If not regularly flushed, your water heater can corrode more quickly. The sediment can also block or clog the pressure and relief valve (which helps keep your water heater from exploding).
If this heat is being blocked by sediment and other materials, then your water heater has to work harder to heat the water. There are really no downsides to flushing a water heater. Sediment build up causes damage and it is more expensive to leave it than to just flush it out regularly.
The longer your water heater goes without a drain-and-flush, the more sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Eventually, this causes scaling. Ever noticed that hard, mineral buildup on your sink faucets and shower heads? That's scale: accumulated mineralization.
Flush the tank regularly
This can shorten the lifespan of the unit and lead to expensive repairs. To avoid this, it's important to flush the tank regularly. Most manufacturers recommend flushing the tank once a year. But if your home has hard water, you probably need to flush it more often.
Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater's lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost.
Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often. If you leave town, change your water heater to its vacation setting. The pilot light will stay on, but the water will not be heated.
Turn the cold water supply again and allow it to run until the water coming out of the hose is completely clear. This will perform a final flush of the system, removing any remaining sediment particles from your tank. Turn off the cold water supply once this step is finished.
For example, sediment buildup can cause a temperature sensor to misread the temperature of the water, causing the water heater to heat it to an unsafe level. The mineral deposits can also cause an important component, such as a heating element, to deteriorate and require replacement.
Open the hot water tank drain valve. Let the water run out the garden hose. This can take 20 to 60 minutes, depending on how big the tank is.
The answer is a resounding yes. Regular water heater maintenance services are essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your water heater, as well as consistent water pressure. During maintenance, a technician will inspect and flush your water heater.
Every homeowner knows how important it is to clean and maintain your systems and appliances. However, many homeowners don't know that flushing a water heater every year can remove a build-up of sediment from the bottom of the tank.
Hot water that smells like rotten eggs can mean you have hydrogen sulfide in your water. Fortunately, a water heater flush can often solve the issue by cleaning out any sulfur bacteria inside the tank.
It only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to completely drain a water heater. A typical 40- to 60-gallon residential tank found in most homes will take no more than 15 minutes. However, larger tanks (80 gallons or more) found in homes with larger families can take longer, usually from 30 to 60 minutes; sometimes more.
Tankless water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more. Traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last around 10 to 15 years before you notice signs of age.
How often should you drain your water heater? It's generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. If you live in an area with hard water, though, Angie's List says you may need to drain it more frequently.
Believe it or not, homeowners should drain sediment from their natural gas water heaters once each year. Forgetting this simple task could result in sediment build-up, which reduces the heating efficiency of your water heater and could increase your natural gas bill.
If you've noticed sand or dirt clogging your faucet aerators, or your home's water and ice is looking a bit dirty or murky, then it's likely you have sediment in your water. While this can be a nuisance to deal with, the greater concern is its impact on your plumbing and water-using appliances.
Sediment buildup, rust, and high water pressure are some of the most common causes of water heater failure. Improper installation or equipment sizing are other commonly found issues. A leak can occur near the supply line which can cause damage to dry wall or flooring.