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Writer's pictureVictor Russinko

Should I Get My Water Heater Flushed? The Importance of Water Heater Maintenance by a Licensed Plumber


Water heaters are an essential component of our homes, providing us with the comfort and convenience of hot water for showers, cleaning, and various household tasks. However, like any other appliance, water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure they operate efficiently and have a long lifespan. One of the most crucial maintenance tasks for a water heater is flushing it regularly. This blog will delve into why you should get your water heater flushed and the importance of having this maintenance performed by a licensed plumber.

Frey Services – Sparta, NJ – 973-827-1213



Understanding Water Heater Flushing

Water heater flushing involves draining the tank to remove sediment and mineral buildup that accumulates over time. This buildup is primarily composed of calcium and magnesium, which are commonly found in hard water. When water is heated, these minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sediment.

Why is Water Heater Flushing Important?


  1. Improves Efficiency: Sediment buildup can insulate the water from the heating element, causing the water heater to work harder and use more energy to heat the water. Flushing the tank removes this sediment, allowing the heater to operate more efficiently and reduce energy bills.

  2. Extends Lifespan: Regular maintenance, including flushing, can significantly extend the lifespan of your water heater. Sediment buildup can cause corrosion and damage to the tank, leading to leaks and the need for premature replacement.

  3. Prevents Damage and Leaks: Sediment can cause hot spots at the bottom of the tank, leading to overheating and potential damage to the tank lining. This can result in leaks and even tank failure. Flushing helps prevent these issues.

  4. Improves Water Quality: Over time, the sediment at the bottom of the tank can affect the quality of your hot water, making it cloudy or causing it to have an unpleasant odor. Flushing the tank ensures cleaner, clearer water.

  5. Reduces Noise: Sediment buildup can cause strange noises, such as popping or rumbling, as the water heater operates. These noises are caused by steam bubbles escaping from the sediment layer. Flushing the tank can eliminate these noises.

The Role of a Licensed Plumber

While some homeowners may be tempted to flush their water heaters themselves, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed plumber for this task. Here’s why:

Expertise and Experience

Licensed plumbers have the necessary training and experience to perform water heater maintenance safely and effectively. They understand the intricacies of different types of water heaters and can diagnose and address any potential issues that may arise during the flushing process.

Proper Equipment

Professional plumbers have access to specialized tools and equipment that ensure the job is done correctly. This includes tools for safely draining and cleaning the tank, as well as equipment to inspect the tank for any signs of damage or wear.

Safety

Water heaters operate under high pressure and involve hot water and electricity or gas. This combination can be dangerous if not handled properly. Licensed plumbers are trained to follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the job is done without risk to your home or family.

Comprehensive Inspection

When a licensed plumber flushes your water heater, they don’t just drain and clean the tank. They also perform a comprehensive inspection to check for any signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or other issues that could affect the performance and safety of your water heater. This proactive approach can help identify and address problems before they become major issues.

How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?

The frequency of water heater flushing depends on several factors, including the hardness of your water and the type of water heater you have. As a general rule, it is recommended to flush your water heater at least once a year. However, if you have hard water, you may need to flush it more frequently, such as every six months.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Flushing

  • Reduced Hot Water Supply: If you notice that your hot water supply is not lasting as long as it used to, sediment buildup could be reducing the tank’s capacity.

  • Strange Noises: Popping, rumbling, or banging noises from your water heater are signs that sediment buildup is causing steam bubbles to escape.

  • Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Water: Sediment and bacteria in the tank can affect the quality of your hot water, making it cloudy or causing it to have a bad odor.

  • Increased Energy Bills: A sudden increase in your energy bills could indicate that your water heater is working harder due to sediment buildup.

The Flushing Process

When you hire a licensed plumber to flush your water heater, here’s what you can typically expect

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Initial Inspection

The plumber will start with an initial inspection of your water heater. This includes checking the tank, connections, and valves for any visible signs of damage or wear. They will also assess the water heater’s overall condition to ensure that it is safe to proceed with the flushing process.

Turning Off the Water Heater

For safety, the plumber will turn off the power supply to the water heater. This may involve shutting off the electricity for electric water heaters or the gas supply for gas water heaters. The cold water supply to the tank will also be turned off to prevent more water from entering the heater during the process.

Draining the Tank

Next, the plumber will attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. This hose will direct the water to a safe drainage location, such as a floor drain or an outside area. The drain valve will be opened, allowing the water to flow out, carrying sediment and debris with it.

Flushing the Tank

After the initial draining, the plumber will flush the tank with fresh water to remove any remaining sediment. This may involve opening the cold water supply valve intermittently to stir up and rinse out the remaining debris. The plumber will continue this process until the water runs clear, indicating that the tank is free of sediment.

Inspecting the Anode Rod

The anode rod, also known as the sacrificial rod, is an essential component of your water heater. It attracts corrosive elements in the water, preventing them from damaging the tank. During the flushing process, the plumber may also inspect the anode rod and replace it if it is heavily corroded. This helps prolong the life of your water heater.

Final Checks and Reassembly

Once the tank is clean, the plumber will reassemble any components that were removed and check all connections to ensure they are secure. They will then turn the water supply back on, fill the tank, and restore the power or gas supply. The plumber will also perform a final check to ensure the water heater is functioning correctly.

Testing and Clean-Up

After the flushing process is complete, the plumber will test the water heater to ensure it is heating water properly. They will also clean up any mess created during the process, leaving your home as clean as they found it.

Fery Service

286 Houses Corner Rd

Sparta, NJ 07871

973-827-1213

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