[mikevoth]

I've been having an issue lately that is very annoying. All my hot water faucet screens are getting compacted with mineral deposits causing a no-fill warning for my washing machine and poor water flow from all kitchen and bathroom hot water faucets. Cold water faucets are not affected. I have a whole-house water filtration system, as well as water softener. Could incorrect hardness settings on the softener be causing this? I find it very annoying that I have clean water, yet still have crap on the hit water side. Could this be something related to my hot water heater? It's only 6-months old. At this point, if I don't get the warning beeps to stop from my washing machine, I might just throw it out the window! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

It's a little odd to have anode problems with a 6 month old heater but that may be worth investigating.

 

[jmon]

Could be water softener affecting the wh anode rod.

When was the last time water softener was serviced/tested. Just an idea.

 

[mikevoth]

I don't know what you guys mean by anode problem. So is there something in the water that is not getting removed, then being affected when heated? I just moved into the house and installed the heater, filtration system and softener the same weekend.

 

[mikevoth]

The water heater is a 50 gallon Whirlpool with automatic fire/start.

 

[jmon]

Post a couple pictures of your set-up. Wh, filtration, and softener. Thanks.

 

[mikevoth]

Ok. Thanks. I'll do that when I get back home.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Past history says sacrificial anode rods in water heaters have been problematic but accordingly much of that problem has been corrected according to some reports.

Google Anode Rod for details on their purpose, where on / in the heater they are located and methods of replacement.

At this point there is nothing concrete that a deteriorating rod is your problem. If you collect samples from the hot water screens that are being plugged with debris possibly someone could analyze that for a more positive yes or no.

 

[jmon]

Ok. Thanks. I'll do that when I get back home.

Thanks Mike.

Senior brings up a good point. Also post a picture of the debris you're getting at the screens. Could be something to do with your filtration or softener and not wh. Have to investigate a little more.

 

[mikevoth]

Can't upload more than one photo at a time, so here they are…

 

[mikevoth]

#2…

 

[mikevoth]

#3…

 

[mikevoth]

#4…

 

[mikevoth]

#5…final one

 

[jmon]

Thanks Mike for taking the time to post those pics.

It looks like resin or salt from the softener to me. Not really sure what's going on there.

There are a couple great water treatment techs that frequent this forum, they will know for sure.

By pass the water softener and see if it clears up.

 

[mikevoth]

That's what I initially thought, but I only see it on the hot water side. All cold water outlets have full flow and clean screens.

 

[jmon]

Doesn't look like anything to do with the wh or anode rod to me. All looks good there. broken down anode rod/dip tube would appear whiteish color and littler pieces.

 

[mikevoth]

So, maybe my settings are off on the softener? I have very hard water here, so maybe I should test the water again and make adjustments. ?

 

[jmon]

That would be my guess as well. Test it and get the manual out verify settings, proper amount salt/resin, etc.

You could try bypassing the filter and softener, flush it out and see if it clears up. If it does, then you know for sure the problem lies with your your filter or softener. Just a suggestion.

Also check the filter make sure you didn't tear a hole in it or something putting it in.

 

[mikevoth]

Great suggestions! Thank you all!