small white specs and larger black ones in waterlines


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Old 03-15-12, 06:58 AM
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small white specs and larger black ones in waterlines

Recently, I have had to clean out my faucet screens due to them being partially blocked with small whit specs and larger black specs. Take a look at the photo. Could that be my 10 year old water heater failing?

 
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Old 03-15-12, 09:12 AM
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Are on a well and do you have a water softener? If you flush your water heater I bet you will find the bottom is full of those specks. I don't see them as an indication your water heater is going to die but it does seem you have hard water.
 
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Old 03-15-12, 09:17 AM
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White specs are anode rod material.

Black specs can be anything. Probably from the water mains. The heater is a vessel and everything settles to the bottom.

When they flush the hydrants first one to use the water gets the sediment.

Mike NJ
 
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Old 03-15-12, 09:28 AM
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I have an ongoing sediment problem with my city water I usually drain a gallon or so off of the bottom of my water heater once a month or so which helps with debris in the hot water. With a 10 yr old water heater I don't if flushing the bottom of the tank would help..... or cause other problems
 
 

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