Top 5 Reasons to Flush Your Water Heater
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CALL NOW (970) 818-1613Your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Whether it’s for a hot shower, washing dishes, or doing laundry, it’s there when you need it. However, like most things in life, your water heater requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently. One crucial task? Flushing your water heater.
If you’ve never thought about flushing your water heater or don’t know why it’s important, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll break down the top five reasons why flushing your water heater should be part of your routine maintenance.
1. Remove Sediment Build-Up
Over time, minerals and sediment naturally accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank, especially if you have hard water. These particles settle at the bottom, forming a thick layer that can disrupt the efficiency of your heater.
When sediment builds up, it acts as a barrier between the burner and the water, making your water heater work harder and longer to heat the water. Flushing your tank at least once a year helps remove this sediment, allowing the heater to run smoothly and heat water more effectively.
2. Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
Water heaters aren’t cheap, and you want yours to last as long as possible, right? Regularly flushing your water heater can significantly extend its lifespan.
Sediment build-up can lead to corrosion and overheating, which will eventually wear out your tank. By flushing it, you’re preventing that build-up from causing long-term damage. A well-maintained water heater can last up to 15 years or more, while a neglected one might only make it 6 to 8 years.
3. Improve Energy Efficiency
If your water heater is clogged with sediment, it has to work overtime to heat the water, which means higher energy bills. A clean water heater is a more energy-efficient water heater.
By flushing out the sediment, you’re allowing the system to heat water quickly and efficiently. This translates into reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills. Who doesn’t want to save money while also ensuring hot water flows when you need it?
4. Prevent Unpleasant Noises
Does your water heater make strange banging or popping noises? That’s often a sign of excessive sediment build-up. The trapped sediment can cause the heater to overheat or create air pockets, resulting in that annoying clunking sound.
Regularly flushing your water heater prevents this build-up and keeps your system running quietly. If you’re tired of the racket, a good flush may be all your heater needs.
5. Ensure Consistent Hot Water Supply
One of the most frustrating things is running out of hot water halfway through a shower. Sediment build-up reduces the amount of water your heater can effectively hold and heat, which can lead to inconsistent water temperature or even cold showers.
Flushing the tank ensures your water heater can work at full capacity, giving you a steady and reliable supply of hot water.
Conclusion
Flushing your water heater is a simple, yet crucial, task that can save you from costly repairs, extend the life of your unit, and keep your energy bills low. Most experts recommend doing this once a year, but if you live in an area with hard water, you may need to do it more often.
If you’re not sure how to flush your water heater or would rather leave it to the pros, contact JT Plumbing Heating & Air. Their experienced team can handle all your water heater maintenance, repair, and replacement needs near Fort Collins, Colorado. Regular maintenance can prevent bigger problems down the road, so don’t wait—schedule your service today!