Don’t Forget that Water Heaters Need Cleaning Too
We rely on our water heaters every day, but too often forget about the maintenance necessary to ensure that they are functioning properly and that they last as long as possible. One important part of hot water heater maintenance is cleaning and flushing out the tank.
Water heater flushing helps to clear out sediments and minerals that build up. Routinely doing this will extend the lifespan of your water heater, help it work more efficiently, reduce the risk of clogs in your pipes and make your water heater safer.
Given the importance of hot water heater flushing, today we’ll talk through some of the basics of this process so you can make it part of your maintenance routine.
When is Water Heater Cleaning Best?
Sediment and minerals naturally build up in your water heater over time. This is an inevitable part of the process of using your water heater and, as long as you regularly flush it out, this won’t lead to problems.
However, if you don’t clean it out regularly, this buildup can create problems for your hot water heater and other plumbing systems throughout your home.
We recommend that you clean your hot water heater at least once a year. An annual water heater flushing will help to keep your unit running properly and to help it last as long as possible.
Signs That it’s Time to Clean Your Water Heater
While you’ll want to clean your water heater at least once a year, there might be times that you need to clean it more often. Being aware of those signs will help you avoid a plumbing issue and avoid causing damage to your water heater.
If you find that you’re getting less hot water from your tank, if you see sediment in the drain valve or if you hear a banging or rumbling sound from your water heater, it’s likely an indication that your water heater needs to be cleaned. If you notice any of these things, you should clean out your water heater as soon as possible.
When it’s Time to Install a New Water Heater
Even with routine maintenance, at some point, you’ll have to replace your water heater. Recognizing when you need to do this can help you avoid an outage, a plumbing emergency and water damage to your home. The average water heater lasts for about 10 to 12 years.
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, you’ll want to be especially aware of any issues and address them as soon as possible. If you’re getting warm, but not hot water, if you’re getting cloudy water, if you hear banging or rumbling even after cleaning your water heater or if there’s rust in your water, it’s likely time to replace your hot water heater.
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to have your hot water heater inspected. Timely recognizing when it’s time to replace your water heater could save you from some major plumbing headaches. We hope these tips will help you stay on top of your hot water heater maintenance.
And, if you haven’t recently done so, take a moment to check your water heater to ensure that everything looks, sounds and works properly. If you notice any problems or need to have your hot water heater serviced, call Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago today at (773) 840-7800.
