How to Check If Your Water Heater Has Sediment Buildup
Published: July 20, 2026 — CANRO Heating & Cooling — Greater Vancouver, BC
Listening Test
Stand near the water heater while it is heating. If you hear popping, crackling, or rumbling sounds, sediment has accumulated at the bottom. Water trapped under the sediment boils, creating these sounds. No sound does not mean no sediment — it can be compacted without noise.
Visual and Flow Tests
Open a hot water tap and check: if the water runs out faster than it used to (sediment has reduced tank capacity), if water is rusty or discoloured (corrosion from sediment), or if flow is weak (sediment partially blocking the outlet). Collect a glass of hot water and look for particles.
Professional Assessment
A technician can: drain the tank partially to inspect the sediment layer, measure sediment depth with a probe, and recommend flushing or replacement. If sediment is more than 6 inches deep, professional flushing followed by anode rod inspection is needed.