SGkent
Thank You
generally that white stuff is zinc and magnesium oxides that have fallen off the anodes as they work. FWIW the warranty difference between different water heaters in the same line is usually the number of anodes they put in the water heater. Once that anode is eaten away, the water heater begins to deteriorate much quicker. One can just hook a garden hose up to the drain, and let it flow until the white stuff stops. Lots of lengthy discussions and specs on different types of anodes for different quality waters. Also - any time the water heater is opened up, there is usually a spec from the manufacturer on how to sterilize the inside. Legionnaire's disease can happen if it gets contaminated and the temperature is too low. Anyone who has visited a volcanic park knows that water can grow lots of bacteria even though it is very hot. Undersea vents have life in their flow near where the water is almost 600F.
