Sediment can block or clog the water heater's pressure relief valve and cause the water heater to lose efficiency. If the pressure relief valve is blocked, it stops functioning as a safe pressure relief outlet and the safety of the water heater tank is compromised. If you've ever boiled water in a pot covered in a stove, you know that heating the water generates steam and pressure. From showering in the morning to running the dishwasher after dinner, homeowners rely on a constant supply of hot water every day.
If the problem is detected early, you may be able to save your water heater and use it for a few more years. As tap water enters the water heater tank, it also brings with it the natural mineral content of hard water. The more sediment and mineralization there is between the heating element and the water, the less efficient and effective your water heater will be. In most parts of the country, you'll pay less to run a gas water heater than an electric one, a principle that also applies, if it helps, to gas and electric ovens.
The following video provides a step-by-step guide to removing sediment from your home's water heater. The longer the water heater spends without draining and emptying, the more sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. If you think about what water heaters are basically water, metal, heat, and pressure, you'll probably understand why even high-quality water heater tanks only last 15-20 years at most. These wall systems, also called “on-demand water heaters”, heat water as needed by circulating tap water through a series of elements heaters.
