When was the last time you checked on your water heater? More specifically, when was the last time you had your water heater flushed? Did you know that enforcing preventative maintenance of your water heater is crucial if you want to maintain your plumbing system? Your water heater performs its job silently in the background ensuring a steady supply of hot water for your daily use – all at your convenience.
As such, it makes sense to prioritize its regular maintenance. This means including the often-overlooked task of having it flushed. But when is the best time to do so, and how often should you have it done? These are all great questions! Come along with us, and we will talk about the significance of water heater flushing and the best time for this maintenance task to be done. As your local Five Star Columbus Plumbing professionals, our aim is always to provide you with the knowledge you need to keep your home and plumbing system in tip-top shape.
Understand the Importance:
Before we discuss the details on WHEN to have it flushed, it will help to understand WHY you need to have it flushed. Over time (throughout the year as you use your water heater), sediment and minerals naturally accumulate in the tank. This buildup forms all along the sides of the inner tank as well as the bottom. When this natural state of mineral formation takes place, it builds up so much that it acts as a barrier obstructing and diminishing its efficiency. It can also potentially lead to damage to your water heater. So, by staying proactive and regularly flushing your water heater, these mineral deposits don’t stand a chance and are removed, thus enabling the water heater to keep performing its function as intended.
Consider the Timing:
Now that we understand why it needs to be done, we can move onto the real question – when it needs to be done.
While experts recommend flushing your water heater biannually – once in spring and once in fall, we know that usage and water type vary from house to house. You can adjust the frequency based on performance and personal requirements. But it is highly recommended that you have this service performed at least once a year. Typically, this service should be done when hot water demand is lower, which is why we suggest doing so during the spring or the fall. So, if you suspect your water heater needs a little extra attention, now is the best time to have one scheduled.
Recognize Additional Indicators:
In addition to keeping up with your regular maintenance checks, you should also stay vigilant and watch out for signs that your water heater may need a flushing sooner than later. These signs to look out for are any unusual sounds, decreased hot water supply, or discolored water coming out of the faucet. Each of these would indicate there is potential sediment buildup within the tank. If this happens, it would be wise to reach out to a professional plumber as soon as possible!
Take charge of your home’s upkeep by understanding what your plumbing system needs. Prioritizing maintenance tasks like this ensures continuous hot water availability and enhances the efficiency of your water heating system. When you incorporate this task into your yearly routine, it promotes system longevity and peak performance. Last but not least, if you are interested in learning about more ways to maintain your plumbing system, feel free to check out the rest of our blogs!
Need to schedule a water heater flush? Call Five Star Columbus Plumbing today at (614) 401-8086, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
