The Importance Of Water Heater Flushes & Descaling
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Most homeowners do not think about their water heater until it stops working. Your home’s water heater quietly provides hot water for your entire home, including showers, laundry and dishwashing. But like any appliance, water heaters require regular maintenance to function efficiently and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line. One of the most critical maintenance tasks for traditional tank water heaters is the annual water heater flush. For tankless water heaters, a yearly descaling is essential to maintain peak performance and longevity.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
“I had a great experience with billyGO plumbing. The tech, Keith, came out to do a hot water tank flush which was seriously needed. I've been a homeowner for more than 10 years and had many plumbers come out, including a couple times to work on the hot water tank and I never knew that they should be flushed. The tech showed me what came out of mine and I was horrified. Needless to say, I will be getting the flush annually from here on in. Thank you!!!" — Marisa W.
Why Is A Water Heater Flush Important?
Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium accumulate at the bottom of your traditional water heater tank. These mineral deposits, known as “sediment,” can reduce the efficiency of your water heater, causing it to work harder to heat water. This sediment buildup can also corrode the tank and lead to leaks or even premature failure. If left unchecked, the extra strain on your water heater could increase your energy bills and shorten the appliance's lifespan.
An annual water heater flush removes this sediment, allowing your water heater to run smoothly and efficiently. Flushing the tank once a year also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures you always have hot water when you need it.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs A Flush
Noise: If you hear popping or rumbling sounds coming from your water heater, it’s often due to sediment buildup. As water heats up, the trapped sediment causes small explosions that create these noises.
Inconsistent Water Temperature: If your water isn’t as hot as it used to be, or if it takes longer to heat up, this could be a sign of sediment buildup reducing the efficiency of your water heater.
Cloudy Or Rust-Colored Water: Sediment can mix with the water, resulting in a cloudy or rusty appearance. This is a clear sign your water heater needs attention.
Higher Energy Bills: If you’ve noticed an unexplained increase in your energy bills, your water heater may be struggling due to sediment buildup.
The Benefits Of A Regular Water Heater Flush
Scheduling a yearly water heater flush has several benefits:
Energy Efficiency: A clean water heater uses less energy, which saves you money on your utility bills.
Longer Lifespan: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater, postponing the need for a costly replacement.
Consistent Hot Water Supply: Without sediment buildup, your water heater can efficiently provide hot water throughout your home.
Reduced Risk Of Leaks: Sediment buildup can cause corrosion, which leads to leaks. Regular flushing helps prevent this.
What About Tankless Water Heaters?
Tankless water heaters are known for their efficiency and endless hot water supply, but they’re not immune to maintenance needs. Mineral deposits can still build up inside the heat exchanger, particularly in areas with hard water. When this happens, your tankless system can become less efficient, and the mineral buildup can even cause damage.
Descaling a tankless water heater involves flushing out the mineral deposits to keep the system running efficiently.
This process should be done annually, or more often in areas with especially hard water.
Signs Your Tankless Water Heater Needs A Descale
Fluctuating Water Temperatures: If your tankless water heater provides inconsistent temperatures, it’s likely that mineral buildup is preventing the system from working properly.
Reduced Water Flow: Hard water deposits can clog the water flow in a tankless system. If you notice a decrease in water pressure, a descale is likely needed.
Increased Energy Bills: Like traditional water heaters, a tankless system will work harder and use more energy if it has mineral buildup, leading to higher energy costs.
How billyGO Can Help
At billyGO, we understand the importance of regular water heater maintenance, and we make it easy for homeowners to schedule a flush or descale. Our experienced technicians are trained to maintain traditional, tankless and hybrid water heaters, ensuring your system operates efficiently and lasts as long as possible.
billyGO’s one-hour appointment window guarantee means we value your time and won’t keep you waiting around all day. Whether you need your annual water heater flush, or a tankless water heater descale, we’re here to help keep your water heater running smoothly year after year.
Why Choose BillyGO For Your Water Heater Installation?
Whether you’re in need of a new standard tank water heater, tankless water heater or the latest hybrid heat pump water heater, billyGO has you covered and provides free estimates and second opinions. Our expert team can handle installations of all types, ensuring you get the best system for your home’s needs and budget. Plus, our work is backed by 8-to-12-year parts and labor warranties that give you peace of mind.
From helping you choose the right system to providing professional, efficient installation, billyGO is your go-to solution for all things water heaters. Learn more about water heater service, repair and installation with billyGO.
