Hard water scales in water heater

[Hardwater]

I replaced a nine year old anode rod in my water heater and found it is covered with hard water deposit. In fact the rod has become fatter than the original rod because of this. I had to wiggle the rod to loosen the deposit to get the rod out of the tank.

The manual says

The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the
water heater tank.​

This sounds counter intuitive.

What can I do to prevent these hard water deposit from building up? Some web site suggest pouring in vinegar to clean them, but there is no easy way to pour vinegar into the tank.

Are there water heater designed specifically to cope with hard water?

 

[journeyman]

Check out a web site called flowtechhome.com. it is a descaler and works great. It gets rid of preexisting scale and prevents it from coming back

 

[johnjh2o]

It looks to me like the anode rod is doing it's job and breaking down instead of the water heater. Replace the rod.

 

[alefromitaly]

There are some acids that your plumber can use for clean inside of the tank.. These are products only for professional workers.. Not are for hobby.. Required knowledge and specific pumps.. For your water hardness, you can buy a tester for try your water.. I don't know how are the rules in your state, here we can't go over 14 French degree of water hardness.. Anyhow if you have really this problem, call your plumber and ask he for install an Softener water.. Usually, the hardness water is a homeowner problem.. Not is a constructors problem..

 

[journeyman]

My experience with softeners is that they destoy heaters with soft water you will need to change the anode about every 6-8 months

 

[alefromitaly]

Why journey? Are you sure that were calibrated in right way?