Many of us overlook our water heaters. You will find them in out-of-the-way places, such as in closets, garages, or basements; out of sight, out of mind. When something goes wrong, we suddenly realize just how essential these appliances are. Reddi Services in Phoenix, AZ, wants to help you understand why you need to flush your water heater annually. Annual flushing removes sediment from your water heater, helping it function more effectively and efficiently.
What Happens Inside a Water Heater Over Time
Every unfiltered water supply contains heavy minerals. The concentration depends on the soil and rocks. Phoenix has notoriously high hard water ratings at around 240 to 300 ppm. Hard water issues in the area stem from water traveling through the Salt, Verde, and Colorado rivers.
Hard minerals like calcium and magnesium naturally separate in heated water. This separation leads to buildups of hard minerals inside your water heater tank. Sediment creates a barrier between the burner and the hot water supply. Over time, the buildup can become so great that your water heater ceases heating normally.
Sediment inside the holding tank causes your water heater to work much harder to heat the water, leading to spikes in utility bills. The sediment in your water heater can lead to premature wear and corrosion. Eventually, your tank will become damaged and start to leak. Hard minerals can also clog pipes and valves.
How Often to Flush a Water Heater & Why Timing Matters
If you are wondering how often to flush a water heater, the standard recommendation for water heater flushing is once per year. If you live in an area like Phoenix with hard water, you may need more frequent flushes.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is skipping maintenance. Skipping years of water heater maintenance allows sediment in your tank to harden. You will notice a strange noise, like a popping sound. Popping, hissing, and rumbling noises come from water trapped beneath hardened minerals. With less space in the tank and hard minerals clogging the valves and pipes, your hot water pressure can begin to drop.
Annual service supports consistent water heater performance. On average, water heaters last 10-15 years. Annual flushes help extend your appliance’s lifespan and reduce the risk of sudden breakdowns, which can become increasingly expensive.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Immediate Flushing
Water heaters may not show immediate signs of sediment buildup, but the problem will eventually worsen. If you notice these unmistakable signs, it’s essential to seek professional services from our experienced technicians.
Strange Noises
Strange noises are something never to ignore. They mean your water heater is crying out for help. Popping and hissing occur as the trapped water under the sediment layer begins to heat and produce steam. These noises mean your water heater is already under strain.
Discolored Water
Your water heater can become full of hard minerals that mix with the water in your tank. Your hot water supply can become rusty, brown, or yellowish due to sediment in the water heater. Discoloration is also a sign of tank corrosion and should not be ignored, as it can lead to leaks.
Foul-Smelling Water
You may notice a rotten egg smell when your hot water tank has sediment buildup. The buildup causes a warm, low-oxygen environment that allows sulfate-reducing bacteria to grow. Foul odors can mean sediment buildup and anode rod destruction.
Strange Tastes
Dissolved minerals in your water act differently when heated. Heat also releases dissolved gases, such as chlorine. If your hot water tastes funny, it’s important to schedule water heater maintenance to have it flushed.
Rising Utility Costs
Water heater sediment buildup causes higher electricity bills. If you notice rising bills and have skipped water heater maintenance, that could be the reason. Maintaining your water heater helps keep costs down and protects your investment in the appliance.
Why DIY Flushing Can Go Wrong
While it’s tempting to handle flushing yourself, it may not be safe. Temperature and pressure risks pose serious scalding injuries.
Incorrect drainage can cause damage to your water heater’s components. You could cause damage to the valves. Older water heater tanks pose a higher risk of damage than newer models due to years of sediment buildup and wear and tear.
Improper sediment release can cause water heater lines to become clogged. Additionally, improper refilling can cause airlock issues. Air locks are pockets of trapped air that can prevent your water heater from heating effectively.
Seek Professional Water Heater Maintenance
When was the last time you had your water heater professionally flushed? We follow a methodical maintenance process that includes inspecting your components, performing tests, and flushing your water heater. Preventive care now can help you avoid costly repairs later.
Reddi Services offers a wide array of plumbing, drain cleaning, and HVAC services. We are a family-owned company committed to 100% customer satisfaction.
Contact Reddi Services today to flush your water heater in Phoenix. Let us remove sediment from your water heater and improve its efficiency.
