If your home utilizes a traditional gas or electric water heater, flushing it at least once a year is a good routine to get into. While this measure should be taken out of necessity, there are numerous benefits of flushing your water heater.
With our leading expertise, you’ll gain a firm understanding of the benefits of flushing your water heater and other need-to-know information.
Why is it Necessary to Flush the Tank of a Water Heater?
Flushing a water heater is an essential maintenance task for homeowners. The water that is filtered into the water heater contains dissolved minerals and impurities, which once heated, can harden and create sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. The longer sediment is left unaddressed and continues to accumulate, the more likely it is for a decline in performance.
In addition to maintaining sufficient performance, flushing your water heater entails benefits like:
1. Longer Lifespan
Neglecting to flush your water heater creates the complication of sediment buildup. Once sediment buildup hinders the water heater’s performance, increased wear and tear will soon follow, which can lead to frequent repairs or premature replacement.
Flushing your water heater at least once a year can help extend its lifespan. With proper maintenance, gas water heaters typically last between 8 to 12 years, while electric water heaters can last around 10 to 15 years.
2. Better Energy Efficiency
Optimal performance and energy efficiency can only be achieved by routinely flushing your water heater. As sediment sits and accumulates within the water heater, performance takes a hit, and so does energy efficiency. With poor energy efficiency comes a rise in energy costs. Keep the energy efficiency of your water heater in tip-top condition by making an annual flush the standard for your home.
3. Shorter Recovery Time
The time it takes for a traditional water heater tank to refill is called recovery time. Depending on the type of unit and size of the tank, recovery times can range from 30 minutes to two hours.
Recovery times can be affected due to sediment buildup, which then affects the time it takes to get a fresh hot water supply. A benefit of flushing your water heater includes shorter recovery times and faster access to hot water.
4. Quieter Operation
Loud knocking or banging sounds from your water heater are a clear indication that it needs to be flushed. When sediment builds up, tiny bubbles formed during the heating process rise through it, causing pieces of sediment to strike the sides of the tank. Regularly flushing your water heater helps prevent this issue.
Read More: 11 Essential Steps for Cleaning a Sump Pump
5. Lower Your Energy Bills
Your energy bills can rise once the water heater struggles to maintain performance. Not only will flushing your water heater keep your energy bills on the low end, but costly repairs are less likely to be a detriment to your wallet.
6. Maintain Warranty Coverage
If your water heater comes with warranty coverage, it’s imperative that you properly maintain it. Deciding to neglect proper maintenance tasks like flushing can void the warranty, leaving you to deal with any damage. Flush your water heater and practice other necessary maintenance tasks to maintain the warranties it may have.
Tools You Will Need to Flush Your Water Heater
To flush your water heater, you’ll need a couple of tools and items to do so. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Garden hose (long enough to reach outdoors or a nearby drain)
- Towel for potential spills
- Flathead screwdriver
- Bucket (not required)
Steps to Flush Your Hot Water Heater
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of flushing a hot water heater, let’s delve into how to flush your unit. Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off the electricity or gas
- Turn off the water inlet on the side of the water heater (turn off the water to the home if there’s no valve)
- Turn on a hot water faucet in the house to admit air into the system so the water heater can drain
- Run the hose outside or to a nearby drain
- Open the drain valve on the water heater (may require a flathead screwdriver)
- The water begins to drain from the tank (the estimated time to complete depends on the amount of water and any potential clogging present)
- Open the cold water inlet and allow it to run for a few minutes
- Close the drain valve and disconnect the hose
- Allow the tank to refill
- Air is going to sputter from the open hot water faucet within the house; turn the faucet off once a stream of water is present
When You Are Finished Flushing Your Water Heater
After you’ve completed the flushing process, there are a few other important considerations to cross off. The remaining steps include:
Making sure the pilot light is lit when the gas is turned back on (for gas units)
Turning on the electric power or gas to the water heater
Lighting the pilot light if the gas was turned off, or returning the temperature to its original setting
Inspecting the area for leaks
If a leak is present, turn to AccuTemp for water leak detection and repair. If your home uses a tankless water heater, we offer repair services for these units as well.
Read More: What Are the Main Causes of Clogged Drains in Homes?
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
Generally, water heaters should be drained and flushed at least once a year. Take note of the operator’s manual if this is suggested differently.
During the yearly flush, test the pressure relief valve and inspect the overflow drain to check if it’s clear. Open the pressure relief valve for a few seconds to allow water to run out, and check the overflow drain to make sure that water runs through.
Professional Hot Water Heater Maintenance and Repair Services
As one of your home’s most important systems, a damaged or inefficient water heater can make daily life the ultimate inconvenience. Luckily, our team of trained plumbers offer trustworthy water heater repair services in New Orleans, Louisiana and the surrounding areas.
Do you need help fixing a tankless system? The professionals from AccuTemp also offer extensive tankless water heater repair services and will help you restore access to hot water.
Our staff members also offer other types of plumbing solutions for homeowners such as water leak detection, sump pump installation, faucet replacement, and drain cleaning. Contact our staff to receive assistance with a defective water heater or other plumbing issues in your home.
