Hot water is vital for every household to perform routine activities like cleaning, bathing, laundry, and cooking. The water heater is the appliance that ensures an uninterrupted hot water supply for various activities when needed. Most homeowners only realize the importance of water heaters once it fails to do its job correctly.
Regular maintenance is the key to maintaining efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of water heaters. Flushing is a crucial part of water heater maintenance that keeps it working correctly, safely, and at optimal capacity.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FLUSH A WATER HEATER?
A water heater flush is when a professional drains the tank into an approved source to flush out the gunk and sediments accumulated at the tank’s bottom. To flush a water heater, a professional will:
- Turn off the gas or electricity, depending on the water heater type, to create a safe working environment. Turning off the thermostat and shutting off the water supply is also essential.
- Turn on the hot water tap near the water heater to prevent vacuum formation in the pipework and facilitate easier drainage.
- Connect the hose to the spigot to drain the system. Place the other end of the hose into an empty bucket or drain to prevent dripping.
- Open the drain valve to drain the water heater till the water runs clear.
- Reopen the cold water supply to flush the tank and let it run for a few minutes to eliminate all the sediments.
- Close the drain valve and remove the hose. Also, close the hot water faucet turned on at the beginning.
- Reopen the water supply valve to fill up the tank.
- Turn on the thermostat and power the water heater by turning on the gas line or flipping the breaker switch.
- Wait 20 to 30 minutes to allow the water to heat, and test by turning on a water heater spigot to ensure the hot water is coming out.
WHY DOES A WATER HEATER NEED FLUSHING?
Many areas receive hard water with various dissolved minerals. Over time minerals and sediments from the water settle at the bottom of the tank, which prevents the heating element from doing its job effectively. The build-up causes the water heater to work harder and results in tank damage, clogged drain lines, loss of pressure, tank bursts, and other expensive and hazardous problems.
SIGNS A WATER HEATER NEEDS FLUSHING
Experts recommend flushing the water heater annually to avoid potential problems associated with sediment build-up. Here are some warning signs indicating it is time for a water heater flush:
- No hot water
- Strange popping or rumbling noises
- Low water pressure
- Foul odors
- Colored water
BENEFITS OF WATER HEATER FLUSH
- Prevents sediments build-up in the tank
- Improves the water heater efficiency
- Avoid premature breakdown and prolongs the water heater’s lifespan
- Prevent malfunctions and costly repairs
- Ensures safe water heater operation
- Ensures warranty protection
- Better heating speed
SAFELY MAINTAIN THE WATER HEATER
Water heating flushing can turn dangerous when not done correctly. Hiring a professional water heater technician ensures the job is done right. An experienced technician knows how to keep the water heater in top shape.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.