Water Heater Flush: 6 Things to Know

An often-overlooked water heater maintenance task, water heater flushing is essential to prevent water heater failure and a host of other problems that could potentially mean no hot water for your home. But how often should you be doing it? Who should be doing it? What happens if you don’t have your water heater flushed?

With so many questions out there regarding this very subject, Mr Rooter of Wilmington Nc is here with a list of six important things you should know when it comes to draining and flushing your home’s hot water heater.

1. Water Flushing Flushes Away Inefficiencies in Your System

First things first: what is water heater flushing? Simply put, the act of flushing your water heater involves draining your water heater tank of all its water, including the sediment that builds up over time. While it may seem insignificant on paper, without a proper water heater flushing, your water heater will not be able to heat your home’s water the way it should.

Many common water heater problems can usually be traced back to the water heater needing to be flushed.

2. It Should be Done Twice a Year

We recommend flushing and draining your water heater every six months to ensure that all sediment, lime, calcium, magnesium deposits, and other commonly found mineral build-up in hard water are removed from your tank.

3. There Are Repercussions If You Do Not Flush Your Water Heater

Ignoring this simple water heater maintenance task will lead to a buildup of mineral deposits in your system. Signs your water heater needs to be flushed:

• abnormal popping and crackling noises
• corrosion at the bottom of the water heater
• the water heater is leaking
• less hot water in tank

As you can probably see from the above list, flushing your water heater can greatly affect the reliability and longevity of your system.

4. Get Plumbing Service Quickly if You Notice Water Heater Problems

Some signs you may be dealing with sediment buildup in your water heater include:

• Your water isn’t as hot as it should be
• You’ve noticed discoloration in your water
• Your hot water has a metallic taste or smell

The routine maintenance, draining, and flushing of your water heater can help you avoid these problems and others that require future repairs, tune-up services, and even replacements! The proper water heater care can save you time, money, and prevent you from a cold shower.

5. Tankless and Traditional Water Heaters Both Need to Be Flushed

If your water heater’s tank needs to be flushed, does this mean tankless water heaters do not need to be flushed? Although tankless water heaters don’t have a tank of water and mineral buildup doesn’t really have a place to occur, they will still need to be flushed at least once a year.

Tankless water heaters require a complex flushing process that involves a specialized formula to ensure that any calcium and magnesium trapped in the system is thoroughly broken-down and fully flushed from the system to ensure proper flow.

6. Worry Less About Water Heater Maintenance Again with Professional Help

If the thought of handling your home’s water heater maintenance is overwhelming, you’re not alone. The majority of homeowners don’t know how to care for them!

To ensure your water heater and the rest of your plumbing system are properly cared for, request help from a trusted plumbing company. A company like Mr Rooter of Wilmington NC!

Need Water Heater Flushing Services in Wilmington?

Our team can handle all of your water heater service needs, including your semi-annual water heater flushing to remove all sediment buildup from the tank. We’ll also be there to complete a full inspection of your system, allowing us to stop other water heater problems before they begin.

Need your water heater flushed in Wilmington or nearby? Contact us online to request your plumbing service appointment!