Flushing Your Water Heater: Why It’s Important and How Often to Do It

If you own a conventional storage water heater, it’s a good idea to flush out the hot water tank at least once a year. Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank can lower water quality and reduce the lifespan of your water heater. Flushing the appliance helps clean the tank of any sediment, accumulated minerals, and other debris that can build up over time and cause a number of problems.

Remember, water heater tank replacement isn’t cheap, so keeping up with routine maintenance is an affordable way to keep your water heater in good working order and extend its lifespan. If you’ve ever wondered why flushing your water heater is important and how often it needs to be done, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, the plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing look into the benefits of flushing your water heater tank and how often you should do it.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Over time, minerals and sediment naturally settle at the bottom of the tank to form a thick layer that acts as insulation between the burner or heating element and the water. This forces the heater to work much harder to warm the water, using more energy in the process. Flushing the tank and removing sediment at least once a year allows for efficient operation, which subsequently translates to reduced energy consumption.

Better and More Consistent Hot Water

Sediment buildup doesn’t only make your water work harder; it also reduces the tank’s capacity. As sediment takes up space, the amount of hot water available for use decreases. This can lead to lukewarm showers, inconsistent temperatures, or running out of hot water sooner than expected. A freshly flushed water heater restores the tank to its proper capacity.

Increased Lifespan of the Water Heater

Water heaters are expensive to replace, so extending the life of the existing unit is always a smart investment. Because sediment buildup traps heat and causes the tank to overheat, the metal begins to weaken over time. This increases the risk of cracks, leaks, and tank failure. Regular flushing allows your water heater to function longer with fewer major issues. A well-maintained water heater can last several years longer than one that is never flushed. However, it’s important to know when to call a local plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA to replace your water heater.

Cleaner, Better-Quality Hot Water

Minerals, rust, and sediment in your tank can eventually affect the quality of your water. Cloudy, rusty, or foul-smelling hot water is a common sign that sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. Flushing the tank helps keep your water clean and clear by removing the contaminants before they circulate through your home’s plumbing.

How Often Should You Flush Your Tank?

Most trained plumbers recommend flushing a water heater at least once a year. However, if you live in an area with very hard water, you may need to do it every six months to keep sediment levels under control. Households that use large amounts of hot water may benefit from more frequent maintenance.

Contact Neighborhood Plumbing for Water Heater Tank Replacement

Now that you understand the benefits of flushing your water heater, it’s important to know when it’s time to replace the tank. If the unit is over 10 years old or the tank is severely corroded, contact the expert plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing for water heater tank replacement. Replacing your hot water heater tank in a timely manner guarantees a reliable and consistent supply of hot water, saves you energy, and reduces the risk of leaks. Here at Neighborhood Plumbing, we have the expertise and experience needed to install and repair all types of water heaters, including traditional storage water heaters, tankless units, hybrid models, and many more. Contact us now to schedule water heater service.