Does Flushing a Water Heater Offer Any Benefits?
Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their water heaters beyond whether or not it works. As long as it is working, it’s easy to forget regular maintenance.
But most professional plumbers would argue that flushing the water heater occasionally will increase its longevity and make it more efficient. Here are a few ways that flushing the water can be beneficial.
It removes sediment build-up
The purpose of flushing the water heater is to clean out the sediment and mineral scale build-up in the tank. When this happens, it becomes much harder for the water heater to run at full capacity.
Homeowners with electric water heaters might also notice sediment build-up on the electrodes, further exacerbating the problem. However, routinely flushing the water heater significantly decreases the possibility of sediment build-up.
It increases the heating speed
If the water heater is not in tip-top condition, you’ll likely notice that it takes longer to heat the water. This is because the sediment and debris build-up slow down the heat transfer process. The heater may even have problems maintaining a constant water temperature, and the water might cool faster. By flushing the water heater occasionally, the heating speed should remain optimal.
It lowers utility bills
Slower heating speeds mean higher energy costs. A calcified tank won’t be as efficient as one with no build-up, requiring more energy. Expenses pile up quickly; you can save money by regularly flushing the tank and avoid the issue altogether.
It prevents odors
If there were issues with the tank that resulted in water not having anywhere to go, it could lead to foul odors coming out of the water heater. The stagnant water in the heater should always be flushed out to get rid of any residue and odor.
It reduces noise
The water heater should operate relatively quietly. It’s not a good sign if the water heater is making strange and loud noises. These sounds may be the symptom of a more severe problem that may be eliminated by flushing the tank.
It ensures warranty protection
Most water heater warranties don’t cover failure as a result of scale build-up. The manufacturer might be quick to shirk responsibility if that’s the case. However, if a plumber professionally flushes your water heater, the paper trail can help in keeping the tank under warranty protection.
How often should you flush the water heater?
Flushing the water heater doesn’t have any downsides at all. The only question that remains is how often to do it. The level of mineral content in municipal water is one of the key factors to consider. Other crucial points are how often much water goes through and how hot it typically is.
Some homeowners might need to flush the water heater once a month and others bi-annually. Either way, make sure to call a reliable plumbing company for an accurate assessment of the condition.
Water Wise Plumbing is a local, full-service residential plumbing company serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, Boulder City, Pahrump, and North Las Vegas. We provide Tankless water heater service, water softeners, water heater flush, leak detection and repair, water line rerouting, pipe installation, hydro-jetting, sewer services, and more. We are family-owned and operated, certified, and insured. We offer flat rate pricing and 24-hour emergency service.Call us today at (702) 605-6408.
