As a homeowner, there's a good chance you rarely think about the state of your water heater—yet, it’s a crucial component of your household comfort. Water heaters, much like any part of the home, require regular TLC. You may have heard about a water heater flush but aren’t quite sure what it entails or why it's essential. Well, here we break down the process and its benefits in terms every homeowner can understand.
The water heater flush, at its simplest, is the process of draining the tank of your water heater and then filling it back up. Now, why does such a mundane-sounding activity warrant your attention? Because over time, sediment, minerals, and other impurities from the water supply can collect at the bottom of your heater.
Why is this important? Well, it's simple. When left unchecked, these sediments can:
Now, let's break down the process of a water heater flush.
Your trusty plumbing company will typically follow these steps:
We already touched on the point that a flush can extend your water heater’s lifespan, but let’s dive deeper into how it saves you from an early water heater replacement.
There are a few telltale signs that your heater may be overdue for a flush, such as the water taking longer than usual to heat, strange noises that sound like a gurgle, or visible rust in your hot water. If you see any of these red flags, it’s time to get flushing.
However, it’s best not to wait for any of these signs. As a rule, water heaters should be flushed at least once a year. For households with extremely hard water or old water heater models, every six months would be a safer bet.
Now that we’ve extolled the virtues of regular flushing, you might be considering taking the DIY route. But before you pop open your toolbox, let’s cover the bases of the complexities and potential pitfalls of this approach.
Quality plumbing services may be a little more costly, but it's not without reasons. Plumbers have the training, experience, and toolkits to handle the procedure with precision and efficiency. They can also identify any issues beyond a simple flush that a DIYer may miss, saving you from a more costly and water-damaged future.
While a water heater flush doesn’t require a degree in plumbing, doing it incorrectly can lead to a litany of issues, such as leaks, busted valves, and decreased system efficiency. If you’re not 100% confident in your skills, the safe bet is to call in a plumbing professional.
In conclusion, a water heater flush is a simple yet effective way to extend the life of your water heater. It's an essential part of your home maintenance that shouldn't be overlooked. Regular flushing not only extends the life of your heater but also ensures your home's comfort and safety, maintaining consistent hot water during those long, relaxing showers that make all your days end well.
Remember, we're always here to help. Because at Force Home Services, we believe in taking care of your home as if it were our own. If you have any questions or need to schedule a water heater flush, don't hesitate to contact us.