How to Prevent Sediment Buildup in Your Water Heater for Better Performance

If you’ve ever noticed your hot water running out faster than usual, strange noises coming from your tank, or an increase in your energy bills, you might be dealing with sediment buildup in your water heater. It’s a common issue for homeowners in Southern California, and it can quietly reduce your system’s efficiency over time.

The good news? With a little understanding and simple maintenance, you can keep your water heater running smoothly and avoid unnecessary repairs. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

What Is Sediment Buildup and Why Does It Matter?

Sediment is a collection of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that naturally occur in water—especially in areas with hard water. Over time, these minerals settle at the bottom of your water heater tank, creating a layer of buildup.

This buildup can cause several issues:

• Reduced hot water supply: Sediment takes up space in your tank, meaning there’s less room for hot water.
  
• Increased energy bills: Your water heater has to work harder to heat water through the sediment layer.
  
• Noisy operation: Popping or rumbling sounds often indicate that water is trapped under the sediment.
  
• Shortened lifespan: Over time, sediment can corrode your tank and heating elements.
  

Understanding this helps homeowners see why maintenance is worth the effort.

Simple Ways to Prevent Sediment Buildup

While some sediment is inevitable, regular maintenance can significantly reduce buildup and keep your water heater performing efficiently. Here are some practical steps:

1. Flush Your Water Heater Regularly

Flushing your tank involves draining it to remove sediment. For most homes, this should be done once a year.

• Pros: Keeps your tank clean, improves efficiency, extends lifespan.
  
• Cons: If done improperly, it can cause leaks or other issues. Professional assistance is recommended.

*Pro Tip: Draining your water heater through the built-in drain valve will remove some of the sediment but replacing that valve with a full-port drain valve and performing a power flush will provide a much better result. 

2. Install a Water Filtration/Conditioning System or a Water Softener

Hard water accelerates mineral buildup. A water filtration and conditioning system reverses the polarity of these minerals to keep them suspended in the water to reduce sediment build-up. Additionally, water softeners reduce calcium and magnesium, helping prevent sediment.

• Filtration/Conditioning: Protects your water heater and plumbing system and provides healthy, drinkable, filtered water throughout your home.
  
• Softeners: Reduces sediment/scale buildup in your water heater and plumbing system BUT using a water softener can reduce the protective action of the sacrificial anode in your water heater, making the tank more prone to rust and shortening its lifespan. Source: https://cdn.globalimageserver.com/FetchDocument.aspx?ID=9be6139a-8aa9-45b1-882b-ddfb56bfed3e

*Pro Tip: If you want to stick to a conventional Tank water heater, you’ll want a water filtrationing/conditioning system. If you absolutely want or need a water softener, switching to a Tankless water heater will be your best bet.

3. Lower Your Water Temperature

Keeping your water heater set around 120°F reduces the rate at which minerals settle and can also save on energy bills.

• Pros: Slows sediment buildup and saves energy.
  
• Cons: Water may not feel as hot for some uses like dishwashing without a dishwasher’s booster.
  

4. Schedule Professional Inspections

Having an expert Water Heater Technician check your water heater ensures any early signs of sediment buildup or other issues are caught before they become serious.

• Pros: Early detection of problems, professional guidance, and proper maintenance.
  
• Cons: Requires scheduling and a small service fee.
  

Signs Your Water Heater Might Already Have Sediment Buildup

Even without a professional inspection, homeowners can look for some warning signs:

• Reduced hot water supply
  
• Rumbling, popping, or banging noises
  
• Cloudy or rusty water
  
• Increase in energy bills without other explanation
  

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to call a professional for evaluation.

The Bottom Line

Sediment buildup in water heaters is a common, often overlooked issue that can impact performance, efficiency, and lifespan. Regular flushing, monitoring water quality, adjusting temperature, and professional inspections are all simple ways to protect your investment.

At THE Water Heater Company, we help homeowners evaluate their specific situation and guide them toward the right maintenance plan for their home. Our goal is to educate, not push products, so you can make informed decisions based on your needs and budget.

Don’t wait until sediment causes a problem. Call THE Water Heater Company at 877-798-7487 today for a professional evaluation and keep your hot water flowing efficiently all year long.