The waterheater replaced new in 2005, now is 1/4 filled with while calcium (hard white chunks) in the bottom of the waterheater. The build-up was so strong and fast it broke off the heating element, (long steel U shaped rod) inside the unit. I dug out what I could from the very bottom of the unit from a very small cleanout hole, less than 3 inches in diameter and replace the element.

What a Fricken Nightmare!!

What can I do to eliminate the calcium build-up? If I don't the waterheater will need to be replaced again. There has to be something better??

Get a water softener installed on the cold water side not cheap but replacing water heaters isn't cheap either plus it will save on lime build up in your toliets

Yeah a water softer works check RainSoft Water and Air Treatment: Improve Water and Air Quality I used to work for them it works but expensive