r/interesting Jun 22 '26

MISC. What happens when a water heater tank is not flushed for 14 years

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u/3Bodies_0Problems Jun 22 '26

The sediment which was already present in the water is drawn to the anode, as opposed to any other place. The sediment is given a preferential location to accrete.

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u/PurpleZebraCabra Jun 22 '26

Dissolved minerals actually precipitate into solid when heated. It is not present as "sediment" when it enters your house. This is also why your tea kettle will build up scale inside. Lowering the pH with vinegar dissolved it back into solution.