Questions and Answers
Questions &
Answers
Why is the Sediment Buster the best option for cleaning or maintaining a water heater?
- The patented air injection process eliminates the need to remove any part of the water heater while still effectively stirring the tank and removing the sediment.
- Air is completely non-Invasive to the tank (nothing goes inside the tank except air)
- Follow the same steps as your water heater manufacturer draining process, but with the added benefits of stirring the tank and seeing what is draining out through the clear
window - Use any air pump including a hand bicycle pump!
- No added tools for use. Just hand tighten to the drain valve and drain hose
- The 45 Degree Design allows the user to position the draining in hard-to-reach angles.
What should I do before using the Sediment Buster?
4 STEP Set-up Process
- Turn off power or gas to water heater
- Turn on multiple hot water faucets to purge out hot water and allow tank to cool
- Attach the black male end of the Sediment Buster to a full port hose that leads to a drain or outside
- Attach the yellow female swivel end of the Sediment Buster to the water heater drain valve.
*Important: Verify the black rubber gasket is seated inside the yellow swivel and thread it squarely without stripping the threads or over-tightening.
How long does it take to drain a water heater using the Sediment Buster?
The time it takes to drain a water heater with the Sediment Buster depends on several factors:
- Type of Drain Valve: A 5/8 full port or 3/8 port drain valve will drain much faster than a restrictive plastic gate valve.
- Venting: Opening multiple hot water faucets in your home, especially those located above the water heater, improves drainage. Removing the anode rod to create a temporary vent can also speed up the process.
- Sediment Build-Up: The amount of sediment in the tank affects drainage time.
- Air Pressure: Using air pressure to push the water out can significantly reduce drainage time (see video experiment)
Considering these factors, the time required to drain a water heater can range from 10 to 45 minutes.
What kind of water heater is the Sediment Buster compatible with?
The Sediment Buster is designed to fit any water heater tank with a standard ¾ inch male GHT drain valve on gas water heater tanks or electric water heater tanks elevated off the ground, valve turned sideways and/or able to attach Sediment Buster and air nozzle before obstruction.
What if the Sediment Buster does not reach the valve or is too tight to fit?
Most water heater drain valves are fully accessible without restrictions. Generally speaking if the drain valve is enough off the ground (several inches) the Sediment Buster can be attached without an issue. However, if your water heater drain valve is difficult to access directly with the Sediment Buster, we recommend using a short hose with GHT male and GHT female extensions that attaches between the water heater drain valve and Sediment Buster. We also suggest that the hose is rated to handle warm or hot water.
What are the dimensions of the Sediment Buster?
Length 5.75 inches
Width 3.5 inches
Depth 2.5 inches
Length out past water heater drain 2.75 inches
What are some safety steps to consider?
- Always refer to your owner’s or instruction manual for the water heater you will use the Sediment Buster on.
- Make sure to turn off the power or gas supply to the water heater, depending on the type of heater you have. For electric water heaters, turn off the circuit breaker that powers the unit.
- For gas water heaters, turn off the gas supply valve.
- After turning off power, wait until the water in your tank is cool. Remember, water in your hot water heater can be very hot! Do not engage until the water is at a safe and comfortable temperature
- When draining, first turn off the cold-water inlet and open a hot water faucet at a nearby sink to remove the air pocket and create venting.
- Make sure the Sediment Buster valve is closed before attaching it to the hot water tank or whenever air is being pushed through the tool.
- Stir the tank with short bursts of air, no longer than a few seconds at a time
Is the Sediment Buster safe for my water heater?
The Sediment Buster is a non-invasive tool that does not require the user to disassemble or detach any component of the water heater. Unlike other methods that require elements like wire or augers, nothing goes inside the tank except air.
How often should I clean my water heater?
We recommend that you clean your water heater once a year. Preventing and eliminating limescale and sediment buildup will greatly increase the water heater’s efficiency and lifespan.
Why would a plumber want to use the Sediment Buster?
The Sediment Buster was designed by a master plumber to solve routine problems when dealing with draining or replacing water heaters.
The clear window not only allows a plumber to see that water is draining it is also a sales tool that allows the plumber to show the homeowner what is coming out of their tank in real time.
Most plumbers eventually will deal with a stubborn tank that will not drain. The Sediment Buster will continue to stir the tank so that water and sediment will flow out. Instead of deferring to tools like coat hangers to unclog the drain, use the Sediment Buster. Also, avoid carrying a full water heater out of a home.
What is Sediment Buster’s Return Policy?
Sediment Buster has a comprehensive return policy that entitles customers to a full refund for products returned in their original, unused condition within a 30-day period from the date of purchase. It is important to note that items exceeding the 30-day limit cannot be returned under any circumstances.
The cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, unless the product exhibits a defect or problem. In such cases, we kindly request that the buyer contacts us to address any concerns regarding the integrity or quality of the product.
To initiate the return process, please submit a request for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) by
contacting us at info@sedimentbuster.com
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