Signs of Sediment Buildup in Your Water Heater
Posted in Hot Water Heater Repairs , on September 17, 2024
Water heaters are the mainstays of our plumbing systems, working round the clock to provide hot water on demand. Unfortunately, the inevitable sediments and minerals will eventually settle in your heater tank. This sediment may accumulate over years or even a year—it all depends on the mineral content in your freshwater supply. You’ll need a seasoned plumber in Fort Lauderdale to remove the sediment to avoid tank leaks, weird noises, uneven heating, or water heater repair. Sedimentation signs can be sometimes obvious and sometimes sneaky. Here’s a look at the usual symptoms indicating sedimentation in your water heater.
Understanding Sediment Buildup
Sediment buildup is nothing but a particulate mix of minerals like magnesium and calcium present in your water supply. These natural minerals form sediment particles when your heater heats the water. Heavier than water molecules, the sediment particles tend to settle in the tank’s bottom to create a resistant layer.
Excess sedimentation is a sign of hard water supply with high magnesium and calcium ion levels. Over time, the sediments harden and form a layer that creates a barrier between the heating element and water. Sediments can also form from natural corrosion of your heater tank(rusting) and debris in the water supply.
Sediment deposits are bad news for your heater—not only do they interfere with its working, but they are also the culprits behind tank leaks and unit damage.
Warning Symptoms of Sediment Buildup
Spotting early warning signs of sedimentation can help avert unnecessary water heater repair expenses. The symptoms include:
- Decreased or unreliable water heating
- Strange rumbling or weird popping noises from the heater tank
- Fluctuating or uneven water temperature
- Heating water takes a longer time
- Visibly cloudy or rusty orange water
- Unpleasant, rusty smelling water.
Sediment Buildup Implications
While sediment buildup cleaning may not figure high on your home to-do list, it needs the expertise of a knowledgeable plumber in Fort Lauderdale.
- Left unchecked, it can affect your heater’s working and increase wear and tear on the heater.
- Discolored rusty water is another problem with excess sedimentation. However, the leaching of impurities into your cooking or drinking water is a genuine concern.
- Sedimentation can cause overheating, leading to internal lining damage. This can effectively shorten your unit’s working years.
How Do You Confirm Your Water Heater Has Sediment Buildup
You can visually inspect the water heater for sediment buildup or conduct this simple test:
- Fill water from your hot water tap in a glass.
- Keep it undisturbed on the counter or flat surface for a few minutes.
- Floating particles or settled sediment at the bottom indicate a sedimentation problem in the heater tank.
Choosing the pros at Broward Plumbing for a professional plumber in Fort Lauderdale can confirm the sediment buildup problem in your heating unit.
Preventing & Addressing Sediment Buildup
- Water Heater Flushing: An annual or bi-annual flushing of the heater tank is the simplest way to keep sediment issues at bay. You’ll need to flush the heater tank every 3-4 months if you get a very hard or mineralized water supply. While the flushing process sounds simple, there’s more to it than simply draining off the tank. One should remove all sediment and thoroughly clean the heater tank of any bacteria or pathogens. Professional tank flushing will clear out most of the sediment and minerals. Improved water heater performance and enhanced lifespan are a welcome bonus!
- Sediment Water Filters: You can install a sediment water filter for your cold water supply pipe to filter sediments from your local water supply.
- Water Softeners: Is mineral-rich hard water the culprit behind your sediment problems? Installing a water softener can help! Water softeners remove hardness minerals responsible for scale and sediment buildup. Get a plumber in Fort Lauderdale to install a softener in your water main to relish the soft water supply across your property. This will protect your home plumbing and limit frequent sediment and water heater repair problems. Contact the heating pros at Broward Plumbing for water softers and more!
- Professional Maintenance: Get a certified plumber in Fort Lauderdale to tackle severe sediment accumulation in your water heater. Engaging water heater and plumbing experts like Broward Plumbing for professional tune-ups and maintenance will keep your heater free from sediment and other problems.
Schedule a Broward Plumbing Water Heater Maintenance
Sediment accumulation affects your heater function and water quality. Left unattended, sediments can lead to irreversible damage to your water heater. So, be smart about heater maintenance and schedule regular tune-ups with the Broward Plumbing heating pros! Our expert plumbers in Fort Lauderdale offer complete water heater repair and maintenance services at transparent prices you’ll love. We can drain and flush the sediment from your water heater to ensure flawless performance and hot water comfort in all seasons. Call now to book your Broward Plumbing water heater service!