Cleaning and maintaining a water heater is important if you want to have an efficient plumbing system. Having access to hot water whenever you need it helps make living more comfortable. Your water heater should be cleaned and flushed frequently to have optimal performance for bathing, washing, and cooking. This blog will help break down the reasons you should flush your water heater to improve its functionality.
How Often Should I Flush My Water Heater?
Professional plumbers recommend that water heaters are flushed and cleaned annually. Removing the sediment or bacteria buildup that can occur inside your heater can limit how well the heater runs. Doing this maintenance service once a year should be efficient to keep your system functional and provide you will hot water when you need it most.
1- Remove Sediment Build-Up
Minerals and sediment can get into your water heater over time. Depending on your climate and the hardness of your water, your sediment build-up can limit the function of your water heater. Flush your water heater to reduce the amount of sediment inside the heater and help it be more efficient in providing hot water.
2- Reduce The Risk Of Leaks
Corrosion will weaken your water heater which will leave it prone to leaks. Regular flushing by a professional at S&B Plumbing will reduce leaks or issues of moisture damage. Flush your water heater to prevent small leaks from evolving into major problems. Even small leaks from your water heater can cause bacteria growth or rotting in your home.
3- Improve Your Water Quality
Stagnant water in your water heater can become contaminated with bacteria and become impure. This water mixes into any new water that may be heated causing you to have reduced water quality throughout your home. Flushing the water heater regularly prevents stagnant water and corrosion that can cause you to have hard water. Your water heater should be cleaned often to avoid the damage hard water can cause.
4- Quieter Operation
As water heaters age, they can start to make odd noises when operating. Whenever they are heating water, banging or knocking sounds can occur if you are not regularly flushing the heater. Reducing sediment or other contaminants will help even out the water heater, lubricate the parts of the water heater, and make your home quieter.
Air bubbles are also common in water heaters. When these bubbles rise to the top and bring sediment with them, they can bang against the tank. Flushing and cleaning the heater will reduce sediment that is causing noises.
5- Extend The Lifespan Of Your Water Heater
Having continual maintenance for your water heater extends its lifespan and reduces the number of repairs needed on your heater. Flushing your water heater annually can help the heater last up to 5 years longer than typical water heaters. Most water heaters have a lifespan of eight to 12 years.
Neglecting a water heater can lead to leaks, hard water, or water heater explosions. Corroding water heaters will need frequent repairs to keep them running well. Instead of spending money on multiple repairs each year, having regular maintenance annually will save homeowners money.
Water Heater Maintenance From Our Experts
S&B Plumbing has multiple expert plumbers that can help improve your home’s water heater. Keeping up on repairs and maintenance is easier when you work with a professional team. Our plumbers come prepared with all the tools and parts they may need to work on your home.
Our experts can help remedy noises coming from the heater, adjust the temperature of your water heater, flush your water heater, or replace hoses. This appliance is often one that we take for granted, so it is important to schedule the maintenance it needs to keep your home comfortable. To learn more about all that comes with our water heater maintenance service, reach out to S&B Plumbing through our contact form.