A GUIDE TO FLUSHING YOUR WATER HEATER | WATER HEATER MAINTENANCE IN OCEANSIDE, CA

Regular maintenance is an effective way to extend the useful life of your water heater. If it’s been a while since you had your water heater inspected or serviced, now’s the time to call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration. We offer affordable water heater maintenance services in Oceanside, CA, and surrounding communities.

Are you flushing your water heater on a regular basis? Flushing a water heater is a maintenance process that helps remove sediment buildup from the bottom of the tank, improving efficiency and extending the heater’s lifespan. Regularly flushing your water heater improves performance and extends its useful life. At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration we recommend that you have your water heater flushed at least once a year; more often if you live in an area with hard water.

SEDIMENT BUILDUP IS A LEADING CAUSE OF WATER HEATER REPAIRS

The main purpose of flushing a water heater is to remove sediment buildup. Over time, calcium, magnesium, and other materials found in the water can settle in your water tank. As the sediment builds up, it can begin to affect the function and performance of your water heater. This includes:

• Reduced hot water supply – as sediments fill your tank, there’s less room for water.
• Increased energy costs – sediment buildup can make your water heater work harder and use more energy.
• Fluctuating water temperatures – sediments can make it difficult for the water heater to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Corrosion – sediment buildup can accelerate corrosion, damaging water heater components and c
• Water quality issues – sediments can contaminate the water, affecting water quality.
• Water heater noise – sediment buildup can cause a water heater to make rumbling or popping sounds.

Flushing your water heater regularly eliminates many of these problems. It should be a part of any water heater maintenance program in Oceanside, CA.

HOW TO FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER

Flushing your water heater is a fairly straightforward process. It starts by turning off the water heater and its cold water line. Next, connect a hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the heater. Place the other end of the hose in a safe drainage area (like a floor drain, bucket, or outside).

You may want to wait a while before starting the process to allow the hot water in the tank to cool off.

Before you open the drain valve, remember to open a hot water tap in a nearby sink. This helps prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines, allowing the water to drain smoothly.

Slowly open the drain valve on the heater. Be cautious when opening the drain valve, as the water can be very hot. The hot water will flow through the hose, carrying the sediment with it.

Once the water heater is mostly drained, turn the cold water supply on to flush out any remaining sediment. Let the water run for a few minutes or until the water coming out of the hose is clear.

When the flushing is complete, close the drain valve tightly and disconnect the garden hose. Turn the cold water supply back on to refill the tank. As soon as the hot water tap you opened earlier starts running water, you’ll know the tank is full.

REGULAR WATER HEATER MAINTENANCE IN OCEANSIDE, CA, SAVES MONEY IN THE LONG RUN

If you’re unsure of how to flush your water heater, just give 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration. We’ve been providing affordable water heater maintenance in Oceanside, CA, and surrounding communities since 2012. Water heater repairs are a specialty. If it’s time for a new water heater, we can help you select a replacement and install it in your home.

Regular water heater maintenance in Oceanside, CA. offers several benefits that can improve its performance, efficiency, and lifespan. It can save you a ton of money on water heater repair and replacement costs. Call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 to schedule a water heater inspection today!