We recently shared a behind-the-scenes video on Facebook and YouTube showing what happens inside an aging water heater — and it’s something every homeowner should see.
The heater in the video was 20 years old. From the outside, it looked fairly normal. But when our technicians drained the 40-gallon tank and began removing it, they immediately noticed something was wrong — it was far heavier than expected.
That extra weight wasn’t water.
It was mineral buildup.
In hard-water areas like ours, calcium and sediment settle inside the tank year after year. Over time, those minerals harden into thick deposits at the bottom of the heater. This buildup:
- Reduces efficiency
- Blocks heat transfer
- Causes overheating
- Bends heating elements
- Shortens the life of the unit
When we cut this tank open, the buildup inside felt like solid rock. The sediment had grown so thick that it physically bent the heating element, which caused the heater’s performance to decline.
Why This Matters
A standard water heater already requires two trained technicians to remove and install safely. When mineral deposits accumulate, the heater becomes even heavier — increasing the risk of injury, damage, and improper installation.
More importantly, heaters this old are at high risk of leaking. When located in an attic, a leak can cause major water damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, flooring, and personal belongings.
This customer got lucky. The heater failed slowly instead of catastrophically. But many homeowners aren’t so fortunate.
Don’t Wait Until It Leaks
If your water heater is 10–15+ years old, it may look fine on the outside — but what’s happening inside is another story. Regular inspections, flushes, and proactive replacement can save you thousands in future repairs.
At Bear’s Plumbing, we help homeowners:
- Evaluate the condition of their water heater
- Identify mineral buildup and performance issues
- Prevent unexpected failures and water damage
We encourage you to watch the video and see for yourself what time, minerals, and hard water can do to a tank. Calcium Build up in Water Heaters
📞 Call Bear’s Plumbing at 281-350-2327
🌐 Visit www.bearsplumbing.net
