Are your hot showers getting shorter and shorter? When sediment is building up in your tank, there is less room for water, which means your hot water doesn’t last as long. You may also notice strange sounds like popping or banging. Here are five common causes of water heater sediment buildup and some tips to help you prevent this problem.
1. Hard Water
Sediment contains minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium. Since these minerals are heavier than heated water, they will sink to the bottom of your tank and remain there. If you have hard water, there are even more minerals in it that can contribute to sediment buildup. A simple test strip from a hardware store can help you determine if you have hard water, or you can ask your water company for a report.
To prevent sediment buildup due to hard water, you will need to install a water softener. You can choose a whole-house water softener system or install a filter that only softens the water going into your water heater.
2. Neglecting Maintenance
Draining your water heater tank twice a year is an important part of maintenance. Neglecting this task causes more sediment buildup because the dirt and minerals that stay at the bottom of your tank solidify over time. Keep a maintenance log on or near your water heater so that you’re never in doubt about the last time you drained the tank.
3. Lack of Use
Daily use keeps sediment-causing debris on the move, which reduces the chances of it sticking to the bottom of your tank. When your water heater sits idle, more sediment settles and solidifies in your tank. To prevent this problem, remember to drain your tank and shut down your water heater if you plan to leave your home unattended for more than a few days.
4. Excessive Hot Water Use
While leaving your water heater unused leads to sediment buildup, excessive usage can also contribute. When your tank is constantly heated, heavy minerals fall to the bottom more easily. Frequent heating cycles also push more water through the tank, which introduces more debris. If your household uses a lot of hot water, consider upgrading to a bigger tank or a tankless water heater.
5. Aging Water Heater
One of the most common causes of sediment buildup is an aging water heater. Since there is no way to prevent sediment entirely, even well-maintained older water heaters have more buildup than newer ones. Older tanks also tend to have rust inside, which mixes with minerals to create more sediment. The only solution for an aging water heater is to have it replaced with a new one.
If you’re experiencing signs of sediment buildup in or near Caldwell, NJ, Lesco Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is ready to get your hot water flowing again with quality water heater repair or replacement.
