Why Do I Need to Flush My Hot Water Tank?

When was the last time you thought about your water heater tank? If your answer is “not recently,” you’re not alone. Most homeowners don’t give it a second thought until their hot water runs out mid-shower.

Your water heater is one of the most critical systems in your Medina, home. Whether it provides hot water for showers, cleans dishes, or washes laundry, it works tirelessly every day to make your life easier. 

Like any appliance or mechanical equipment, your water heater requires regular maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently and has a long life.

As Medina County’s premier plumbing company, Gene’s Heating & AC believes it is important to educate customers and the broader public about the maintenance tasks necessary to keep water heaters functioning.

That includes the primary task of water tank flushing. 

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters

A hot water tank is one of the most vital components of your Medina, home’s plumbing system; maintaining your hot water heater is essential to ensure it continues functioning efficiently. 

Yet, many homeowners often overlook a basic task for maintaining this critical piece of equipment: flushing the tank.

A hot water tank flush and other general maintenance tasks can prevent a range of issues, from sediment build-up to premature replacement of your water heater, all while improving water quality and increasing efficiency. 

Here are several reasons to encourage you to schedule a water heater maintenance visit with Gene’s plumbing professionals: 

1. Prevents Sediment Buildup
   Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium—which are common in the water supply for the greater Medina County area—and other debris settle at the bottom of your hot water tank.
   
   This sediment can create a barrier between the water and the heating element, making it harder for your unit to heat the water effectively.
   
   Sediment buildup forces your water heater to work harder, using more energy and increasing your energy bill. It can also cause the bottom of the tank to overheat, leading to damage and potential leaks.
   
   Flushing your water heater regularly removes sediment before it becomes problematic. 

2. Increases Efficiency and Lowers Energy Costs
   When sediment accumulates in your water heater, the unit has to expend more energy to heat the water, leading to decreased efficiency and higher operating costs. A water heater struggling to function efficiently will consume more energy, driving up your Medina, energy bill.
   
   Regular flushing keeps your water heater running at peak efficiency, allowing it to heat water faster and more effectively. Doing this also extends the lifespan of your unit, saving you money on repairs and replacements in the long run. 

3. Improves Water Quality
   As sediment builds up in the tank, it can eventually make its way into your hot water supply in your Medina, home, affecting water quality. You may start to notice cloudy or discolored water, as well as an unpleasant metallic or sulfur-like odor.
   
   Contaminated water can also affect other appliances and fixtures that use hot water. Sediment passed into the water supply can clog faucets and reduce the lifespan of other plumbing appliances.
   
   Regularly flushing your hot water tank eliminates sediment and the chance for it to enter your pipes, helping to ensure the water flowing from your taps is clean and free from unwanted contaminants.

4. Reduces the Risk of Corrosion and Rust
   Sediment sitting at the bottom of the tank creates an environment where corrosion can easily take hold. As the sediment sits, it hardens and creates a layer over the tank walls. Moisture can become trapped between the sediment layer and the wall, leading to rust and corrosion.
   
   Corrosion weakens the tank’s structural integrity, so once this happens, the risk of leaks and tank failure increases dramatically.
   
   A leaking water heater can cause significant damage to your Medina, home, leading to a messy and costly situation.
   
   Flushing the water heater tank keeps the tank in better condition and reduces the likelihood of a leak or other problems.

5. Extends the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
   A well-maintained water heater can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years or longer. However, neglecting maintenance tasks like flushing the tank can significantly reduce this lifespan.
   
   Sediment buildup and corrosion will take their toll on the system, leading to more frequent breakdowns and a shorter overall lifespan for the unit.
   
   Investing in routine maintenance like flushing the tank can add years to the life of your water heater, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.
   

Other Maintenance for Your Hot Water Heater

Flushing your water heater is a major aspect of water heater maintenance, but it is not the only maintenance it needs.

Here are a few other tasks that should be performed on your water heater:

• Check the Pressure Relief Valve: This critical safety feature prevents dangerous pressure build-up inside the tank. It’s a simple test that should be done at least once a year.
  
