When Should I Flush my Water Heater?
Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, and keeping it in good working order can save you from costly repairs or replacements. A question we often get here at Cooper D Plumbing is: “When should I flush my water heater or, should I flush my water heater?” David Cooper, our Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) with over 40 years of experience, recommends that you first read the manufacturer's installation and operations manual. Inside their manual you will find instructions for if and when you should flush your water heater, regardless of whether you have a traditional tank water heater or a tankless one.
Why Is Flushing Your Water Heater Important?
Your Warranty: check the warranty for your water heater. Most tankless manufacturers will recommend you flush the water heater once a year. Over time and depending on water hardness, scale will begin to form on the walls of the heat exchanger and other components. This can happen even if you don’t notice any issues right away. A good flushing will break loose the scale build-up. It’s important to remember that the manufacturer may not warranty their product if manufacturer’s recommendations have not been followed.
Your Money: you purchase a tankless water heater to save on energy costs and use less fossil fuels. If you do not flush your water heater as recommended, you may not be enjoying the full benefits of your purchase.
Your Maintenance: Without regular flushing, this buildup can lead to serious problems. Over time, dirt, sediment, and other particles can build up in your water heater.
Clogged shower heads and faucet aerators: As debris collects, it can block the flow of water through plumbing fixtures, leading to reduced water pressure and other issues, especially in newer homes.
Costly Replacements: Replacing a water heater is much more expensive than maintaining it. The price of a replacement depends on factors like location, the quality of the heater, and how challenging the installation is. Flushing your water heater regularly helps extend its lifespan and keep it running efficiently for years.
Water Softeners and Their Role
If your home has hard water, installing a water softener can help reduce the amount of sediment that collects in your water heater. A softener filters out many of the minerals that cause buildup. However, even with a water softener, it’s still important to flush your water heater once a year to keep it clean and efficient.
There are manufacturers instructions on how to flush your water heater, and videos for DIY-ers.
Need Help? Call Cooper D Plumbing!
If you’re unsure about flushing your water heater or just don’t have the time, give Cooper D Plumbing a call. We’ve been serving Waxahachie, TX, and the surrounding areas for a long, long time. We’d be happy to help keep your water heater running smoothly.
Taking a little time each year to flush your water heater can prevent bigger problems down the road and keep your home running efficiently. Schedule your yearly water heater maintenance with Cooper D Plumbing today!
