Water Heater Maintenance: How Often Should It Be Flushed?

Water Heater Maintenance: How Often Should It Be Flushed?

Do you hear popping noises from your water heater? Those unsettling pops are actually mineral deposits reacting to the heat inside the tank— a common occurrence when your water heater is due for flushing.

Over time, mineral traces from your tap will accumulate and settle inside your water tank, notoriously disrupting your water heater’s function and condition. To fend off any malfunctions and inefficiencies from this issue, you have to flush your unit regularly to avoid buildups.

But how often do you have to do this? In this guide, Mr. Drippy Plumbing will let you know when to flush based on different conditions.

Water Hardness

Do you often encounter limescale buildup on your appliances and plumbing fixtures? If you constantly encounter those stubborn white stains on your surfaces, there’s a high chance that disruptive sediment build ups also plague your water heater.

If you live in an area with hard water and your home isn’t protected by a water softener system, you’ll need more frequent water heater flushing than usual. Hard water is packed with minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which gradually settle and build up within your water heater over time. Those mineral deposits can really mess with your water heater, making it work harder and waste more energy. Not to mention they can possibly cause irreversible damages, as well, leaving you with pricey water heater repair costs.

To keep things running smoothly, it’s smart to flush your water heater twice a year, or every six months. Besides strictly following your routine tank upkeep, it would also be better if you could invest in a water softener installation to fend off your hard water problem and provide better overall protection for your plumbing system.

Tank Size

Another important consideration would be your tank’s size. Do you have a smaller water tank? If so, you should also schedule your routine tank flushing more often. Smaller tanks tend to accumulate sediment quicker than larger ones because of their lower volume and constant refill.

If your tank’s capacity is 40 gallons or smaller, it’s best to have it flushed every six months, especially if you live in an area with hard water and use more water. In contrast, larger tanks (around 80 gallons) can usually go one year between flushes because they experience less sediment buildup over time due to their larger volume.

A smaller tank that’s frequently used can lead to quicker mineral accumulation, so don’t skip that regular maintenance.

Age of the Unit

As your water heater ages, sediment buildup becomes a bigger concern. Older units are more prone to mineral buildup, reducing the heater’s efficiency and increasing the likelihood of malfunctions. Over time, heating elements become less effective, and your water heater might struggle to maintain consistent water temperatures.

If your water heater is five years or older, consider flushing it more often to ensure that any sediment buildup doesn’t affect the unit’s performance. For older units, flushing every six months can help extend their life and prevent them from running inefficiently. The older the unit, the more crucial it is to clean the tank regularly.

Household Usage

Do you often run out of hot water during a shower or need to wait for the tank to refill? If your household uses a lot of water, this could be a sign that your water heater is working overtime, and regular flushing is essential to keep it running efficiently.

The more water you use, the more sediment builds up in the tank. Larger families, homes with multiple bathrooms, or households that frequently run hot water for various tasks (laundry, dishes, showers) will lead to quicker sediment buildup, putting more strain on the unit.

It’s best to flush the water heater every six months for homes with high water usage. This helps prevent mineral deposits from affecting the heater’s efficiency, ensuring it consistently delivers hot water.

Overdue for a Water Heater Flushing? Call Mr. Drippy Plumbing for Effective Tank Maintenance

Is your water heater due for a flush service? Don’t wait until sediment buildup starts causing problems– find your most reliable local plumber and book your much-needed tank upkeep!

At Mr. Drippy Plumbing, we will handle all your water heater maintenance needs. Our expert team is ready to flush your tank, improve efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your unit. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or a full replacement, we offer fast, reliable, and affordable services to keep your system running smoothly.

Call us today to get the best deal for your routine water heater care!

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