When you turn on the shower, you expect hot, steady water—not a sputtering mess or lukewarm drizzle. Over time, your water heater can lose its strength, and one of the most common culprits is sediment buildup. At Honey Go Fix It, we care about keeping your home comfortable (and your showers hot!), so let’s talk about what sediment is, why it matters, and how to stop it from hurting your water heater.
What Is Sediment Buildup?
Sediment is made up of minerals (mostly calcium and magnesium) and small particles that naturally come from your water supply. When your water heater warms the water, those minerals sink to the bottom of the tank and pile up. Over time, that layer gets thick and hard—like a crusty blanket at the bottom of your water heater. It steals heat energy and takes up space that should be filled with water.
Why Is Sediment a Problem?
Sediment might seem harmless at first, but letting it build up can cause big problems:
- Less Hot Water – Sediment fills space in your tank, leaving less room for hot water.
- Higher Energy Bills – Your water heater has to work harder to heat through the buildup, which wastes energy.
- Strange Noises – Rumbling or popping sounds happen when water boils under the sediment.
- Shorter Lifespan – Sediment causes extra heat and stress on the tank, making leaks or cracks more likely.
- Rust & Dirty Water – Sediment can stir up and cause rusty, discolored water.
Signs Your Water Heater Has Sediment Buildup
Not sure if sediment is hiding in your tank? Look for these signs:
- Hot water runs out too quickly
- Rumbling, popping, or banging noises
- Cloudy or rusty-looking water
- Utility bills that keep going up
- A water heater that feels sluggish or can’t keep up
How to Prevent Sediment Buildup
The good news? Sediment can be controlled with a little care:
- Annual Flush – Draining your water heater once a year clears out sediment before it hardens.
- Water Softener – If you live in a hard-water area (like much of Ohio), a softener reduces mineral deposits and helps your whole plumbing system.
- Scale RX – Installed before your water heater, this device treats water with high mineral content and prevents limescale from forming inside the tank.
- CorroProtec Anode Rods – These protect your tank from rust and eliminate odors like that rotten-egg smell in hot water.
- Professional Checkups – Having a licensed plumber inspect your water heater means issues are caught early.
Remove Sediment: Schedule Your Water Heater Flush
One of the best ways to fight sediment buildup is with a professional water heater flush. Our team will safely drain your tank, clear out harmful sediment, and check your system for any early warning signs. It’s fast, affordable, and gives you peace of mind knowing your hot water is protected.
Call Honey Go Fix It today to schedule your water heater flush and keep your hot water flowing strong all year long!
The Sweet Bottom Line
Sediment buildup is sneaky, but it doesn’t have to steal your hot water or peace of mind. With the right maintenance—and a little help from your friendly Honey Go Fix It plumbers—your water heater can stay efficient and reliable for years.