Sediment buildup in your water heater can be a major problem. Not only will it reduce the amount of hot water you have for cooking, cleaning, and bathing, but it can also damage your water heater and shorten its serviceable lifespan.
At Harris Plumbing, Heating Air, & Electric, our water heater technicians provide a full range of water heater services, and we can flush and drain the sediment filling your tank. It’s a simple procedure that will go a long way toward improving your water heater’s performance and your comfort!
When your tank is filled with sediment, call Harris Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric at 856-485-7215 to request a service appointment in New Jersey, Delaware, or Pennsylvania.
What Happens if You Don’t Flush and Fill Your Water Heater
Sediment buildup occurs slowly over time. If your water supply is high in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, these enter your tank and gradually settle in the bottom as the water heats up. Over time, the sediment fills the space and reduces the space available for water.
Common signs that sediment buildup is significant include bubbling and gurgling sounds and diminished hot water when bathing, cooking, or cleaning. You may also notice water discoloration, a leaking pressure relief valve, or cracks in the tank or its connections.
If you have hard water, it may take as little as a year for it to build up to significant levels. More balanced water from your well or municipal water supply can move that time up to five years. It’s important to pay close attention to the operation of your water heater and the unit’s past performance to determine when it’s the right time to schedule a drain and flush.
Tank Degradation Over Time
The thicker the sediment, the harder your water heater has to work to produce hot water; forcing your system to run hotter increases stress and pressure on the tank and its components. Over time, the tank will expand, which can cause it to leak and corrosion to take hold. At this point, it becomes a safety issue because a weakened tank is prone to catastrophic failure, and water heaters can and do explode due to this process.
Reduced Efficiency
A tank filled with sediment has to work harder to produce the required hot water supply. This problem increases the electricity and gas required to perform this task, leading to decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.
As the sediment builds up, it prevents the heating element from reaching into the water. This will result in lower water temperatures that will diminish the performance of washing machines and dishwashers and leave you with colder showers and baths.
Leaking & Flooding
Sediment buildup can cause considerable strain on your tank, pressure relief valve, seals, and other components. Over time, this strain will cause these components to fail. As they fail, leaks and flooding will become a serious concern.
If the leak is caused by a failed component, such as a drain valve or inlet/outlet connection, the component can often be replaced. However, if the leak is from the tank itself, often because of corrosion, you’ll need to replace the water heater.
Replacement is necessary because it’s incredibly difficult to remove corrosion once it takes hold, and there is no way to effectively repair and restore the tank’s structural integrity. To do so would create an inherently hazardous situation that would endanger your health and safety.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance in NJ, DE, or PA!
Harris Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric is your top choice for all water heater services. Our name is backed by over 30 years of experience serving people just like you. Our continuously trained plumbers and technicians offer quality service and fast response times with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Protect your home from the dangers of sediment buildup today.
Contact us online or call 856-485-7215 to request a water heater maintenance appointment in NJ, PA, or DE. Get five-star service every time!