• Inspect for Leaks: Leaks can indicate corrosion or other issues. Regular visual inspections can help catch problems early.

• Correct Temperature: Setting your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F is ideal for energy efficiency and to prevent scalding. 

Keep your water heater running efficiently and avoid costly repairs by scheduling regular maintenance with Gene’s Heating & AC. Our licensed plumbers in Medina, specialize in water heater inspections, flushes, and repairs to ensure your system operates at peak performance. 

How Often Should You Flush Your Hot Water Tank?

Gene’s Heating & AC recommends flushing your hot water tank once a year to maintain optimal performance. However, if you live in a moderate to very hard water area like Brunswick, Barberton, and elsewhere around Medina County or notice signs of sediment accumulation (such as inconsistent hot water, strange noises, or rust-colored water), you may need to flush it more frequently.

If you’re unsure when your last maintenance check was, Gene’s Heating & AC offers routine water heater maintenance and tank flushing as well as maintenance plans, which include an annual inspection as part of the service.

How To Flush Your Hot Water Tank: Step-by-Step Guide

While it’s always best to leave maintenance tasks to professionals, here’s an overview of how a water heater tank flush typically works:

1. Turn Off the Power or Gas Supply: Safety first! Turn off the water heater’s power supply at the circuit breaker or gas line.
   
2. Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate the cold water valve and shut it off to stop the water flow into the tank.
   
3. Drain the Tank: Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Be sure to direct the hose to a safe drainage location, as the water will be hot.
   
4. Flush With Cold Water: Once drained, open the cold water valve to flush out any remaining sediment. You might need to repeat this process a couple of times to ensure the tank is clean.
   
5. Refill and Restart: Close the drain valve, turn the cold water back on, and power the unit by reconnecting it to the gas or electric supply.

Why Medina Homeowners Choose Gene’s Heating & AC

At Gene’s Heating & AC, we’re more than just water heater experts. We provide a full range of services, from plumbing to electrical work and HVAC maintenance, ensuring your home’s essential systems are always in top condition.

Here’s why homeowners in Medina, trust us with their water heater maintenance:

• Full Service for All Vertical Water Heaters: We handle all types of vertical water heater tanks, regardless of brand, ensuring optimal performance for your specific unit, whether it’s inspection, maintenance, or repair.

• Expert Technicians: Our skilled technicians are trained to spot potential problems before they become costly issues, saving you time, money, and stress.

• Locally Trusted Since 1959: We’ve been serving Medina, and the surrounding areas for decades, building a reputation for reliable service and customer satisfaction.

Sign Up for Gene’s Protection Plan Today

Maintaining your water heater and other home systems doesn’t have to be a hassle. Enrolling in either an Efficiency or Peace of Mind level of Gene’s Protection Plan, you can rest easy knowing that your water heater and other essential home systems are receiving regular attention from licensed, bonded, and insured professionals.

Our plans offer:

• A free annual maintenance inspection for your water heater
• Priority service and scheduling
• Discounts on repairs for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more
• Additional perks like seasonal HVAC maintenance and plumbing system checks

Whether you are dealing with a current issue or want to avoid future problems, our plans are designed to keep your home running smoothly.

Schedule a Water Heater Flush Today

Regularly flushing your hot water tank is a critical step in maintaining a water heater’s performance and longevity. By preventing sediment buildup, reducing the risk of corrosion, and improving energy efficiency, this simple task can save you money on energy bills, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your water heater serves your Medina, household reliably for years to come.

Our team at Gene’s Heating & AC is ready and waiting to assist you with a hot water tank flush. We’d also be happy to tell you more about upgrading to a tankless water heater, which can eliminate this maintenance task from your to-do list.

Don’t wait for a problem to arise. Contact Gene’s Heating & AC today at 330-238-8441 or request service online to schedule your water heater maintenance.

Let us take the hassle out of home maintenance so you can enjoy peace of mind all year round! Learn more about all our maintenance plan levels online.