A water heater is a necessity for many homes and apartments across the globe. Unfortunately, water heaters also come with many issues. Even if your water heater has never needed any type of repair or replacement, it still needs to be drained every few years. we’ll talk about a Definitive Guide to Draining Your Water Heater.
The water that is stored in the water heater will begin to stagnate over time, and it can convert to a breeding ground for bacteria. The water needs to be drained so that you do not have any issues with your water quality or taste. However, draining your water heater isn’t an easy task because there are many different factors that you need to take into consideration first.
In this post, we will cover some water heater draining tips that will help you avoid water heater troubles. We’ll discuss how to drain your water heater and what happens if you don’t.
How does the water heater work?
Most water heater tanks use a gas or electric heating element to boil water. This water then flows through copper pipes to your fixtures and appliances, taking heat from its surroundings with it.
What happens if I don’t drain my water heater?
If you do not appropriately maintain your water heater, it can lead to water damage in your home. During the years, sediment will build up in a water tank if you don’t drain it at least once per year. This can corrode the inside of your water heater and cause leaks or other problems down the line.
Water heater draining tips
Many water heaters draining problems are due to water that has been sitting in the water heater too long. If you own a home, your plumbing system must be up-to-date, especially if this includes keeping your water heater full of freshwater. This will help avoid corrosion and scaling issues with any hot water heating elements inside. However, water heaters can also accumulate sediment over time. If you do not drain your water heater at least once every six months (more often for homes with hard water), then this could cause problems when it comes to heating the water in your home.
Follow these water heater draining tips to avoid any issues!
If you have a water softener, then the water that is pumped through your water heater may become too corrosive for your tank and cause it to corrode. This will shorten its lifespan significantly if not drained on occasion. If you are living in an area with hard water (water that has a high mineral content), then you will need to drain your water heater more often. Some minerals can build up in water heaters with hard water areas, just as they do with plumbing pipes and appliances.
One more thing to keep in notice is the location of your water heater storage tank(s). If it’s located outside, make sure there is enough water in the water heater to prevent freezing.
And finally, make sure you know the right temperature for your water heater! Water heaters should be set between 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water is too warm, then it can cause scalding issues when someone uses hot water that has just come out of the water heater.
Signs of a water heater that needs to be drained ASAP!
So, water heaters can become water-logged for many reasons. If you notice any of the following signs with your water heater, then it is time to drain it!
If there has been a loss of hot water or if the water coming out isn’t as warm as usual, this could mean that sediment is building up in the water heater. If water does not drain out of the water heater while you are draining, then this could mean that sediment has built up to a point where water cannot pass through easily. When draining your water heater, make sure you are using the right tools for the job!
If there is any scum or debris in water coming from your hot water faucet, then water may be draining slowly. This could mean that the water heater is working too hard to heat water because of sediment build-up. If you notice any rust or corrosion near your water heater, this means there are high levels of iron in the water, which will cause damage to other parts of your plumbing system over time if it is not drained.
If water is leaking or dripping from your water heater, then this means that there may be corrosion on the inside which will shorten its lifespan significantly if it isn’t properly drained and maintained.
If you notice any of these signs with your water heater, make sure to contact a plumber as soon as possible!
How every so often should you drain your water heater?
If you live in a water area with soft water and your water heater is outside, then draining the water heater every six months should be sufficient.
For homes that have hard water or if the water has been sitting for more than three days before use, one drain per year will likely be necessary to keep it running smoothly.
Even though there are water heaters that have a filter, they should still be drained every 6 months to keep sediment from building up.
For homes with water heaters located inside, draining once per year is typically necessary for most areas of the country unless you notice any issues beforehand.
If your water heater has been installed for more than three years and it hasn’t been drained and maintained, then draining it every six months is highly recommended.
If water heaters are not properly maintained regularly, this can cause water that has built up inside the tank to become corrosive, which will shorten its lifespan significantly. If you have any questions about water heater maintenance or would like for us to drain your water heater, contact a water heater service technician today!
FAQs: A Definitive Guide to Draining Your Water Heater
What water heater drain tools do I need?
If you are draining your water heater with the drain valve, then you will only need a bucket. If you would like for us to perform our water heater service, then we can bring all of the necessary water heater drain equipment when we arrive at your home!
How much does it cost to drain a water heater?
The cost to drain a water heater will vary based on the location of your water heater and if we need to perform any other water repair services. Typically, draining a water heater is included in our flat-rate pricing for most locations throughout DFW!
Why does my water perfume like rotten eggs?
If the hot water smells like sulfur or has a faint yellowish color when coming from your faucet, then the water heater has a buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas. This is usually caused by bacteria or algae that feed on sulfur and iron in the water, which can cause damage to water heaters over time if not drained properly!
Is it harmful to drain my water heater?
No, draining your water heater will benefit it as long as you use the water heater drain tools to keep sediment from entering the water lines.
In conclusion,
Water heaters should be drained every six months to a year if possible unless the water is leaking or there are water problems with the water heater. If your water heater has been installed for more than three years and it hasn’t been maintained regularly, then draining once per year will likely be necessary, and it can even extend the lifespan of your water heater!
Thanks for reading our water heater blog!
Contact us today with any questions about water heater maintenance or if you would like for our water repair technicians to drain your water heater.