Why A Water Heater Flush Ensures A Steady Flow of Hot Water and Home Safety

When it comes to household appliances, your water heater is your home’s unsung hero. It sits quietly in a crawlspace or garage, diligently providing hot water for showers, dishes and laundry. However, if something happens to your system to cause it to break down, without hot water your house is suddenly thrown into chaos. To ensure the longevity and efficient performance of your water heater, regular maintenance is key. The expert plumbers at Hobaica Services are here to walk you through everything you need to know about water heater maintenance - and why this service is key to your unit’s performance and lifespan!

Do Water Heaters Really Need Regular Maintenance?

Yes, water heaters require regular maintenance to function optimally. If you’ve never heard of regularly flushing out your water heater, don’t worry - you’re not alone. Many homeowners simply call when their water heater isn’t working after a few years and end up having to replace it prematurely. While nothing lasts forever, especially a home appliance, with regular water heater maintenance, your system works better… for much longer!

Why is something as simple as a flush so important? Over time, sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This build-up hinders its efficiency and causes unrepairable damage in the long run. When your system is regularly flushed, these deposits don’t have a chance to accumulate, so your system can work as it was meant to!

How Often Should I Have My Water Heater Serviced?

The general rule of thumb is that you should have your water heater serviced at least once a year. But this can vary depending on the type of water heater you have and how often you use it. If you notice any issues with your water heater, such as inconsistent temperatures or strange noises, it's best to schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.

Hobaica’s Water Heater Flush & Safety Inspection

Our comprehensive water heater flush and safety inspection includes several key steps to ensure your system is running smoothly:

Flush the Tank of Sediment: A flush involves draining a tank to remove any sediment. We hook up a hose to ensure the water is flushed away from your property to prevent any damage or water issues.
Checking the Anode Rod: The anode rod in your tank helps prevent corrosion, ensuring your water heater lasts as long as possible. We'll inspect this rod to make sure it's still doing its job.
Testing the Pressure Valve: The pressure valve is crucial for safety as it releases pressure from the tank if it gets too high. We'll test this valve to make sure it's working correctly.
Ventilation Inspection: If you have a gas water heater, proper ventilation is critical. We'll check to make sure your system is ventilating properly.
Checking the Thermostat Setting: The ideal temperature for your water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. We'll check your thermostat setting and adjust it if necessary.
Insulating the Tank: Proper insulation can improve your water heater's efficiency and extend its lifespan. We'll make sure your tank is adequately insulated and if it’s not, we’ll consult with you before taking any next steps.

Double, or Even Triple, the Lifespan of Your Water Heater

Regular maintenance will far exceed the usable years of your hot water heater. In our decades of plumbing experience, we’ve seen well-maintained water heaters last twice and sometimes as much as three times as long as what’s standard.

It’s clear that this simple service once a year really pays off in the long run. Talk about a return on an investment!

What Happens When You Don’t Get Regular Water Heater Flushes

Neglecting regular water heater maintenance can lead to numerous issues, including

Clogged System - With a build up of sediment, your water heater has to work harder to release hot water for your use. This leads to less hot water, decreased efficiency and higher power bills.

Corrosion - Regular flushes also mean less of a chance of corrosion developing in your tank. When the interior of your water heater corrodes and rusts, there is no repair that will fix it, so replacement is the only solution.

More Repairs - During a water heater service, many parts are checked and inspected to ensure everything is working fine. Without this check, you are far more likely to have a part break down that could have been caught with maintenance.

Pressure Build Up - Though rare, in a worst-case scenario, a poorly maintained water heater could pose a safety risk if pressure builds up too much in the tank.

Does A Tankless System Also Need Maintenance?

Yes! Maintaining a tankless water heater is essential to the system’s longevity and performance. Regular maintenance helps to prevent the build-up of minerals inside the unit, improves energy efficiency, maintains consistent water temperature and can extend the life of the appliance.

A tankless flush includes:

Clean & Inspect Heat Exchanger - Over time, minerals and sediment will accumulate in a tankless system’s heat exchanger, hindering heat transfer and reducing efficiency. A tankless service focuses primarily on descaling these deposits from the heat exchanger so its operation is not hindered.

Flush - Just like a standard tank system, a tankless unit needs to be flushed to remove any mineral build-up that has accumulated over the last year.

Clean Filters - Your tankless system is equipped with filters to help trap sediment and minerals from your water supply. These filters are cleaned during a service allowing water in your unit to flow more freely.

Test Ignition System - If your heat exchanger can’t turn on, then it doesn’t have a way to heat your water. Maintenance ensures your ignition system is functioning properly so this doesn’t happen.

Inspect Ventilation System - A tankless maintenance visit includes an inspection of the ventilation system to guarantee its safe operation.