Water Heaters - White Particles
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Go On Owen
12-11-04, 04:52 PM
I've been having problems with hot water flow. Whenever I take apart a faucet or a hose, I find granular white particles clogging the screen or filter. I assume that they are coming from the water heater.
What are these white particles and how do I get rid of them?
What are these white particles and how do I get rid of them?
majakdragon
12-11-04, 05:45 PM
They could be either calcium deposits breaking loose in the tank or evidence that your anode rod is deteriorating
Calcium deposits. Drain and flush the tank to remove sediment.
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=134483
Anode rod deteriorating.
Anode rods are tough at best to remove.
Turn off power(gas or electric) to the water heater,
Shut off the incoming cold water valve at the top of the tank.
Unscrew the nut on the top of the tank that suspends the anode rod.
Clip on new rod, insert into tank, and retighten the nut.
Open cold water valve again.
Turn the power back on.
Flush system to remove any particals in the tank as per the directions above.
You may have to use an impact to remove the nut.
It may also be possible that the dip tube is failing however if this were the case you would have a decreased amount of hot water available.
Good luck and reply back if you have further questions
Calcium deposits. Drain and flush the tank to remove sediment.
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=134483
Anode rod deteriorating.
Anode rods are tough at best to remove.
Turn off power(gas or electric) to the water heater,
Shut off the incoming cold water valve at the top of the tank.
Unscrew the nut on the top of the tank that suspends the anode rod.
Clip on new rod, insert into tank, and retighten the nut.
Open cold water valve again.
Turn the power back on.
Flush system to remove any particals in the tank as per the directions above.
You may have to use an impact to remove the nut.
It may also be possible that the dip tube is failing however if this were the case you would have a decreased amount of hot water available.
Good luck and reply back if you have further questions
594tough
12-11-04, 08:13 PM
White particles in the hot water are classic for dip tube problems, especeially if your WH was manufactured approx. 1991-1997. Check the website of your WH manufacturer to see if your serial number was affected, and for procedure to replace. It is not difficult. \
The particles from the did tube were more typically 'flakes' rather than 'granules' so the other items mentioned on this forum are also possibilities. Perhaps take some of the debris to a good plumbing supply house and they can advise.
The particles from the did tube were more typically 'flakes' rather than 'granules' so the other items mentioned on this forum are also possibilities. Perhaps take some of the debris to a good plumbing supply house and they can advise.
Go On Owen
12-12-04, 08:01 AM
Thanks for the reply.
Actually, I do have a decreased amount of hot water.
Actually, I do have a decreased amount of hot water.
majakdragon
12-12-04, 08:19 AM
Dip tubes are available at home improvement centers and are not expensive. To see if yours is bad, turn off the cold water supply and relieve p[ressure by opening a hot faucet on a fixture.Remove the cold water supply piping to the heater. Most tubes are just sitting in the opening to the tank although some may have a washer to keep them from falling into the tank. You should be able to remove it by sticking your finger in it and lifting it out. It should be taking the cold water to the bottom portion of the heater thus pushing the hot water out. Good luck.