buildup
What to Do About Sediment Buildup
May Affect Water Heater’s Performance
Water Heater May Make Squealing Sounds
What happens if too much sediment in water heater?
Can sediments ruin a water heater?
How do I get rid of sediment in my water heater?
How often should a hot water heater have the sediment removed?

In this article, plumbing heating and air expert Palo Alto reveals the signs that indicate your water heater is suffering from sediment buildup and what you can do about it.

Signs and Symptoms of Sediment Buildup

There are numerous signs and symptoms of sediment buildup that can easily be rooted out. For instance, if you’re experiencing water temperature fluctuations or there’s no hot water at all despite your water heater being in good condition, it’s likely that the cause is sediment buildup within said heater. Discoloration is another tell-tale sign that you need to look out for, as this means that there are impurities in your water supply that are turning the water a rusty color.

Finally, if you hear popping or rumbling noises coming from the tank, it’s likely that there’s sediment buildup in your water heater. If you want to be certain, however, consider enlisting an expert plumber like those at Palo Alto to inspect the heater and confirm your suspicions.

What to Do About Sediment Buildup

When your water heater is already facing sediment buildup, there’s not much you can do other than call in a professional to help get rid of it. However, if you’re trying to prevent this from happening again, experts recommend keeping up with the heater’s regular maintenance plan by draining and flushing the water heater every year to remove sediment and keep the heater as efficient as possible. In addition, you can also consider installing a whole-house water filter to reduce the buildup.

Make your search for a plumbing expert easier by turning to Palo Alto. When it comes to plumbing and air conditioning projects, we’re the number one service provider to approach, and you can count on us! Give us a call at (650) 856-3400 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us. We serve homeowners in Palo Alto, the Bay Area and other nearby areas.

As you may already know, hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. These minerals may not have any notable impact on your health, but are certainly not suitable for your home’s plumbing. High levels of minerals in the water, may potentially affect your ability to keep yourself and your home clean. This happens because soap doesn’t dissolve easily in hard water and hence, leaves filmy deposits causing itchy skin, dry hair, and more!So, How Does Hard Water Affect Your Water Heater?The excessive amount of minerals in hard water may cause trouble for all appliances that use water, as they leave behind sediment and limescale deposits. Here are a few signs:

May Affect Water Heater’s Performance

In a water heater, limescale buildups develop at a fast pace inside its water tank. This is because the heat in your tank increases the speed with which minerals dissolve into limescale. Over time, these buildups may block the heat from actually getting to the water inside the tank.Similarly, if your use a tankless water heater, these minerals can buildup in your plumbing lines and pipes, limiting the water flow, and hence may reduce the hot water pressure.In both of the above-mentioned situations, the efficiency and performance of your water heater will be seriously impaired and you may get cold water despite investing in a high-quality water heater.

Water Heater May Make Squealing Sounds

Do you hear a whining sound every time you run hot water? Regardless of your water heater quality, if there are sediment buildups in your pipes, your water heater may make strange noises. The sediment buildup inside the tank formulates an insulating layer inside the tank, because of which the heat present in the heat cannot escape outside, which consequently leads to overheating of the tank.When the hot water in the tanks heats up and expands, it pushes through the sediment to reach the tank’s top. This causes the sediment to move against the tank’s edges, creating a rumbling sound. You may also hear a popping sound when the steam bubbles are formed under the residue buildup.Bottom-line

All in all, if you observe frequent fluctuations in water temperature, rising energy bills, a reduced supply of hot water, or some strange noises when the heater runs, then there’s a potential chance that there are sediment buildups in your heater which are negatively impacting its ability to maintain a consistent temperature, and eventually its energy efficiency.If you don’t want the buildup to get more severe, or sediment to start displacing the water in your heater’s water tank, causing a tank failure, try to pay attention to the issue and flush your tank periodically.However, it’s more important to resolve the root cause of the problem. We highly recommend you immediately reach out to water specialists near your home and schedule a water testing appointment.Whether you need safe Drinking Water Systems in CA or Whole House Water Filters, you can rely on our services.Contact our team to learn more about our water filtration and softening systems.

What happens if too much sediment in water heater?

Over time, your hot water heater tank will accumulate sediment from the minerals and particulates in your fresh water supply. If the sediment is not removed, it can cause leaking, cold showers, odd noises, and even shorten the lifespan of your water heater.

Can sediments ruin a water heater?

Not only does sediment buildup in the system restrict heat to the water, but it can also damage the water heater's interior lining. As the lining wears away, the steel beneath can deteriorate and corrode.

How do I get rid of sediment in my water heater?

How to Flush Sediment Out of a Water Heater.

Turn the Water Heater Off. ... .

Turn the Cold Water Valve Off. ... .

Let the water cool. ... .

Attach a drain or garden hose to the drain valve on the side of the tank. ... .

Place the end of the hose in a bucket or drain. ... .

Turn on a faucet (or two) ... .

Start draining the tank by turning on the drain valve..

How often should a hot water heater have the sediment removed?

Experts generally recommend that you drain and remove the sediment from your water heater at least once a year. This helps to ensure the greatest supply of hot water to your home, and also prevents the sediment from corroding the water heater's components.