What To Do About Sediment Buildup in Your Water Heater

If your water heater is no longer operating at peak performance, it could be due to sediment buildup. The accumulation of minerals in your tank can cause a wide range of issues and leave you with less reliable access to the hot water you need.

The experts at Leak Geeks Plumbing explain what sediment is and the problems it can cause, as well as signs you may have this issue and ways to solve it.

What Is the Sediment in Your Water Heater Tank?

It’s a buildup of minerals in your water heater’s tank. These minerals come from your local water supply and are often slightly different in different regions. In North Fort Worth, it’s often composed of minerals like calcium and magnesium that make the water hard. Sediment is formed when the mineral particles separate and settle during the heating process and can lead to issues including reduced efficiency, noisy operating, overheating, and tank corrosion.  

5 Signs You Have Mineral Buildup

You should recognize when your water heater may be dealing with excess sediment as it’s critical to solve the issue before it causes permanent damage. This is especially true for homeowners in Tarrant County as the local water source is categorized as “hard” to “very hard.” This means you are more likely to experience these issues.

Signs you may have mineral buildup include:

• Rumbling noises during heating
• Inconsistent water temperatures
• Discolored water
• Increasing energy bills
• Reduced water pressure

How To Get Rid of Sediment in Your Water Heater

If the previous signs sound like your situation, there’s no need to panic. Luckily, sediment in your water heater is a fairly simple issue to solve. Homeowners can use these simple techniques to solve and even prevent the issue to ensure that their water heater is operating efficiently and effectively. 

Flush the Unit Regularly

The most common and effective way to remove sediment from your water heater is to flush the tank. This is a fairly easy task that homeowners can do themselves. Start by turning off the power to your water heater. Electric systems can be powered off at the circuit breaker whereas gas ones will need to have the thermostat set to “pilot.” You’ll then need to shut off the cold water supply to prevent the tank from refilling.

Next, attach a hose to the drain valve and place the other end in a bucket or outside to drain. Carefully open the drain valve as the water that comes out will still be hot. Once it’s drained, flush the system with cold water to rinse out any remaining sediment. You can repeat this step if necessary or until the water runs clear. Then, close the valve, detach the hose, and restore power.

Keep Your Water at the Right Temperature

Sediment formation is faster at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, keeping your water heater set to a lower temperature can prevent or at least slow sediment accumulation. We recommend setting your water temperature somewhere between 120 degrees and 140 degrees. This will help reduce mineral accumulation while keeping your water hot enough to protect against bacterial growth. 

Consider a Whole-Home Water Softener

With Tarrant County’s hard water, homeowners can also greatly benefit from installing a water softener. These systems eliminate mineral issues by removing them from the water source even before they enter your water heater. By using salt to replace hard minerals with sodium ions, your system will be protected against any scale to eliminate sediment issues once and for all.

The benefits of a water softener go beyond solving sediment problems. These systems also make your water gentler on appliances and plumbing, extending their lifespan and limiting wear and tear. They can also improve the energy efficiency of your water heater by reducing the energy necessary to heat your water. You can also experience other advantages like cleaner dishes, brighter laundry, softer hair, and more.

Consider a whole-home water softener if you have signs that you have hard water, including:

• Soap scum and residue on showers and tubs
• Water spots or cloudy appearance on glasses and dishes
• Crusty deposits around plumbing fixtures
• Itchy, dry skin and brittle hair
• Stiff and dingy laundry
• Frequent clogs in your drains
• High energy bills due to an inefficient water heater

Schedule a Plumbing Consultation in NFW

If your water heater is plagued with sediment buildup or other issues, trust the team at Leak Geeks Plumbing to provide you with superior service in Tarrant County. Our uniformed, courteous, and informed plumbing service technicians have the skills and training to solve even the most complex plumbing issues and offer convenient, prompt service. Plus, with upfront pricing and a commitment to our community, you can rest assured that Leak Geeks will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. 

Request an appointment with our expert plumbers today by calling or contacting Leak Geeks in Keller or North Ft. Worth.