Mineral deposits in water heater

[LWinters]

How do I flush out my water heater.

[civeng99]

I vote for run a vinegar solution thru the whole system periodically and flush it well.

Originally Posted by LWinters

How do I flush out my water heater.

[ITSNO60]

The ones with the electric element in the bottom do not fully drain, there is always water left in the bottom to cover the element. This makes it a bit harder to get all the chunks of scale out after they have broken loose. I attached a piece of 1/2" clear tubing to my shop vac and got it all out that way. A flushing wand helps as well as removing the TPR valve for more access though this is a step not many will consider worth it. I removed mine as the unit was 10 years old and I didn't know the maintenance history.

[Steamy1]

Here is what I do:

1. drain hot water tank
2. pump three (3) gallons of white vinegar into tank through the antifreeze tube
3. top off with water
4. turn on hot water heater and let it reach full operating temp, then turn off
5. let it sit for 24 hours
6. drain and flush using the CAMCO wand

It is amazing how much sediment comes out. I do this about twice a year.

Using a portable water softener has reduce the amount of mineral deposits.

[civeng99]

If you get the whole system up to 130 degrees or more you can sanitize this way as well.

[panamerican]

I bought one of these one time thinking wonder if it'll do anything. I mean I flush out my tank at least 1x/year. Emptied the tank, and in spring dewinterized the trailer and while doing the normal spring tasks, while I was doing water items I connected this to the hose and inserted it into the tank drain plug opening.

Keep in mind I flushed it out in the fall prior. The scale and such that came out using this very much caught me by surprise.

My only issue with this linked tool is that it's very flimsy plastic and mine broke after one use, but it did blast a heck of a lot of stuff out of my heater that I would have bet money on that none or nowhere near as much would come out.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Rinser-.../dp/B002XL2IBS