Flushing a water heater is an important part of maintaining this essential appliance in your home. The process involves removing the water that’s there, along with the buildup of sediment, to improve efficiency. A common question our Kingman water heater services team receives is how to flush a water heater properly to ensure it does not cause a significant amount of risk or damage.
Start with Understanding Why You Should Flush a Water Heater
Flushing a water heater is a task all homeowners should do from time to time as a way to properly maintain the system and even extend its life. When you flush the tank, you allow for the removal of sediment and materials from within the tank, which can lead to costly repairs. This task, when done well, may extend the life of your tank for years.
If you do not flush your water tank, over time, hard mineral deposits from within the water will build up within the tank’s structure. In addition to these substances, rust can form, causing a serious risk of damage to the tank and early breakdown. In some cases, it can also lead to excess steam and pressure buildup, which can be a safety hazard.
You should flush your hot water tank once every six months to every year, depending on if you have hard water in your home. If you have hard water, the amount of limescale buildup can be problematic and requires more frequent flushing than if you have software water. Follow the guidelines provided by the water heater manufacturer for the best outcome possible.
Steps to Flushing a Water Heater
Flushing the water heater starts with turning off all power to it, including electricity and gas running to the tank. Once you do that, you will need to place a garden hose on the end of the spigot on the front of the tank, typically near the base of the tank. Then, place the other end of the hose into a bucket so that it catches the water or, if there is a nearby drain, place it directly into the drain.
Turn the spigot to allow the water from within the tank to flow outward into the bucket. This process usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes to complete, and you should not walk away from it during that time. You should drain the bucket as needed during this process.
To flush the sediment, you will likely notice that there is a significant amount of material that initially comes out of the tank when you open it. That’s the force of the water moving down out the new opening that pushes the sediment out. Opening and closing the valve can help to flush more out, which you will want to do until it is clear.
Don’t Forget to Put Things Back Together Properly
Once you flush the sediment out of the tank, you then need to close the spigot and turn the system back on by powering it up. You should hear the water begin to increase within it. It will take several hours to heat up back to normal.
The Benefits of Allowing Our Team to Handle Your Water Heater Maintenance
You can flush the water heater yourself, but you can also turn to Plumbing by Jake to handle the work for you. Most of the time, you will be able to get a few extra benefits by allowing our professionals to handle the process for you. With our experience, you can also have more peace of mind.
Our plumber will monitor the process and ensure that there are no leaks or areas of concern. In addition to this, we can also provide a full inspection to determine if the tank is in good condition. If there is a lot of sediment, we may recommend replacing the tank to improve overall safety and efficiency.
In addition to this, when you hire our team to handle your water heater maintenance, we can ensure you are getting the optimal results. That includes optimal efficiency (which ultimately lowers the cost of maintaining your system) and improved overall use for years to come. Let us provide a full inspection, and be sure to read our client reviews.
Other Tasks Your Hot Water Heater Needs
There are a few other tasks we can help you with during this process that can help extend the life of your water heater and improve overall efficiency. One of the most important is adjusting the thermostat to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal energy usage and comfort. You will want to ensure that it is set at a comfortable level but does not scald the skin when you turn the water on.
A visual inspection of the outside of the tank is an important part of making sure your system is working optimally. This includes looking at all components to ensure they are properly sealed. It also helps to spot (and treat) any type of leaks that may develop.
There are times when we may recommend the replacement of an existing hot water tank, especially if it is not working, is no longer efficient, or could be a safety risk to your family or your home. Replacement of your tank can sometimes be more affordable to you in these situations than trying to make repairs. We encourage you to reach out to us today if you think it is time to replace your tank.
Schedule Hot Water Tank Maintenance with Our Team Now
At Plumbing by Jake, we are committed to working closely with our clients to ensure their hot water heater is working at the best level possible and is keeping your energy bills in line with your budget as much as possible. Whether you need to have a few tasks, like flushing the hot water heater handled, or you are struggling with any type of repair needs, we are happy to be there in no time to help you, so be sure to call us today. Count on Plumbing by Jake for the very best service and competitive pricing (even for 24/7 emergency plumbing services) around.