Endless debris from water heater

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michaedt

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I replaced all my supply lines (galvanized to copper) and in the process drained my hot water tank.
I now seem to have an endless supply of debris...small white chips (I'm guessing calcium deposits). I run the hot water out of my tub faucet into buckets until the chips stop coming, but then I have to start all over again the next day. My faucets keep getting clogged (especially the kitchen).
Is all this debris coming from the hot water tank? There certainly should not be debris in the new copper.
The tank is 11 years old (US Craftmaster) and holds 40 gallons.
 
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Sulconst2

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i think its the hot water tank. had the same problem after i remodeled a bath. ended up being the a.o. smith hot water heater taking a dump.
 

michaedt

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ugh...is it fixable

I was afraid of that.
I don't know much about the internal contruction of a tank. What is actually causing the debris?
 

Cass

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11 years old places its Mfg. right at the time they were having dip tube problems. The tubes were dissolving into peices. This is what it sounds like but the symptom, along with the chips, is normaly hot water for a short time or luke warm water.

Do you have any of these symptoms?

Try placing the chips in vinegar and see if they dissolve.
 
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michaedt

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symptoms

Oddly enough, yes, the hot water does not last as long as it used to. However, this is a very recent problem....only after the supply lines were changed last week.
Overall, however, the water is hot and lasts long enough for a long shower...I just notice a bit of a difference (not as hot for as long a time period).
I'll place a few of the chips in vinegar to see if they dissolve.
Thanks!!!
 

Cass

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It can't be the tank as it is glass lined steel.

You doing the work and the chips appearing are just coincidence.
 
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michaedt

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info from wife

My wife (who is more of an authority on showers) informed me that she runs out of hot water every time she takes a shower (even before I changed the supply lines).

I've soaked the chips for 5 minutes and so far nothing is dissolving at all. I'll keep them soaking.

Does this add up to a deceased tank?
 
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michaedt

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1/2 hour and still nothing dissolving. The chips are very brittle.

If, as I suspect, this is adding up to a bad tank, can someone with experience recommend a reputable brand? I've never been misguided by this forum.

Thank you
 

Gary Swart

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Your tank is due. I like the Rheem/Rudd line, but there are other good ones. The think Cookie refered to is the T/P valve on top of the tank. It has nothing to do with your current problem.
 

Cal

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Sounds like your dip tube is gone.However at 11 yrs old you could spend a few hundred $ replaceing the tube and the bottom could fall out of the heater next month.

Time to get a new H/W/H . A.O. Smith is very good !
 

Cass

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The dip tube can be replaced. The peices will stop coming. At 11 years old you should think about replacing the tank. The dip tube repair should be between $100.00-175.00. If you planning on staying in the home for the next 10-15 yrs. I wouldn't put anything in but a Bradford White or Rheem. All the others would be about the same. A.O. Smith would be my last choice. In the past 10 years I have replaced more A.O.s under warrenty than any other brand. Is it gas or electric.
 

Master Plumber Mark

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replace it ASAP

thier was a class action lawsuit on this that ended in
2000-2001? many, many homes plumbing systems were
ruined by the dip tube clogging up Delta facuets,
washing machines and dishwashers.....

its best to get rid of that tank ASAP and BACK FLUSH the
hot water system when you do this because your hot water
pipes are full of this build up jsyt laying dormant in the
pipes waiting to take a ride up to your appliances..

it will usually get flushed around when you have high hot water
demand (two baths going at once, ect , ect)

So, when you take out the heater, put a trash can
under the open hanging pipes and then stop up a couple of faucets
throughout the home at the areators...with toilet paper.

then turn on the cold water and turn on the hot side

the cold water will rush back through the hot lines and blow out
most of this plastic sediment in your lines...back down into the trash can
that is waiting to catch it all at your open water heater. pipes..

blow out about 5 =10 gallons and the results will
be visible in the water..

dont wait too long or it will cost you for other repairs.

dishwasher repairs and washing machines arent cheap
to fool with.
 
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michaedt

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Thank you

Thank you all so much for your great advice!
I'll search for a new tank as soon as I finish work today.
Thanks again!!!

By the way, the tank is Gas.
 
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Jimbo

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It's the dip tube . It's all dip tubes and ball bearings now. ( Any Chevy Chase fans out there?)

Yes, if it were mineral deposits, they disolve in vinegar. The dip tube is fairly easy to replace. The tank can be flushed. If the flakes got into some of your cartridges, they may have to be replaced.

At 11 years old, the tank is on the cusp. Since you are going to have to do a system flush either way, it might be money well spent to get a new tank at this time as well.
 

mrjetskey

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Yes and by the way has anyone else noticed how much the cartridges have increased in price?I just bought 2 of the moen genuine and paid 26.00 each for them seems like they were only 12.00 or so at retail just a year or two back!
 

INTP

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I don't know if this has anything to do with your situation, but about a month ago, I had to shut the water off to fix a hose bib. When I turned it back on, it must have affected the hot water tank, because right after that, rust colored debris started coming out of the hot water lines, generally in the bath tubs.

Then about a week or so later, the tank started leaking...a slow leak that I didn't notice right away, and wasn't pretty to clean up (mildew). When I saw the debris, I thought I'd start looking for a new tank, because at 12 years old, I knew it was close anyway. Turns out I wated too long.

I've read about people who never drain their tanks, then decide to do so, and that can cause them to start leaking. It makes sense to me.

My point? I saw a sign, but I waited, and ended up regretting it. I won't make that mistake again. Something to think about, anyway.

Good luck.
 
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