We recently had to replace our water heater because of lack of hot water, age (12 years to the day almost) and sediment build up (it was higher than the lower element; we purchased the home 7 months ago). While the plumber was here (we had extreme difficulty getting the elements out to initially change that we opted to call in a professional) he told us that our pipes are most likely in need of decalcifying, which is a product they sell for just over $2000. We are not handy people, nor do we know a lot about plumbing which is why I am asking lots of questions to get some answers before going forward with such a large purchase. Can anyone tell me about this process, if it is needed, if it is something we can sit, etc etc.
Plumbing – How does decalcifying work, and is it something I need
plumbingwater-heaterwater-quality
Related Solutions
Either expansion/pop or fusible link melt are the two methods used. Fire sprinkler heads also use these devices.
The melting method is usually two pieces of metal joined by a calibrated alloy similar to solder that has a specific temperature where the pieces of metal debond allowing the safety mechanism to trip.
Expansion usually is a capsule filled with a liquid that's calibrated to burst at a set temperature allowing the safety mechanism to trip.
In fire sprinklers, the safety mechanism is allowing the seal to blow and water to flow. In furnaces, fuel flow cut, in this water heater, a damper to cut off air supply.
Here's a link to a safety bulletin (Rheem/Ruud)
Visually, it's pretty self-explanatory in the sequence below. Bulb pops, spring jumps out of the way and pin on spring loaded damper no longer is obstructed from allowing damper plate to seal combustion chamber.
A capped opening in a sewer line is called a clean-out, usually they are a 4" long bend wye with a cap on one branch so you can pull the cover and run a snake down the whole length of the main sewer line.
In this case, a 2" pipe would be a good size to run a snake down to clear any clogs downstream from the toilet. I'd guess that somebody didn't allow enough drop in the sewer line and added the pipe to allow shoving the solids out of a long, level area.
Sewer Auger (Snake) or a Water Bladder Clog Buster just in case you ever have to use it.
No, it's not a vent.
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Best Answer
There is no relationship between tank sediment and pipe calcification. Unless he was able to show you how your pipes are actually constricted, such as where they connect to the water heater, there is no way anyone can know there is such a problem.
Unless you were shown obvious evidence of build up, this sounds like a complete scam to me from what little information you've provided. I would never call these people again.
AFAIK, calcium build up only occurs where very hard water is exposed to air, it does not build up inside of pipes. You may recall seeing elaborate calcium formations near commercial hot springs built up over decades by spraying hard water out of a small pipe. Despite the huge build up outside, the pipe continues to flow without evidence of obstruction after decades of use.