Routine maintenance of a water heater helps to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits. A fellow inspector recently replaced a water heater that was installed in 1996. The unit was still operating but had not been drained to flush out mineral deposits. As it was being moved, the inspector heard debris moving inside and decided to open it up. The amount of mineral buildup that came out ended up weighing about 11.5 lbs. This amount of debris can interfere with heat transfer in the unit, making it work harder to produce hot water.