Written on: June 16, 2020
With the coronavirus continuing to keep us home much more than usual, it’s more important than ever to keep your home comfort equipment working efficiently and reliably. One of those pieces of equipment, of course, is your water heater.
If you have a conventional water heater (one with a storage tank), one task stands above all others when it comes to extending the life of your water heater and keeping it running at peak efficiency year after year: periodic draining.
About once or twice a year – or twice if your water is particularly “hard” (that is, if it has more than average mineral content), your tank should be drained of sediment. Sediment, which looks like sand or gravel, forms from minerals contained in your water supply; when it gathers at the bottom of your tank or on your water heater’s heating element, it can reduce energy efficiency and clog the tank’s drain valve, which can be a safety hazard.
The good news is that sediment is easy to drain with some basic tools. Here’s how to do it.
What you need
Directions
Of course, flushing isn’t the only maintenance your water heater needs – you’ll also need professional water heater maintenance about every two years. If your water heater is due or overdue for a service visit, contact us today – before your water heater fails when you need it most.
Did you know that the average life expectancy of a traditional water heater is 10 years? If your water heater has reached its second decade, it could be time for a replacement. Contact us to learn about propane water heater installation in PA, including storage-type and high efficiency tankless water heater options.
Please note: at Ace-Robbins, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep you and our crews safe and your home comfort systems working through this challenging time.