Benefits of Periodically Flushing Your Water Heater

Within the world of plumbing, the theme of preventive maintenance is a significant one. Taking basic steps to stop significant problems from taking place well in advance is a great way to avoid overspending or wasting time on any component in your plumbing system, and a great example that all homeowners should be aware of here is flushing your water heater periodically. 

At Neighborly Plumbing & Services, we're happy to provide detailed, comprehensive water heater services to clients around Utah, including assistance with water heater flushing whenever this process is necessary. What exactly is involved in the flushing process for a water heater, how does it benefit your system, and what are some of the specific ways it helps increase component longevity and immediate comfort? Here are some basics.

How Water Heater Flushing Works - and What It Removes

For those who are just learning about this process, water heater flushing is a basic procedure in which an experienced professional will remove sediment from the tank of your system. This sediment accumulates over time due to a variety of factors and can cause a range of issues if it's allowed to remain in place, leading to decreased efficiency and ultimately requiring water heater replacement.

This is done through a basic process that involves draining the tank completely, removing all of the sediment that has built up over time, and then refilling it with fresh water. The professional will use a specialized filter to ensure that any remaining particles or minerals are removed from the system before flushing is complete.

There are several direct ways that flushing a water heater every couple of years (or more often, if you use lots of hot water) benefits your system, both in the short- and long-term. Our subsequent sections will go over these.

Warranty Compliance

First and foremost, in many situations, water heater flushing is actually required by your manufacturer's warranty. They will often recommend that it be done every two or three years in order to maintain optimal performance and avoid any penalties associated with the warranty itself.

In these cases, the benefits of flushing are relatively obvious - and there's a downside to failing to comply with these requirements as well.

Increased Efficiency (and Lower Bills)

Flushing your water heater periodically also helps it to remain more efficient over time, which often leads lower bills for the homeowner. When sediment builds up in the tank, it can lead to a decrease in efficiency that can drive up bills significantly - and flushing it out helps to counteract this.

It does this in several specific ways. First, it helps to ensure that the water heater is functioning as intended, with no barriers or buildups preventing it from heating up appropriately. Second, it helps to further reduce energy costs by allowing the system to warm up more quickly, which in turn means that your unit uses less energy overall.

Finally, flushing also ensures that the tank stays cleaner for a longer period of time, which helps to reduce the chance that sediment will accumulate again immediately. This can further help to keep energy costs down over time.

Faster Hot Water

Who doesn't enjoy fast, consistent hot water? Flushing your water heater every couple of years helps to ensure that you and your family won't be waiting around for hot water when you need it - and this is actually a larger safety concern as well.

When sediment builds up, the tank itself can take longer to heat up and thus provide hot water. This may not seem like a huge issue, but if you or someone else in the family needs hot water quickly (such as after going swimming or in the event of an injury), having it available right away can be essential.

Limiting Noise

One issue that often arises with water heaters when lots of sediment has built up is that they can start to make more noise when running. This is because excess sediment creates an uneven surface inside the tank, which in turn leads to a shaking and rattling motion.

By flushing it periodically, you help to ensure that this won't be an issue - and consequently, your water heater will remain quiet while running. Especially for those living in apartments or close quarters, this can be an invaluable benefit. But even if you have a larger home or property, it's still something to keep in mind.

Increased Water Heater Longevity

Finally, the biggest benefit of all is that flushing your water heater helps to increase its lifespan. When sediment builds up, it has the potential to lead to corrosion or even leaks over time - both of which can be extremely costly (or sometimes impossible) to fix.

By flushing it periodically and thus removing excess accumulation, you help to keep the system in peak condition, which helps to ensure that it will remain functional for longer.

Overall, flushing your water heater is a key part of preventive plumbing maintenance and should be taken seriously. Not only can it help you save money in the long run, but it also helps to keep your system running as efficiently and effectively as possible - so don't forget to do it periodically!

And at Neighborly Plumbing & Services, we have the knowledge and experience to help you with any of your water heater needs. Get in touch today to learn more!