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Water heater sludge

Asked Dec 8, 2006, 11:06 AM — 1 Answer
My many years old water heater had a lot of a milky white sludge with some chunks in it when I drained it. Is this the sludge build up I have heard about. I live in San Diego, CA and the water really messes up galvanized plumbing with a dark scale build up. Is this the same stuff?

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speedball1 Posts: 27,671, Reputation: 9541
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Dec 9, 2006, 06:25 AM


You don't "drain" a water heater to remove mineral build up you flush it. Those "chunks" you speak of. Are they white and hard like plastic or do they crumble when you roll them between your fingers? Let me show you how to flush your heater.


For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by flushing on a regular schedule. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps, Tom
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