As a homeowner, it’s safe to say you juggle many responsibilities at once. Unfortunately, it’s only natural that some chores will fall to the wayside — such as flushing your water heater. Unfortunately, overlooking this vital maintenance task can have negative consequences.
So, why do hot water heaters need to be flushed? We’ll go over everything you need to know in more detail below.
Why Do You Need to Flush Your Water Heater?
You’ve probably had a plumber tell you that you should flush your water heater regularly, and they would be correct. It’s only natural for your water supply to contain some minerals and sediment, so as cold water enters your water heater to get warmed up, this debris will wind up settling at the bottom of the tank. Also, if you live in an area prone to hard water, the mineral content in your water could be higher.
Unfortunately, sediment buildup within your water heater tank isn’t something you can simply ignore. As this sediment collects over time, it can significantly impact your water heater’s performance and lifespan — as well as your energy bills.
Let’s discuss why this simple water heater maintenance task is so important.
Energy Efficiency
So, why do hot water heaters need to be flushed, exactly? For starters, failing to complete this task can cause your water heater to become less energy efficient.
The heating element in your water heater is located at the bottom of the tank. So if a large amount of sediment has settled on top of the heating element, the water heater will have difficulty heating the water. As a result, the system will try working twice as hard to meet your hot water demands — which can waste a lot of energy.
If your water heater is working overtime, this can cause the unit to wear out much sooner than it’s supposed to. You may also notice higher energy bills. Fortunately, when you drain your water heater and remove the sediment in the tank, you can prevent these problems from occurring.
Water Discoloration
If you’re still wondering whether you should flush your water heater, you might want to take a closer look at the color of your water.
Of course, the water coming out of your faucets should be clear. Unfortunately, if you forget to flush your hot water heater or simply put off this maintenance task for longer than necessary, this might not be the case for much longer. As sediment collects in the tank, it can cause your hot water to have a strange, cloudy appearance.
Corrosion
As you can see, hot water heaters do need to be flushed for many important reasons. However, there’s still one that needs to be mentioned, and it has to do with corrosion.
Every water heater will need to be replaced eventually. Unfortunately, though, sediment buildup within the tank can cause your unit to corrode much faster than expected. As a result, you may find yourself needing to schedule a premature water heater installation in Springfield, IL.
Fortunately, a simple water heater flush can help keep the tank in good condition!
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
In general, you should flush your water heater at least twice a year. However, if you live in an area with hard water, you may want to consider performing this maintenance task on a more frequent basis.
As a homeowner, you can learn how to flush a water heater yourself. If you have an electric water heater, it’s important that you remember to shut off the power to the unit before performing any work. On the other hand, if you have a gas water heater, you’ll need to make sure that the gas valve is closed before starting the flushing process. Afterward, you will need to shut off the water as well.
Although you can flush a water heater tank yourself, it’s always best to let a professional plumber handle it for you. This way, you can ensure the job is completed correctly and that all of the sediment has been removed.
Let Mike Williams Handle Your Water Heater Services
“Do hot water heaters need to be flushed?” If someone asks you this question, we hope that you respond with a loud “Yes!” This maintenance task can make a huge difference in your unit’s performance, efficiency, and longevity.
Keeping up with your water heater’s needs is important — and Mike Williams is here to help. Our professional team specializes in traditional and tankless water heaters to meet your needs. We can assist you with everything from a comprehensive repair to a replacement.
So don’t wait any longer to give us a call. Contact us today to schedule a water heater repair in Champaign, Urbana, Bloomington, Normal, or the surrounding area!