As water is heated in a tank, minerals precipitate out and collect as sediment on the bottom. As these scale deposits build up in a gas heater, it slows the heat transfer from flame to water, causes over heating and increased energy use. The excess heat can damage the glass lining and weaken the steel. It often produces a sleep disrupting popping or rumbling noise. When sediment collects in electric heaters, it can cause element burn out. Removing the sediment barrier also allows the sacrificial anode clear access to the tank's bottom, resulting in better protection.

The surest way to remove sediment is with routine maintenance such as periodic flushing with our Water Heater Tank Sediment Removal System.
Replace the conventional straight cold water inlet with a tube which has a curve at the end, and replace the tank's original (usually plastic) drain valve with an easily operated brass ball valve. As water enters the tank through the new tube, its swirling motion lifts scale off the bottom and flushes it out the large opening of the brass ball valve. (Some heater manufacturers void their warranties if scale build up is the cause of tank failure. Others facilitate flushing by adding various expensive devices to reduce sediment build up).

Though it is easier to move sediment out the drain valve at the bottom than it is to move it off the bottom and out the top, keep in mind that if adequate water flow is not present no removal system will work properly.

This kit will not work with electric water heaters made after April 2015 by A.O. Smith, Lochinvar, State, Kenmore, Reliance, American, Maytag or Whirlpool; or any Rheem, Ruud, Richmond, or GE made after that date. If this applies to you, please use "Contact Seller" to send us a message.