Summer is finally over, which means it’s time to get your home ready for fall. In addition to your usual checklist of home maintenance tasks, it’s a great time to flush your water heater. Here are three key reasons why you should check off this task this autumn.
1. Improves Efficiency During Busiest Season
As the temperature drops, most households tend to consume more hot water. Members of your family may start taking longer, hotter showers, or dishes may pile up faster after holiday gatherings. Naturally, your unit will have to work harder to continue supplying hot water during this season.
To remedy this, give your water heater a little extra support. Flush the tank, which clears out the sediment buildup that makes your unit work harder than it should. By doing this in the fall, you can set your system up for maximum efficiency, save energy, and minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns right before demand spikes.
2. Reduces Corrosion
When sediment accumulates in your water heater’s tank, the excess minerals can begin eating away at the interior. Eventually, this will lead to corrosion that continues to worsen until your tank finally starts leaking.
Flushing in the fall removes the mineral buildup, clearing the tank during the time of year when your unit is used most often. This simple step protects your tank from corrosion when it’s under the most stress, helping you avoid costly repairs or replacements later on.
3. Extends Unit Lifespan
Like any other household appliance, water heaters are pretty expensive, and most people want to protect their initial investment as much as possible. With that said, regular flushing is one of the easiest ways to keep yours running for years. A clean tank not only works more smoothly but also experiences less strain overall, which can add years to the life of your unit.
How to Flush Your Water Heater
First, locate your power breaker and shut off electricity to the unit. Then, connect a garden hose to the drain pipe and engage the drain valve to empty the tank, directing the other end of the hose to a safe area, such as a bucket or outside. Once the tank is empty, briefly turn the cold water supply back on to help clear out any lingering sediment, then drain again before refilling. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, contact a professional technician to handle the flush safely and effectively.
Talk With an Expert
Fall is all about preparation, and flushing your water heater is a quick, preventative step that pays off all year long. To keep up with seasonal demand, avoid unnecessary wear, and stay comfortable through the holidays and beyond, consider reaching out to A-1 Plumbing and Heating, your water heater service experts in Farmington, ME.