Buildup can Bring a Water Heater Down
When water is heated inside a typical water heater, the mineral calcium carbonate precipitates out from the water and settles into the bottom of the tank. The resulting sediment can cause all sorts of problems if allowed to build up over time. In gas water heaters, the sediment forms an unwanted layer of insulation between the burner and the water it’s supposed to heat. This slows heat transfer and overheats the tank bottom, weakening the steel, damaging the glass lining, and decreasing the lifespan of the unit. In the case of electrics, it can bury the lower heating element, causing it to burn out.
Sediment buildup also creates a playground for corrosive active bacteria and lowers the energy efficiency of the tank. Sediment can even drift into recirculation lines, jam open check valves, and cause the recirculation pump to stick until it burns out. If all of that isn’t bad enough, a heavy load of sediment can create an annoying noise that, at times, may be downright frightening. The clamor is caused by small amounts of overheated water under the sediment layer turning to steam bubbles, which then collapse violently. Most tanks, both gas and electric, have domed bottoms so sediment falls out toward the edges and stays there. To make matters worse, typical drains are small, plastic jobs that can easily be clogged by one large piece of sediment.
Having a plumbing professional conduct an annual water heater check-up where they drain the water heater can prevent the problems mentioned above from occurring. It’s a job best suited for a professional, although routinely flushing the tank is a good way to keep sediment buildup to a minimum, thus delaying the need for a new water heater.
