December 06/2023
Reasons It’s Time to Flush Your Water Heater
Over time, water heaters collect sediment, silt, and minerals that settle at the bottom of the tank. If you neglect to flush your water heater regularly, several issues can arise. That’s why it is recommended to flush your water heater at least once a year. Flushing is an essential part of water heater maintenance as it removes sediment and minerals that build up in the tank, which can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and shorten its lifespan. If you have hard water, you may want to flush your water heater more often, every six months to once a quarter.
In today’s blog post, Mr. Rooter Plumbing outlines the top 5 reasons to flush your water heater regularly. Remember, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the go-to plumbing service for tankless water heater installation and other water heater services.
- Improve Heating Efficiency
Over time, sediment and minerals tend to accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank, acting as an insulating layer that hinders heat transfer. Flushing your water heater removes this buildup; hence, it allows the heating element to work more efficiently. This results in faster heating times and reduced energy consumption.
- Increase its Life Expectancy
Sediment buildup not only impedes heating efficiency but also contributes to corrosion and rust, which can prematurely damage your water heater tank and other components. Regular flushing helps prevent these issues, prolonging the lifespan of your water heater and saving you money on costly water heater repair and replacement.
When a water heater is affected by sediment buildup, it has to work harder to heat the water. This increased workload results in higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher utility bills. Flushing your water heater directly translates to lower energy costs. With sediment removed, your water heater requires less energy to heat water.
Sediment in the tank can cause popping or rumbling noises as the water heater works to heat water through the insulating layer. Regular flushing helps eliminate these noises by removing the sediment that causes them. This not only improves the comfort of your home by reducing disruptive sounds but also indicates a healthier and more efficient water heating system. If you hear odd noises coming from your water heater, reach out to a professional plumbing service for an inspection.
- Maintain Warranty Protection
Many water heater warranties stipulate regular flushing as a condition for coverage. Neglecting to flush your water heater could void your warranty, leaving you liable for water heater repair or replacement costs. By flushing your water heater according to the manufacturer's guidelines, you ensure that you maintain warranty protection and have support in case any issues arise during the warranty period.
How to Tell if Your Water Heater Has Sediment Build-Up
Here are the signs that your water heater may need to be flushed:
- Your hot water is rusty
- Reduced water pressure
- Loud noises
- Your water heater is leaking
- Reduced hot water flow
- Fluctuating water temperature
- Longer heating times
- Smelly hot water
Schedule Your Water Heater Service Today
If you’re looking for a professional plumbing service that offers top-notch water heater services, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing. From tankless water heater installation to repairs and routine water heater maintenance, our plumbers have the skills and experience to do an exceptional job.
