Water heater advice

icebiker

JORBA: Morris Trails
JORBA.ORG
Figured I’d check with y’all before I call a local plumbing outfit ($$$$) in case there’s a DIY option. My water heater is making the type of popping and rumbling noises associated with excessive sediment. This makes sense since when we bought the place last May we found the water extremely hard (18!). We installed a water softener system and that has helped with fixtures and flow. But, being that the water heater has had about 6 years worth of very hard water prior to our installing the softener system, or perhaps the anode rod has been significantly dissolved, I think enough sediment is in there that needs to be purged. I’ve twice attempted to partly drain it. The first time (back in August) a small amount of sediment came out of the hose then ran clear. The 2nd time (about a month ago) no sediment came out. So the question is, how best to assess whether sediment is the issue and, if it is, how to get it cleaned out. Any advice/experience appreciated.
 
Figured I’d check with y’all before I call a local plumbing outfit ($$$$) in case there’s a DIY option. My water heater is making the type of popping and rumbling noises associated with excessive sediment. This makes sense since when we bought the place last May we found the water extremely hard (18!). We installed a water softener system and that has helped with fixtures and flow. But, being that the water heater has had about 6 years worth of very hard water prior to our installing the softener system, or perhaps the anode rod has been significantly dissolved, I think enough sediment is in there that needs to be purged. I’ve twice attempted to partly drain it. The first time (back in August) a small amount of sediment came out of the hose then ran clear. The 2nd time (about a month ago) no sediment came out. So the question is, how best to assess whether sediment is the issue and, if it is, how to get it cleaned out. Any advice/experience appreciated.

sediment isn't hard water - the softener probably catches incoming impurities - unless you have a galvanized pipe after the softener ??
you could pull the anode - worth doing.
you could also pull the heat coils - and see if they are caked.
both parts are inexpensive vs a new heater, and you could have them on hand - and return them if not needed.
Did you check the PRV (pressure release valve)?
Do you have an expansion tank? not required 100% until recently.
 
Definitely pull the anode and replace if corroded. I empty the tank fill it with a few gallons then empty again. The first time usually doesn't much sediment out.
 
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