Out of sight, out of mind—the water heater tank is something most don’t think about until the shower starts going from hot to cold too quickly. Over time, your hot water heater tank will accumulate sediment from the minerals and particulates in your fresh water supply. If the sediment is not removed, it can cause leaking, cold showers, odd noises, and even shorten the lifespan of your water heater. Depending on the mineral content of your local water supply, sediment may build up over the course of a year, or five years.
Hot water heater sediment symptoms are not always obvious. Let’s take a look at the common signs of sediment in your hot water heater before it’s too late.
Symptoms of Sediment in Your Hot Water Heater
- There is no hot water
- The water temperature fluctuates
- Popping or rumbling noises coming from the tank
- Your hot water looks rusty and smells bad
- There are small leaks near the water heater drain valve
- Water takes a long time to heat up
To quickly test the performance of your water heater, run the hot water in your kitchen faucet until it’s hot. Use a kitchen thermometer to take the water temperature from the faucet—anything less than 120 degrees is a sign your hot water heater isn’t performing well. However, it might also be that the hot water temperature is set too low and needs to be adjusted.
When to Flush Your Hot Water Heater
Mr. Rooter® Plumbing recommends homeowners drain their hot water tank once a year. Flushing your hot water tank is good preventative maintenance that prolongs the life of the unit and helps you avoid the need for future repairs.
Hot Water Tank Flushing Service
While draining a hot water tank may seem like a DIY job, a lot can go wrong. Plastic flush valves can crack or leak, causing a flood, or the unit may turn on while it’s empty, which can damage the heating element.
For peace of mind and long, hot showers call on your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing for water heater repair and maintenance.
While we’re there, we can also perform any necessary maintenance, set the temperature dial, and more. Significant sediment buildup may also be a sign of a deteriorating plumbing system in your home or a fault in your freshwater supply, both of which we can inspect. If your local water supply has a high mineral content, we can install a water filter to reduce the amount of sediment that reaches your hot water tank.
Call us or request a job estimate online.
This blog is made available by Mr. Rooter LLC, for educational purposes only to give the reader general information and a general understanding of the specific subject above. The blog should not be used as a substitute for a licensed plumbing professional in your state or region. Check with city and state laws before performing any household project.
