Flushing your water heater is essential for efficiency, longevity, and safety. Here’s why and how often you should do it:
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🔧 Reasons to Flush Your Water Heater:
1. Remove Sediment Buildup:
Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium settle at the bottom of the tank. This reduces heating efficiency and can cause rumbling or popping noises.
2. Improve Efficiency:
Sediment acts as an insulator between the burner and water, making the unit work harder and use more energy to heat water.
3. Extend Lifespan:
Flushing helps prevent corrosion and wear, extending the life of the tank and its components.
4. Prevent Clogs:
Sediment buildup can clog the drain valve or affect water pressure, especially in tankless systems.
5. Maintain Water Quality:
Sediment can discolor water or give it a metallic taste, which flushing can resolve.
6. Reduce Risk of Tank Failure:
Heavy sediment buildup can cause the tank to overheat, increasing the risk of cracks or leaks.
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📅 How Often Should You Flush It?
• Once a year is recommended for most homes.
• Every 6 months in areas with hard water or if you notice signs like noisy operation or cloudy water.
• Tankless units should also be flushed yearly, often with a vinegar solution to remove scale.
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Regular flushing is a simple maintenance task that can save you from costly repairs and high energy bills.