We often don’t pay attention to our water heaters until something goes wrong. However, when our water heaters begin giving us problems, they quickly become our top priority. Properly maintaining our water heaters is the best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns and repairs. One way that we can ensure that our water heater is properly maintained is to have it flushed from time to time. If your water heater isn’t flushed occasionally, it can lead to severe problems, including:
- Reduced Capacity – The longer you go without having your water heater flushed, the more sediment can buildup in the tank. As sediment builds up, it can reduce your water heater’s capacity. The less capacity your water heater has, the more quickly your water heater will run out of hot water, which can lead to things like your hot shower turning ice cold before you are done showering.
- Damage – Regular flushing helps prevent sediment from clogging/blocking your water heater’s pressure and relief valve. The pressure and relief valve is very important because one of its duties is helping to prevent your water heater from exploding. In addition, as sediment builds up, it can result in corrosion, which could lead to major repairs or force you to replace your water heater prematurely.
- Reduced Efficiency – If you don’t regularly flush your water heater, sediment can buildup on the bottom of the tank. Most water heaters heat water from the bottom of the tank. If there’s sediment on the bottom of the tank, it can make it harder for your water heater to heat up the water in the tank. This means it will take longer for you to get hot water to come out of your showerheads and sink faucets. In addition, the longer your water heater spends heating up your water, the more energy it will use to heat the water, which will cost you more on your utility bills.
In addition, even if you have a tankless water heater, some of the above issues can impact it if you don’t have it flushed occasionally.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs to Be Flushed
Generally, you should have your water heater flushed once a year. However, if you live in an area with hard water, you may want to consider having your water heater flushed every six months.
Depending on how long it has been since your water heater was last flushed (or especially if your water heater has never been flushed), you may encounter signs that your water heater needs to be flushed, such as:
- Sediment in the water – The longer a water heater goes without being flushed, the more sediment builds up in it. Eventually, this can lead to sediment showing up in the hot water that comes out of your sink faucets, showerheads, and bathtub faucets.
- Lukewarm water – When your water heater isn’t flushed, lime can buildup around your water heater’s heating elements. This can prevent your heating elements from getting your water as hot as it should be, leading to lukewarm water coming out of your faucets and showerheads.
- Noisy water heater – Lack of regular flushing results in sediment building up on the bottom of your water heater. In some cases, when the heating element is warming up the water in the tank, the water trapped under the sediment can begin to boil. This boiling can lead to the water heater rumbling and rattling loudly.
- Takes longer for water to get hot – When a water heater isn’t flushed regularly, mineral deposits and sediment builds up in it. This forces the water heater’s heating elements to work harder and take longer to heat the water because they are also having to heat up the mineral deposits and sediment.
- Lower water pressure – Without regular flushing, the pipes leading away from a water heater can become clogged and narrowed by hard water. The narrowing and clogging of those pipes can result in decreased water pressure.
Discuss Your Situation with Our Water Heater Maintenance & Repair Experts Today
Blazer Heating, Air, and Plumbing has been serving residential and commercial customers in Richmond and its surrounding communities since 1989. Our experienced technicians can help you with a wide range of water heater issues, including:
- Water heater flushing
- Water heater temperature inconsistencies
- Water heater thermostat issues
- Water heater leaks
- Water heater replacement
- Water heater ignition/startup problems
- Water heater producing low quality hot water
- Water heater with bad pressure valves
- Water heater producing strange tasting or smelly hot water
To learn more about Blazer Heating, Air, and Plumbing, check out reviews from our many satisfied customers.
For more information about water heater maintenance and repair, or to speak with our experienced water heater repair specialists in Richmond, give us a call at (804) 277-2458 or contact us online today. We are available 24/7 for emergency services. Ask us about our specials, financing options, and VIP Maintenance Plan.