Hot Water Heater Tips: When & How to Flush!

Hot water heaters are essential appliances in our homes that provide us with the convenience of hot water whenever we need it. However, they are often overlooked until something goes wrong. To ensure your hot water heater is running efficiently and safely, here are some hot water heater tips to keep in mind.

Regular maintenance

To ensure your hot water heater continues to work efficiently and effectively, it is important to perform regular maintenance on it. By taking the time to maintain your hot water heater, you can extend its lifespan, prevent costly repairs, and ensure you always have access to hot water when you need it.

One of the first steps in maintaining your hot water heater is to regularly inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. Look for rust or corrosion on the tank, as well as any leaks or puddles of water around the base of the unit. If you notice any of these issues, it is important to address them promptly to prevent further damage to the unit.

Another important aspect of hot water heater maintenance is flushing the tank regularly. Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can build up in the tank, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage.

Insulate your hot water heater

Insulating your hot water heater can help it retain heat and prevent energy loss, ultimately saving you money on your energy bills. You can purchase a pre-cut hot water heater blanket at your local hardware store or simply use an old blanket or insulation material to wrap around the tank.

An un-insulated hot water heater can waste a significant amount of energy, as heat escapes and the water cools down faster than it should. Insulating your hot water heater is a simple and cost-effective way to improve its efficiency and ultimately save you money.

There are a few different options when it comes to insulating your hot water heater. One of the most popular options is to use a hot water heater blanket, which is a layer of insulation that wraps around the outside of the tank. These blankets typically cost less than $30 and can easily be installed in just a few minutes. They can provide significant savings on your energy bills by reducing heat loss.

Another option is to insulate the hot water pipes that are connected to your water heater. This can also help to reduce heat loss and keep the water hotter for longer periods of time. Pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive and can be easily installed by wrapping it around the pipes.

Set the temperature

Most hot water heaters come preset at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is typically considered the ideal temperature for most households. However, some homeowners may choose to adjust this temperature to either save on energy costs or ensure the water is not too hot.

Setting the temperature of your hot water heater too high can not only lead to scalding but also increase your energy bills. On the other hand, setting it too low may result in not having enough hot water for your household needs.

To find the optimal temperature for your hot water heater, consider the following factors:

1. Energy costs: Lowering the temperature of your hot water heater can help reduce your energy bills. Every 10-degree reduction can save you between 3-5% on your energy costs.

2. Safety: If you have children or elderly individuals in your home, it’s important to set the temperature of your hot water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding.

3. Household needs: Consider your household’s hot water needs when setting the temperature. If you find yourself running out of hot water frequently, you may need to increase the temperature slightly.

Check the pressure relief valve

The pressure relief valve is a crucial safety feature of a hot water heater, designed to release built-up pressure to prevent the tank from exploding in the event of a malfunction. It is important to check the pressure relief valve regularly to make sure it is functioning correctly and prevent any potential disasters.

To check the pressure relief valve of your hot water heater, follow these simple steps:

• Turn off the power and water supply to the heater: Before you begin any maintenance on your hot water heater, make sure to turn off the power and water supply to the unit to avoid any accidents.

• Locate the pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve is typically located on the top of the hot water heater, near the outlet pipe. It is a small, round valve with a lever or knob on top.

• Test the valve: To test the pressure relief valve, lift the lever or turn the knob on top of the valve. You should hear a hissing sound as the valve releases a small amount of water. If no water comes out or the valve appears to be stuck, it may be clogged or damaged and should be replaced.

• Check for leaks: After testing the pressure relief valve, check for any leaks around the valve or the outlet pipe. If you notice any leaks, this could indicate a problem with the valve or the tank and should be addressed immediately.

• Replace the valve if necessary: If the pressure relief valve is not functioning properly, it should be replaced with a new one. Pressure relief valves are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.

Keep the area around your hot water heater clear

One of the most critical reasons to keep the area around your hot water heater clear is to prevent a potential fire hazard. Hot water heaters can generate a significant amount of heat, and if flammable items are stored too closely, there is a risk of ignition. This is especially concerning in the case of gas water heaters, which can pose an even greater fire hazard. By keeping the area clear, you are reducing the risk of a fire breaking out in your home.

Another reason to keep the area around your hot water heater clear is to ensure proper ventilation. Hot water heaters require adequate airflow to operate efficiently and safely. If the area around the water heater is cluttered with items, it can restrict the airflow and cause the unit to overheat. This not only reduces the efficiency of the water heater but can also lead to costly repairs or even the need for a replacement.

Consider upgrading to a tankless water heater

If you're looking to increase energy efficiency and save on your energy bills, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater.

Tankless hot water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand. When you turn on the hot water faucet, the tankless heater kicks in and heats the water as it flows through the system. This means you never have to worry about running out of hot water, as long as your tankless heater is properly sized for your household's needs.

Not only are tankless hot water heaters more efficient, but they also take up less space than traditional water heaters. Because they don't have a bulky tank, you can install a tankless heater in smaller spaces, such as a closet or under a sink.

When to Flush Hot Water Heater

Ideally, you should flush your hot water heater at least once a year. This will help to remove any sediment or mineral buildup that has accumulated in the tank, ensuring that your water heater operates at maximum efficiency. However, there are some signs that may indicate it is time to flush your hot water heater sooner.

If you notice that your hot water takes longer to heat up or doesn't stay hot as long as it used to, this could be a sign that sediment has built up in your hot water heater and is causing it to work harder to heat the water. You may also notice that your water has a rusty or metallic odor, which can indicate that there is rust inside your hot water heater that needs to be flushed out.

Another sign that it is time to flush your hot water heater is if you hear banging or clanging noises coming from the tank. This can indicate that there is a buildup of sediment in the tank that is causing the water to heat unevenly, leading to the noise. Flushing your hot water heater can help to remove this sediment and reduce the noises coming from your tank.

How to Flush Hot Water Heater

Flushing your hot water heater is a relatively simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here's a quick guide to flushing your hot water heater:

• Turn off the power or gas supply to your hot water heater.
• Turn off the water supply to the hot water heater.
• Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
• Place the other end of the hose in a drain or outside where the hot water heater can drain safely.
• Open the pressure relief valve at the top of the tank to allow air to enter as water drains out.
• Open the drain valve and let the water flow out until it runs clear. Be careful, as the water may be very hot!
• Once the tank is empty, close the drain valve and turn on the water supply to flush out any remaining sediment.
• Finally, turn the power or gas supply back on and allow the tank to refill with water.

When do you Need a Professional?

When it comes to your hot water heater, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call in a professional when needed. By doing so, you can ensure that your hot water heater is operating safely and efficiently, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Don't wait until your hot water heater breaks down to take action. Contact Tru Flo Plumbing today to schedule a service appointment and ensure that your hot water heater is functioning at its best. With our expertise and dedication to quality service, you can trust Tru Flo Plumbing to keep your hot water flowing smoothly.