Has anyone here ever put Calcium/Lime/RustRemover in their hot water heater? We have a mineral build up problem.
After draining the heater a month ago and breaking up the deposits with a coat hanger to get the water to drain out of the spigot , we bought a new bottom element and replaced it. We now have the upper element (HD only had one a month ago) and before I put it in I did some research and saw this suggestion online.
Just wondering if someone has done this before and what their experiences were.
Thanks.
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CLR is overpriced weak acid with soap. I think it would be a bad idea to put it in the water heater. I have to think muriatic acid would work better, but I don't know if it would be a health problem. I think CLR would do virtually nothing, and leave a scented soapy solution in the heater that would linger.
Drain the tank and remove the bottom element. Using a wet vac with a small hose adapted to the end you can clean out the scale on the bottom. Scale forms on the elements, falls off and piles up on the bottom eventually covering the bottom element causing it to burn out.
If your hardness is that bad, you should consider a water softener. An Aqua Pure "Scale Stopper" might help.
Contrary to some replies, I'd stick with either a 'weak acid' like CLR or Lime Away, or a specialized product sold just for the purpose. In my experience, 'slow and steady' beats the 'quick fix.'
Whatever you use, I'd also REMOVE the elements when you do this. The chemicals might very well damage the insulation on them. Then I'd be sure to flush the tank out before connecting it back to the lines.
Even with these measures, your 'fix' is probably temporary. The scale build-up may very well be because the sacrificial anode inside the heater has corroded away, and the tank is near the end of its' life. I'd plan on replacing it soon.
Finally, replace your T&P valve. The same corrosion that has filled your tank has probably destroyed this important safety device.
It can work as we have cleaned boilers with the stuff.
Here's the problem, you are adding a poisonous substance to the potable water supply.
After treatment, flush with bleach 2 times then flush with water at least 4 times before having the WH placed back into service.
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