Some things we take for granted, like the oven working so we can cook meals or our water running, so we can bathe. The water heater, however, is almost always out of sight, and therefore, out of mind. Few homeowners maintain their water heater until they have to—after stepping into a cold shower or trying to wash the dishes in cold water.
The Importance Of Regular Water Heater Maintenance
Water heater maintenance is much like car maintenance and just as important. You wouldn’t think of driving a car without regular oil changes and tune-ups. Flushing your water heater isn’t difficult and it isn’t labor-intensive. It just takes a water hose, a bucket, and time.
Why You Should Flush Your Water Heater?
Water contains minerals that turn into sediment when they hit a solid surface. If you have “hard” water (tip: you do if you live in the Las Vegas area), that means your water likely contains calcium and magnesium. These sediments settle onto the bottom of the water tank.
Sediment Build-Up Can Lead To Expensive Problems
A small amount of sediment isn’t harmful to you or your water heater. However, the more sediment that collects, the more your heating element gets blocked, which prevents it from heating your water. Sediment build-up makes your water heater work harder. The time and effort it takes to heat water around the sediment buildup will also run up your power bill. Leaving sediment in your water heater could also cause major problems for the components in your heater and the longevity of the tank itself.
- Sediment covering the lower heating element of your water heater causes the heating element to overwork itself, which can cause a premature burnout of the element itself.
- Sediment can also be corrosive depending on the make-up of the minerals. If left unchecked, sediment buildup can corrode the parts inside your water heater and prevent you from getting your average 8-12 years out of the appliance.
Avoid Overworking Your Water Heater
It may seem like common sense, but the longer your element runs, the more energy your water heater is using. When the water doesn’t reach the appropriate temperature, the element will just continue to heat. Because of this, when you try to use your hot water, you may get splashes of cold water along with your heated water—this is a telltale sign your water heater needs to be flushed.
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
Your water heater’s owner’s manual will tell you the specifics on how often to flush your water heater.
- Generally, most units will suggest flushing your system annually.
- However, if you live in an area with hard water, such as the Las Vegas area, twice a year is recommended.
If you’re unsure of how often your water heater needs to be flushed, you can always call the experts at Pure Plumbing for advice.
How To Flush A Water Heater?
The process of flushing your water heater can sound daunting, but with the right tools and enough time, is something you can easily do yourself. We offer step-by-step guides and a video on our website for homeowners willing to learn how to care for their pipes and water heater. If you’d rather leave it to the experts, our team is here to answer any questions or service any issue you may have.
How Pure Plumbing Can Help
Not everyone knows how to deal with their plumbing when a problem arises. To most people, plumbing is like a foreign language: it’s hard to understand and difficult to speak. Thankfully, there are plumbing experts who will flush your water heater in no time and ensure you receive the best service around. Contact Pure Plumbing for all of your plumbing emergencies, questions, and needs. We look forward to delivering the same phenomenal service we’re known for!
