Reasons to Regularly Flush Your Water Heater
Most water heater manufacturers recommend flushing the water heating system every six months to once every year. Yet, most households wait until their home heating or plumbing starts acting up before considering a flush. The water heater is the primary heat source in many homes throughout the Phoenix Valley. When a homeowner neglects their water heater, it begins to erode, straining the system to heat enough water for the household’s needs. Avoiding higher utility bills and a poorly functioning heating system are not the only good examples of regularly keeping up with water heater flushes. Here are the top reasons to flush your water heater often:
Remove scale and sediment buildup
Hard water in the area is the most significant cause of sediment buildup in a water heater. Calcium and magnesium, the minerals found in our water, are usually harmless but can be extra taxing on the water heater tank. As these minerals pool at the bottom of the tank, they create corrosion and often clog the pressure relief valve. In most cases where there is a lot of built-up sediment, the system does not function as well, and you may find yourself spending more on costly repairs. Investing in a water heater flush alleviates these problems.
Better heating and energy efficiency
No one likes an unexpectedly cold shower. When the water heating system starts to fail, it must work harder to heat your water. The unit works harder and will cost more in electric or gas, depending on what type of unit you have. The homeowners who flush their water heater each year have more efficient units and do not experience fluctuations in water temperatures.
Limit unnecessary noise
Electric water heaters are known to sizzle, crackle, and hiss when scale builds up in the unit. If you’re tired of hearing your heating element, it’s time for a flush. Other sounds that come from the water heater are screeching, whistling, and hammering noises. A high-pitched sound means the pressure relief valve is restricted. A hammering or clanking sound often indicates a severe pressure issue and may result in a burst pipe. Before self-diagnosing water heater sounds, shut off the energy source to the tank and contact a licensed plumber for help.
Increase the lifespan of your unit
Sediment in an electric water heater causes parts of the tank to fail before the expected lifetime of the unit. When electrodes stop working prematurely, your home ends up without hot water. In contrast, the built-up scale in a gas water heater becomes an insulation nightmare. Metal at the bottom of the tank will get too hot too fast and potentially create a leak in the tank.
Sediment and other issues with the water heater are much more expensive than regular maintenance. You can perform some of these tasks yourself, but when in doubt, call in a professional. No matter what you choose, sticking with a schedule will help your water heater perform optimally for longer.
With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!
