A water heater is a significant investment, and like any expensive piece of equipment, it performs better and lasts longer when it has regular maintenance. If sediment is allowed to build up inside, it can lead to serious problems, eventually making its way into your pipes and even through your faucets. The results can be lost water pressure, a burst pipe or even a broken water heater tank.
What’s involved with a water heater flush and fill?
Flush and fill maintenance is relatively simple. A hose is attached to the tank and the contents are emptied through it. Then clean water is put back into the tank through the hose. The process clears out all the sediment and debris inside the tank and makes the tank surface clean for heating the water.
How often should I get my water heater flushed?
Manufacturers generally recommend getting your water heater flushed and filled once every year, but if you live in a place with extremely hard water, you might need to do it more often.
What about tankless water heaters?
Even tankless water heaters should be cleaned and checked periodically. Minerals in the water, such as calcium and lime, may collect and cause your equipment to work harder and less efficiently.
What if I haven’t had it flushed in a long time?
Flushing and filling your water heater is a good practice, but If your water heater hasn’t been flushed for years, doing so may reveal damage to your equipment.
As sediment collects on the bottom over time, it changes the water level, resulting in ‘hot spots’ on the bottom of the tank. These overheated spots cause the steel of the tank to break down and over time can cause a hole. Often the hole is filled by the sediment debris, so you don’t notice the leak. A flush, then, would remove that ‘plug’ and you would suddenly have a leak.
It’s always a good idea to do regular maintenance on your water heater. When it comes to maintenance, leave it to us. Schedule your next service call or maintenance online!