As you work to clean up your home this fall and to prepare it for the colder days ahead, don’t forget about your water heater. Now is the ideal time for a water heater flushing to ensure that it’s working properly. After all, no one wants their water heater to go out during some of the coldest days of winter.
While we depend on our water heater every day, too often water heater maintenance is ignored or skipped. Staying on top of water heater cleaning helps to ensure that your unit is working properly and that you have access to adequate amounts of hot water.
Given the importance of this cleaning, today we’re going to talk about some of the basics of water heater flushing, how often you should do it and signs that your water heater needs to be replaced rather than simply serviced.
How Frequently Should You Clean Out Your Water Heater?
We recommend that you flush out your water heater at least once a year. Doing this will ensure that sediment does not build up in your system and create problems.
You will inevitably have some sediment and minerals build up over time in your water heater; however, if it’s regularly cleaned this build-up will not create problems.
If too much builds up, it will begin to affect your hot water supply, it can corrode your water heater’s components and it can cause cracks or leaks in your unit. An annual water heater flushing will prevent these problems and extend the lifespan of your water heater.
Cleaning is Needed!
Whether you are behind or up to date on your water heater maintenance, you might notice some signs that your unit needs to be cleaned.
If you notice these signs, you should go ahead and clean it to help protect your water heater and to ensure that it continues working without any issues.
If you hear a banging and clanging sound, if your hot water is rusty or if you have less hot water than usual, you might have build up in your unit. If you notice any of these things, it’s time for a water heater flushing as soon as possible.
Is it Time to Install a New Water Heater?
Even if you maintain your water heater and do everything right, at some point you will still have to replace your hot water heater. The average hot water heater lasts for 10 to 15 years.
If your hot water heater is over 10 years old, you’ll want to pay particular attention to it and be aware of any issues. Regardless of the age of your hot water heater.
If you notice any leaks, if your hot water is lukewarm, if your water is rusty or cloudy or if you hear a banging sound even after cleaning it, it could mean that it’s time to install a new water heater. If you notice any of these things, have your unit inspected as soon as possible so you can address any problems before the unit completely goes out or starts leaking.
We hope these tips will help you to inspect, clean, repair, or replace your hot water heater. If you have any issues with your hot water heater or need to have it cleaned, call Dr Rooter today at 803-398-2090.