Is It Necessary To Flush A Water Heater?
Most homeowners aren't aware that they need to flush their water heater every year to keep away the adverse effects of hard water. Months of minerals and sediment, primarily calcium and magnesium, building up in the tank require clearing out for optimum efficiency. Some unfortunate occurrences can happen if the system is not flushed regularly: popping noises due to water boiling under the built-up sediment, unnecessary wear and tear on the unit, leaks, or a burst water heater tank. Knowing when and why to flush a traditional water heater at home is crucial for healthy plumbing apparatuses and saves on expensive issues that may occur if neglected.
When should I flush my water heater?
The best common practice is to flush a home water heater every six to 12 months. For homes with older units or with very hard water, a flush can occur more regularly. Tell-tale signs a water heater needs to be flushed are:
It's been over a year since the last flush.
There is no or less hot water coming from the unit. If the desired amount or temperature of the water is lacking, it indicates a possible issue with the burner or a sign of mineral buildup.
Strange sounds or smells are coming from the water heater. A sewage-like smell could be bacteria growing somewhere in or around the heater and means it is time for a flush.
Rust-colored or pooling water around the appliance could signify something more serious, like a depleted anode rod or a water heater leak. Contact a professional plumbing expert if these issues occur and ask for a whole house plumbing inspection to get your pipes and tank back to their best condition yet.
Why do I need to flush my water heater?
Full-functioning plumbing alleviates worry. When a homeowner knows their water heating system is running smoothly, they have more room to ponder on other subjects, like what kind of new show they should start watching or if remote work is better than going into the office. Giving some much-needed attention to the water heater has its benefits:
Annual savings: Save on costly repairs with proper maintenance. Annual water heater flushes are often required to maintain appliance warranty.
Home warranty claims: Prolonged leaks may cause a denial of a home warranty claim. If that sounds scary, it's because it is. If water heater woes are not addressed promptly, they can cause more damage that could come out of your pocket in the long term.
Lower cost of repairs: Regular attention to the water heater and home plumbing by a professional mitigates untimely and unnecessary repairs.
Longer unit lifespan: Catching a leak before it becomes a bigger problem can save homeowners thousands of dollars on potential repairs or replacing a unit. A water heater flush is inexpensive and helps the system run smoothly for longer.
Homeowners should feel comfortable getting to know their water heater and how it works. Even tankless water heaters need to be flushed to remove sediment from obstructing the unit's efficiency, but that is another topic in itself. Flushing a water heater does not always have to be the job of a professional. You can ensure the longevity of the heater and the safety of the people at home by having a licensed plumber conduct a water heater flush at least once per year as a part of necessary maintenance and home plumbing inspection.
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.
