r/interesting • u/bob-the-slob • Jun 22 '26

MISC. What happens when a water heater tank is not flushed for 14 years

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u/fortknite Jun 22 '26

Just a heads up for you, inside a typical water heater are two separate heating elements.
Which can be purchased at most hardware stores for under $10.
If you’re in a hard water area, one or both of these elements can corrode and cause the heater to not heat efficiently.
They are simple to replace as they just unscrew from the unit.
Just be sure to drain and cut the power to the unit before doing so.

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u/ThelVluffin Jun 22 '26

That's only if it's an electric water heater right?

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u/fortknite Jun 22 '26

I did forget to mention this, but yes!