As the weather gets warmer, spring cleaning becomes a top priority for many households. While it is common to focus on decluttering living spaces, it is equally important to remember your appliances, such as your water heater. A well-maintained water heater is vital for efficient operation. Learn why spring cleaning your water heater is crucial and how to do it effectively.
Understanding the Role of Your Water Heater
Your water heater works tirelessly behind the scenes to provide hot water for bathing, dishes, and laundry. Over time, sediment and minerals from water can build up inside the tank, which affects its efficiency and lifespan. Spring cleaning offers the perfect opportunity to address these issues.
The Impact of Sediment Build-up
Sediment build-up is a common issue in water heaters, especially in areas with hard water. This sediment can insulate the water from the heat source and require more energy to heat the water to the desired temperature. This not only leads to higher energy bills, but it can also put strain on the water heater. Regular flushing helps prevent sediment from accumulating. Have your water heater flushed once each year by a professional plumber.
Flushing your water heater is something you should never do on your own because you can burn yourself with scalding water or get electrocuted. What is worse, you can cause some major property damage. Professional plumbers are trained for this task and can keep themselves, others, and your property safe.
When a plumber flushes your water heater, they will turn off the power to the water heater (for electric heaters) or set the gas valve to “pilot” (for gas heaters). Next, they will connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and open the valve to let the water— and sediment — flow out. Once the water runs clear, the plumber will close the valve, remove the hose, and restore power or gas to the appliance.
By removing sediment build-up, the heating element can directly heat the water without working overtime. This efficiency reduces energy consumption and lowers energy bills.
Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
Regular maintenance, including spring cleaning, can significantly extend the life of your water heater. By addressing sediment build-up and checking for any signs of wear or damage, you can prevent minor issues from turning into costly repairs or the need for an early replacement.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
In addition to adding your water heater to your spring-cleaning checklist, schedule an annual inspection. A licensed plumber can make sure your water heater is in top condition and advise on any necessary repairs or adjustments.
Spring cleaning your water heater is a straightforward way to boost its efficiency, extend its lifespan, and save money on energy bills. Call EcoWorks in Beaumont, TX today to schedule water heater maintenance.
