Water Heaters - Sediment
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tryanythingonce
11-15-06, 06:20 AM
I have very hard water. So much so that I have clogged the drain. I lost my hot water. I suspect either a thermostat or element. My question is could I use vinegar or some sort of mineral spirits to open my drain back up? Could I put it in the element hole?
jim-connor
11-15-06, 11:03 AM
Mineral spirits are poisonous and flammable. No way should it be put into a water heater or any potable water system. Vinegar would be OK except it will not unclog the valve. The mineral deposits have to be drained out. You may have to remove the drain valve in severe cases.
tryanythingonce
11-15-06, 12:13 PM
Thanks jim-conner. My water heater is about 7 years old and I have extemely hard water. If worse comes to worse it may be time for a new one. My warranty was for 6 years, so I am past what they concidered was good.