How to Drain Your Water Heater, and Why?
You may have heard that it is recommended to drain the water from your Davie water heater once or twice a year. Maybe you do this at a regular time each year, but you aren’t really sure why it’s so important. The answer is simple: sediment.
What is Sediment?
In plumbing terms, sediment is the dirt, sand, minerals and grit that filters into the water supply and settles in your water heater. It is generally a by-product of erosion and is impossible to prevent. Unfortunately, however when this sediment builds up, it forces your water heater to work overtime.
How Does Sediment Put Strain on the Water Heater?
A water heater is designed to heat and pump water. When the base and walls of the heater are covered in sediment, this acts as an insulating barrier, meaning the water pump has to work harder in order to heat up the water.
This puts a strain on the water heater and, if left unchecked, will dramatically reduce its longevity. Furthermore, all that extra energy amounts to a very real difference in the energy bill of your Fort Lauderdale home, so draining your water heater saves you money.
How Do You Drain a Water Heater?
Several hours before the plumber arrives, you will want to turn off your water heater, as it needs to cool before it can be drained. The plumber will turn off the cold water intake and will drain any excess water out of the hot water faucet.
Next, the plumber will prepare the heater for drainage. If it is situated underground, they will have to use a pump to draw the water out. They will plug one end of a long hose into the water heater drain valve. Most of the water will go to the drain, but some of it will be collected to evaluate the level of sediment.
When the Water Heater Needs to Be Flushed
Depending on where you live, the pipes in your house and other variables, there may be a great deal of accumulated sediment. If so, the plumber will have to refill the tank and flush it to remove excessive sediment.
If you live in Fort Lauderdale, FL and haven’t drained your water tank recently, contact C&D Plumbing Inc. at (954) 758-8169. Your water heater will thank you.