Flushing Sediment and Minerals Out of Atwood Water Heater

Updated 03/15/2021 | Published 03/09/2021

Question:

i have a 20yr-o atwood h2o heater gch10a-3e. even though i regularly clean out the heater it seems that i have a salt build-up. ive tested the t-stat okay. my infraRed thermo registers 125deg with the t-stat removed but the water temp is 170deg and RISING. What can i use to remove svle from inside of tank. if i ruin tank i wont be any worse off. buyer beware

asked by: Neal P

Expert Reply:

I am currious if the build up you are seeing is salt, or maybe calcuim, or other deposits that can be left in a tank. The heating process probably contributes this this as well. To flush this tank first ensure the power is off and the water is cool.

I would start by pulling the drain plug and letting as much as possible drain out. There will still be some water in the bottom of the tank. Use a water hose with a Camco # CAM11691 Heater Tank Rinser attachment. Use this to spray loose any deposits by pushing in and out and twisting. I would do this for awhile until the water runs clear and sediment is no longer coming out.

Next Create a solution of 4 parts whilte vinegar to one part water. You will have to fill your water heater with the solution. You could remove the high pressure valve and use a funnel to pour in the solution. I would let that solution sit for a day. Afterwards drain the tank and throughly rinse again.

Regarding your thermostat issues, if this is only an issue with electric water heating, then you should pull out the heater element and see if it is defective, and potentially encrusted in minerals.

expert reply by: Les D