Have you ever been concerned about the particles you noticed at the bottom of your water heater’s tank? If you had, then you’ve certainly wondered what those particles were. Let’s get to know about this mystery matter, known as ‘Sediment’, and how it affects your water heater.
Sediment accumulation can be the cause of several water heater issues, and understanding sediment buildup can help you better maintain your water heater and make sure it serves you for a long time.
What is Sediment in Water Heater?
Sediment is essentially a combination of dirt, debris, and other contaminants that build up and settle in the tank of a water heater over time. These contaminants can lead to a decrease in efficiency, potentially damage the tank and piping over time, and can be a source of water contamination.What does Sediment in Water Heater look like?
Sediment in a water heater will typically appear as a layer of silt or fine sand on the bottom of the tank.It can range in colour from brown to grey and can be seen when observing the bottom of the tank. It can also appear as small particles throughout your plumbing system when hot water is running, or when the water turns on and off quickly, indicating that sediment has become dislodged from the water heater and is floating around in your pipes.
What causes Sediment in Water Heater?
Sediment in water heaters is primarily caused by the erosion of the materials used in the tank and piping of the water heater. Metal tanks and pipes can corrode and rust over time, and this material, as well as the other contaminants in the water, will fall to the bottom of the tank, forming sediment.Additionally, sediment can be created by hard water, which contains more mineral deposits, such as calcium and magnesium, due to a higher concentration of dissolved solids.
Effects of sediment in Water Heater
- Decreased efficiency of the water heater
- The tank and internal components can corrode, ultimately resulting in a failed water heater
- Damage to the internal components of the water heater
- Contaminants can be released into the water, resulting in potential health hazards
- The sediment can clog faucets and shower heads, resulting in a decrease in water pressure
How to remove sediment from Water Heater
In order to prevent the negative effects of sediment build-up in a water heater, it is important to remove it from time to time. To do so, you can flush the water heater, which involves draining and refilling the tank multiple times in order to clear sediment from the tank.Alternatively, you can install a sediment filter on the inlet of the water heater in order to prevent sediment from accumulating in the tank. It is advised to have the water heater serviced regularly in order to identify and remove sediment, since sediment build-up can lead to a decrease in efficiency, damage internal components of the water heater, and potentially release contaminants into the water.