Have you ever left your wash basins or toilets for months without cleaning them? Probably not – but if you did, we are sure you can imagine the sight you would see. While the water that enters your home is normally treated at a plant, it isn’t completely free of impurities.
Once water enters your home through your various plumbing systems, it is subject to further compromise from foreign substances, such as sediment. Calcium carbonateis just one example of sediment – a semi-solid matter that is heavier than water and settles at the bottom of your water heater.
Most substances that cause sediment do not break down quickly in water, which means that they will continue to build up in your water heater and cause serious issues. Water heater maintenance is something you should carry out frequently to prolong the life of your water heater and connected plumbing systems.
Water Heater Maintenance
Flushing is one of the simplest ways of carrying outwater heater maintenance. Just like any other essential system in your home, you will want your water heater to last and work at maximum efficiency. At the very least, sediment reduces the effectiveness of your water heater as the sediment creates a barrier that reduces energy transference to the water.
Your water heater will begin to work overtime just to produce the same level of heat due to large deposits of sentiment resting at the bottom of the tank. Sediment can also heat up to much higher temperatures than the water in the tank in some cases, which will likely reduce the lifespan of the tank or lead to erosion setting in.
Flushing is a well-established part of water tank maintenance for good reason. Without expensive filtering systems or self-flushing tanks, sediment buildup will eventually compromise the integrity of the water heater. The materials used in the construction of water heater systems are certified to withstand certain conditions. The buildup of sediment is not a predictable metric, which is why it is up to homeowners to perform their own water heater maintenance.
When to Flush Your Water Heater
If you have just moved into a new home and are concerned that the previous owner has not performed any water heater maintenance, stop right where you are. Some older water heaters are being propped up by the sediment that is otherwise affecting the performance of the tank. Sediment and other debris are often found blocking holes in older tanks. Once you flush the system, you are risking the chance of dislodging those plugs and causing a flood.
When you are sure that water heater maintenance has been conducted within at least the last two years, it should be safe to begin flushing your tank every six months to a year. If you are not sure how to flush your particular water heater or have any other concerns, reach out to Show Plumbing for professional assistance. We provide professional and affordable plumbing services to the great people of Houston, Texas.