Why It’s Important To Have Your Water Heater Flushed?

Flushing your water heater is important for several reasons:

1. Prevention of Sediment Buildup: Over time, minerals and sediments from the water supply can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This buildup reduces the efficiency of the water heater by insulating the heat source from the water, making it work harder to heat the water and potentially leading to higher energy bills.
2. Prolonged Lifespan: Regular flushing helps to remove sediment and mineral buildup, which can contribute to corrosion and rust inside the tank. By reducing corrosion, you can extend the lifespan of your water heater.
3. Improved Efficiency: A clean water heater operates more efficiently. When sediment and mineral buildup are removed, the heating element can work more effectively, leading to quicker heating times and lower energy costs.
4. Prevention of Potential Issues: Sediment buildup can lead to various problems, including clogs in pipes, reduced water pressure, and even leaks in extreme cases. Flushing the water heater helps prevent these issues, saving you from potential costly repairs or replacements.
5. Maintaining Water Quality: Sediment buildup can also affect the quality of the water coming out of your taps. Flushing the water heater helps ensure that the water remains clean and free from any unpleasant tastes or odors associated with sediment accumulation.

Overall, flushing your water heater is an essential maintenance task that helps to ensure its efficiency, prolong its lifespan, and maintain the quality of your hot water supply. It’s typically recommended to flush your water heater annually or as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

What is Involved in Flushing a Tank Water Heater

During a water heater flush, several steps are typically followed to remove sediment and debris from the tank. Here’s a general outline of what is done during a water heater flush:

1. Turn Off the Power: If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker. For gas water heaters, set the gas control knob to the “pilot” position.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the cold water shut-off valve that supplies water to the heater and turn it off. This prevents new water from entering the tank during the flushing process.
3. Drain the Tank: Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater tank. Run the other end of the hose to a floor drain, sink, or outside where the water can safely drain. Open the drain valve and allow the tank to completely drain.
4. Flush the Tank: Once the tank is drained, turn on the cold water supply for a few minutes while the drain valve is still open. This helps flush out any remaining sediment and debris from the bottom of the tank. You may need to repeat this step several times until the water runs clear.
5. Close the Drain Valve: Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve tightly to prevent any leaks.
6. Refill the Tank: Turn off the drain valve and disconnect the hose. Turn on the cold water supply to refill the tank. Keep the hot water faucet in the house open to purge air from the system.
7. Restore Power: For electric water heaters, turn the power supply back on at the circuit breaker. For gas water heaters, set the gas control knob back to the desired temperature setting.
8. Check for Leaks: Inspect all connections and the drain valve for any signs of leaks. Tighten any connections as needed.

By following these steps, you can effectively flush your water heater, removing sediment and debris that can affect its performance and lifespan. It’s a relatively simple maintenance task that can help ensure your water heater operates efficiently and reliably.

Any good DIYer can absolutely flush your water heater yourself, but if you don’t have the time or don’t want to mess with it, contact Total Air and schedule with our master plumber! Call us at 936-890-4070 or info@totalairservice.com for scheduling.