What You Need to Know About Water Heater Tank Flushes

Your water heater is mostly out of sight, out of mind. It can function for years without you realizing it. However, everything has a limit, including your water heater. If you don’t maintain regular maintenance, it may give up on you. The best way to protect your water heater is to have it examined by a competent plumber regularly. You can flush the tank yourself every few months, and the plumber can do the rest of the assessment. Learning how your water heater tank flushes and knowing how to take care of your water heater will help prevent system failures and save you from a water heater repair.

When Do I Need to Flush My Water Heater?

The water that enters the water heater tank contains sediments in it, no matter the filtration process it goes through. The sediments will build up at the bottom of the tank over time and eventually affect the performance of the water heater. A flush removes those sediments and relieves the build-up. It’s recommended to flush your water heater every six months, but if you have hard water flowing into the tank, you can do it more often. Hard water contains more minerals, so depending on your mineral content, adjust the flush periods.

The Importance of a Flush

Many states have hard water, which means many sediments and minerals are being built up inside the water heater tanks. A flush can relieve the blockage and improve the system’s efficiency. When there are blockages in your tank, the water heater has to work harder to produce hot water, which leads to you receiving higher bills. If you flush your water heater as often as every six months, it can be a great relief for your water heater and your wallet. Flushing can also prevent rust. If rust forms in your water heater, it can decrease the life capacity.

With regular flushing, you can also remember to have a maintenance check. You can recognize any abnormal behavior coming from your water heater. If you need a water heater repair, call Sunshine Plumbers and we’ll send a professional your way in no time. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8 to 12 years, but the system can fail before that as well. If you want a replacement, most warranties need documented proof that you weren’t the one that caused the problem, seeing that most malfunctions could be prevented if owners keep up with regular maintenance. Don’t ignore your water heater. You rely on it every day, so it needs your utmost attention.