Customer complained of "water heater leaking". I diagnosed and quickly suspected the leak from the shutoff valve not closely properly. So I drained the tank and just look at the five pictures of what came out! What is that?!!? I would think it's calcium deposits but it almost looks like fine sand! And the deposits on both sides of the shutoff valve were longer flakes.

Anyway, I filled the tank and drained two times to get as much out as I can, and changed the shutoff valve (old valve was plastic; replaced with brass) and no more leaks.

Heater is maybe eight years old according to them. I forgot to look at the manufacturing date.

Any thoughts of why so much deposits and opinions on the tank future longevity? I almost want to tell them not to drain anymore (they drain every year).

On a side note, they are complaining of a leak in the middle of the lawn (they have sprinklers.) Any chance of the deposits getting into the sprinkler valves so they won't shut off all the way? I haven't flushed those out yet but maybe it's the same problem.

I'll post five pics really soon...

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Not unless they are watering the yard with hot water. With an irrigation system, there can be several reasons for wet spots in the yard,

You have discovered mineral deposits in your water. Very common. Now that you have changed out the drain valve he should continue draining it but maybe more often. He should save for a replacement WH as they can leak at any time at this age. Water heaters have changed and he needs a qualified Plumber to do it. Good luck.

Thanks @hj and @srloren!

Given all the mineral deposits, how frequent should they drain?

Every 90 days is my recommendation