Ensuring proper water heater maintenance can only provide advantages. The advantages include proper performance, the highest possible efficiency, an extended water heater lifespan, and reducing the frequency of water heater repair in Arlington. As a home owner, you can assist in maintenance by either providing a hot water heater flush, or contacting a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Arlington to provide a professional job for you.
The water heater should be flushed at least once per year to maintain performance and reduce water heater repair in Arlington. However, areas with extremely hard water will benefit with a higher frequency. Once a full flush is provided, those with hard water should provide the Two Quarts/Two months method discussed later.
Flushing removes the layer of sediment due to hard water that collects in the bottom of the storage tank. The sediment can cause problems that can result in water heater repair in Arlington, and reduce the appliance lifespan. Let’s look at the benefits:
Extended Lifespan
As sediment accumulates, it acts as an insulator retaining heat on the bottom of the water heater. The process can result in the glass liner overheating and cracking. Without the protective glass liner, water directly contacts the steel tank. Once the glass liner is compromised, rust and potentially damaging leaks will eventually develop, requiring replacement. Contact a Ben Franklin plumber for water heater repair in Arlington or replacement.
Flushing the hot water heater can help prevent a damaged liner, while maintaining performance and saving energy dollars.
When you schedule a professional water heater maintenance by a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington, our plumbers provide a water heater inspection that can identify developing problems early, allowing for timely water heater repair in Arlington.
Cutting Energy Cost
As the sediment increases in the water heater, the appliance is consequently required to work harder. The appliance runs longer as a consequence, increasing energy use and the wear and tear on the appliance, resulting in an increased frequency of water heater repair in Arlington. The hot water heater flush is an aid in prevention.
Hot Water Heater Flush
Flushing the water heater is not difficult. The following instructions will guide you through the process. However, if you are uncomfortable with the procedure, or if it has been two years or more since the appliance was flushed, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide the service for you.
1) Turn off the water heater according to whether it is gas or electric:
Electric Water Heaters
Shut off the circuit breaker in the home’s electrical panel by pushing it to off. The breaker should be labeled for the water heater. If in doubt, contact a professional licensed plumber to provide the service for you.
Gas Water Heaters
To ensure your safety, check the owner’s manual for specific instructions. For most gas water heaters, the setting will be turned to the pilot.
- Turn off the cold water supply. Some water heaters will have a shut off valve next to it on the water supply line, others may not. If not, the water can be shut off at the water meter.
- The water heater’s drain valve is located near the bottom of the appliance. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve after insuring the rubber washer is in place within the connector of the hose. If it is missing, damaged, or you know it to leak, replace it before using. In addition, place a thick towel beneath the valve in the event it leaks.
- The other end of the garden hose should be routed out of a door or window to drain onto the ground. It is essential to ensure the hot water will not drain on people, pets, plants, electrical outlets, or other electrical items such as lights. If draining the water outdoors is not possible, use a bucket and empty frequently, turning the drain valve off while you empty it.
- Open a hot water valve at the nearest faucet to enable the water to drain out of the water heater.
- Using an oven mitt or towel to prevent burning your hand, open the water heater drain valve slowly to reduce the risk of damage to the valve. Water should start coming out of the hose. Remember, use caution as the water will be hot.
- Sediment will be visible in the draining water. When you no longer see sediment and the water runs clear, the flush is complete.
- Using a towel or mitt, close the drain valve and disconnect the garden hose. Hold the hose up to prevent hot water from draining out onto you, and place it outside to ensure the hot water drains out.
- Turn off the hot water valve you opened on the nearest faucet. Furthermore, if the drain valve leaks, tighten it. If the leakage continues you will need to contact a plumber for water heater repair in Arlington.
- Turn the cold water supply back on. Allow at least 10 minutes for the water heater to refill.
- Open the nearest faucet to purge air from the plumbing system.
- Turn the water heater back on.
Two Months/Two Quarts Water Heater Flush
After a full flush is provided to the water heater, remove 2-3 quarts of water from the drain valve every 2-3 months.
Water Softener
The installation of a water softener will end the damage hard water can cause to appliances, such as the water heater, and your home’s plumbing. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can install a water softener providing protection for the entire home, while reducing the need for water heater repair in Arlington.
Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber for water heater repair in Arlington, water heater installation or professional maintenance. In addition, our professional plumbers offer a wide range of plumbing services, and possess the professional expertise to meet and/or exceed the industry standards for reliable services. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.