Where sediment comes from
Brea's water comes from the city's own water utility and is a blend of local groundwater and imported water. It is hard, meaning it carries dissolved calcium and magnesium. When that water is heated, some of the minerals come out of solution and settle on the bottom of the tank as a gritty, chalky layer.
On a gas heater, the burner sits under that layer. Water trapped in the sediment flashes to steam and makes the rumbling, popping and crackling many owners hear. The layer also insulates the water from the flame, so the burner runs longer, and it takes up space that used to hold hot water. On an electric heater, the lower element can end up buried in sediment and burn out.
Signs of heavy sediment
How a flush is usually done
This is an outline, not instructions. Follow the manufacturer's manual, and leave it to a plumber if anything is unclear.
- Heater off.Gas control to OFF or PILOT as the manual directs, or the breaker off for electric.
- Let it cool.Tank water is hot enough to scald. Waiting reduces the risk.
- Connect a hose.A hose on the drain valve runs to a floor drain or outside to a safe spot.
- Drain and stir.The drain is opened and the cold supply briefly turned on to stir sediment out, repeating until the water runs clear.
- Refill and restart.The drain is closed, the tank refilled with a hot tap open to purge air, then the heater is restarted.
Should you flush?
- IfThe heater is fairly newThenFlushing on the schedule in the manual helps keep sediment from building up.
- IfThe heater is older and has never been flushedThenAsk a plumber whether flushing will help or stir up trouble.
- IfThe tank rumbles loudly and is late in its lifeThenFlushing may quiet it a little, but plan for replacement.
- IfYou have a tankless unitThenIt needs descaling, a different process, rather than a tank flush.
Terms you may hear
- Hard water
- Water with high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium.
- Sediment
- Mineral particles that settle on the bottom of a tank.
- Scale
- Hard mineral buildup on heating surfaces, elements and heat exchangers.
- Anode rod
- A metal rod inside the tank that corrodes in place of the tank wall.
- Descaling
- Circulating a mild acid solution through a tankless unit to dissolve scale.
Common questions
How often should a water heater be flushed in Brea?
Follow the manufacturer's manual for your model. Hard water argues for staying on schedule, but the right interval depends on the heater and household use.
Will a water softener stop sediment?
A softener reduces hardness minerals, which can reduce sediment and scale. Softened water can affect anode rod wear, so ask a plumber how it fits your heater.
Why does my water heater pop and rumble?
On gas heaters, water trapped under a sediment layer boils in small bursts as the burner heats it. It is a common sign of heavy sediment.
General information for Brea, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.