sediment in water heater


  #1  
Old 03-22-02, 11:02 AM
Judedude
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Angry sediment in water heater

I have a gas water heater of unknown age that I will not be replacing. My problem is alot of sediment build up. I have opened the lower drain valve and stuck a wire in to loosen the sediment. This is a long tedious process. I have taken out about 5 gallons of sediment so far but I seem to be having a hard time getting any more out. My hot water pressure is down to almost half. Any ideas on how to releive this problem?
 
  #2  
Old 03-22-02, 01:56 PM
Mossman1
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why not get the gas co. to replace it ?

99 out of 100 heaters are rentals up here and that means free replacement if old and defective like that.

unless your's is that 1 out of 100 that isnt.
 

Last edited by Mossman1; 03-25-02 at 06:53 AM.
  #3  
Old 03-24-02, 03:12 PM
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Lightbulb Water Heater Flushing Information

Hello Judedude. Welcome to my Gas Appliances forum.

Check the strainer screens at the faucets. Check the incoming water volume to the tank. The shut off valve on the inlet side may be clogged up, etc.

The restricted water flow problem may not be inside the tank.
Below is an excerpt from a topic I posted recently. Also check within this forum for other questions and replies offered on the topic of your question.

TANK FLUSHING REASONS:
It is often recommended and also a good idea to FLUSH a water heater tank yearly. The reasoning behind this maintenance proceedure is to flush out sediment and rust particles that will naturally settle and accumulate on the bottom of the tank.

Sediment is found within all supplies of water more or less to some degree. Rust comes from the tanks interior, do to normal tank aging, the iron pipes within the houses piping system, those of the main supply, from the streets piping system and other sources, depending on the water supply.

TANK FLUSHING METHOD:
To successfully accomplish this task, simply attach a common garden hose to the water heaters faucet. {Spigot} To flush the tank, there is NO need to turn off the gas or electrical supply nor open any hot water faucet within the house. Leave the inlet water supply valve ON also.

Just attach the garden hose, place the other end in a location where HOT water will do no damage and then simply OPEN the tanks faucet valve.

Allow the existing HOT water to flow out until it does so cleanly and clearly. Depending upon the amount of rust and debris inside the tank, this step may take less than one minute or several minutes to accomplish.

Once this is accomplished, CLOSE the tanks faucet valve. Remove the garden hose from the faucet and PRESTO! The FLUSHING is completed.... Time for a BUD...

Disclaimer:
The information above is offered to provide basic information and instructional procedures only. Methods and procedures apply only to tank type water heaters. Results and methods may vary. Always read your owners manual and closely follow the advice and procedures given in the manufacturers booklet or on the label attached to the tank. Always follow all safety warnings!

Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart Company Enterprises.....TCB4U2B2B
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
 
 

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