Water Heater Help OKC
Flushing Sediment in Hard Oklahoma Water
Why OKC-area tanks build sediment and how flushing works.
Hard water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium. When it's heated, some of those minerals settle out as sediment at the bottom of the tank. Oklahoma City's treated water averages around 154 mg/L (about 9 grains per gallon) — classed as hard — and groundwater-fed suburban systems and private wells can be harder.
Signs of sediment
- Popping, rumbling or crackling as the burner runs.
- Hot water running out faster than it used to.
- Gritty bits in faucet aerators.
Basic flushing steps (tank heaters)
- Turn the gas valve to "pilot" or switch off power at the breaker.
- Let the water cool, or use extreme caution — tank water can scald.
- Attach a hose to the drain valve and run it to a safe drain or outdoors.
- Open a hot faucet in the house, then open the drain valve and let it run until clear.
- Close the drain, refill the tank fully (until the hot faucet runs steadily) before restoring gas or power.
Never turn on an electric element with an empty tank. If the drain valve is plastic and old, it may leak after opening — have a replacement on hand or let a plumber do it. Check your exact hardness in your city's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Sources
General information only. Not professional, legal or medical advice.