How to remove sediment from water heater? It follows methods to flush the unit, soak the tank in the vinegar, maintain temperature, and install the water softener.
These methods help eliminate the clogging of valves and faucets. The water that flows around the house is greatly reduced. Since you stop these issues, you’ll not worry that the water heater will have a limited lifespan, reduced performance, lower power output, and heating element efficiency.
So you must never forget to flush the sediment from the unit. Remember that sediment buildup causes the tank to fail or heating elements. Solve this issue immediately, or it is not possible or difficult to clean it. So, without further ado, let us understand these methods better!
Methods To Remove Sediment From Water Heater
Below are the methods for removing sediment from the water heater:
#1. Flushing the unit
Flushing the unit requires you do it twice a year to avoid sediment buildup. The method involves the unit draining and removing floating particles. Turn off the electricity or gas first before starting to power the system. Then, cut the cold water supply so no water will enter the tank in the flushing process. Afterward, grab some hose and get it connected to the drainage. It drains somewhere safe as the water is too hot. Drain it and flush. Ensure the cold water valve is open until the water runs out entirely. See if there is no sediment left anymore. That’s when the water heater’s power is back.
#2. Soaking the tank in a vinegar
Vinegar is a kitchen ingredient that is not only utilized for cooking. But, it helps eliminate sediment in the water heater. Daily cleaning of the hard water that builds up is a must. So, use vinegar to avoid those. After you drain the unit entirely, pour cider vinegar through the tank. Close the drain valve and enable the vinegar to soak thoroughly. Allow it for six hours and more, and flush the vinegar afterward.
#3. Maintaining the temperature
Set the thermostat above the high setting to help the building scale. Set the device up to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature higher than this risks the unit from building up more sediment. A higher water temperature encourages more minerals like magnesium and calcium to stay in their solid form deposits. Avoid the residue from building up in the water heater. Avoid setting the water heater’s temperature extremely high.
#4. Installing the water softener
Install the water softener system inside the household as a long-term solution for combating sediment buildup, as this further removes the ion that becomes hard water, as this also affects the family member’s appliances, plumbing, and health. The magnesium, dissolved ions, and calcium are filtered out. The sodium ions exchange in the water supply. Even if the water softener is costly and requires maintenance after the installation, it’s still right to look at its long-term effects.
Step-by-Step Guide In Removing Sediment From Water Heater
Follow the steps below in removing sediment from the water heater.
#1. Turning the device off
Turn the power switch off if yours is an electric water heater. But if yours is a gas heater, turn the thermostat to its pilot setting that turns the heating element off the water heater. This way, the water will cool down completely. Before beginning the maintenance project, ensure no one gets inside the shower or wash the dishes.
#2. Turning the valve of cold water off
Turn the valve in the cold water off. The device moves the hot water in the entirety of your home with hard water brought inside the tank, as this then displaces the hot water. With no cold water coming into the tank, it is possible to drain the water tank thoroughly. If you do not pass this step, water only and continually moves into the drain and tank, costing you more on the water bill.
#3. Allowing the water to cool
Allow the water to cool inside the tank before draining the water heater. Do not just drain the hot water but allow the tank to cool after turning off its heating elements, as this takes up naturally two hours for more substantial water heater tanks.
#4. Attaching a garden hose or drain to the drain valve in the tank side
Attach the garden hose to the drain valve of the water heater. Search for the drain valve on the side of the water heater. Then, attach the hose. Get the hose threaded on fully, or else you face leaks while you drain the water heater tank.
#5. Placing the hose’ end in the drain or bucket
The fifth step in how to remove sediment from water heater is to place the end of your hose in a heat-proof type of bucket. Ensure the drain does not overflow before you drain the device.
#6. Turning on the faucet
Open the faucets around to stop the vacuum as it forms within the pipes. Please turn it to a hot setting and allow it to run. No more water will come out of them since you turn off the valve in cold water to the water heater and will displace no warm water.
#7. Begin draining the tank as you turn the drain valve on
Turn the valve on with a flathead screwdriver. There should be no leaks, and the drain or bucket where you drain the water does not overflow.
#8. Turning the drain valve off, removing the hose, and more
Fill the tank again and turn off the valve, to follow the removal of the hose. Turn the cold water valve on and the heating elements back on their “on” position. The taps should still be on so that after they go back to normal flow, you should turn them off. Wait for about thirty minutes before you test the hot water. The device must have gallons of water heated in the tank again. That way, it is sediment-free already. I guess it’s helpful to read about water heater checklist.
It’s A Wrap!
Now you learn how to remove sediment from water heater with the methods mentioned. Decide which one you believe is adequate. Follow as well the clear step-by-step guide in removing residue to your advantage. For sure, it’s going to be easy to solve this problem. Don’t hesitate to know these things too; read about how to make a solar water heater and hot water heater makes noise when heating.