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randyinwa · Feb 12, 2007, 12:45 PM

I have a recurring problem of bluish-white, calcium-like deposits clogging the hot water faucets throughout my house. I have checked both hot and cold lines, and the problem seems specific to hot water. If these deposits are coming from my hot water heater, how can I solve this problem. I replaced the heating elements in the tank about a year ago.

doug238 · Mar 4, 2007, 11:12 PM

Do a web search on dip tubes.
Dip Tubes

praughta · May 13, 2008, 04:29 AM

I am having the same problem myself. I believe it is because of hard water. I have had to replace my heating element as well due to hard water deposits and now am having to work on some pipes. What I have read on here from speedball I believe , is that we need to flush our water heaters approx 1x per month to rid the deposits. I also believe we need to invest in a water softener. THere are whole house water filters that I have googled but they range from 300$ too much higher. There are, I have been told, filters that we can attach directly to our water heaters but I have not researched those as of yet.

speedball1 · May 13, 2008, 04:48 AM

Sorry Doug, But Mineral Build Up has nothing to do with the dip tube. For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by FLUSHING NOT DRAINING 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 or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Now flush out your hot water lines on ALL fixtures that are affected . Now pull each aerator and clean the screens. Be sure you put them back togather the same way you took them out. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps, Tom

doug238 · May 13, 2008, 08:07 PM

Randy, could you tell me a few things? Is your hot water seeming to run out quicker? What is the age of the water heater? What is the name of the water heater? What is the serial number of the water heater?

gator205432 · Mar 12, 2011, 05:16 PM

Having the same issue with our vacation home it has a electric hot water heater I drain it every year before winter, the house stays empty most of the summer but we owened the house for 16 years and never had this problem before.
Wonder if the well is contaminated an (artesian well)always great water no taste or smell