Should You Drain and Flush a Water Heater Yourself?

Your water heater needs regular maintenance to keep it working great and to extend the time before replacement. Like most appliances, it can benefit from regular service to reduce wear and tear on the mechanisms. One maintenance service that should be done annually is a drain and flush of the tank. However, is this a DIY job or should you hire a plumber?

Draining and flushing your water heater tank is important to limit corrosion inside the tank. Minerals can collect in the tank and cause rust and corrosion. This can lead to leaks in the tank and a premature replacement of the water heater, which can cost thousands of dollars. Draining and flushing can remove these minerals and extend the life of your water heater.

You can drain and flush a water heater on your own, but it does take some know-how. There are several hundred gallons of water that must be carefully removed; a wrong move could cause water to flood your home, putting you at risk for water or mold damage. If you decide to attempt this procedure, make sure you research it carefully to ensure you do not cause more harm than good.

Another option is to schedule a tune-up or service for your water heater with a local plumber. Not only can they drain and flush the tank, they can inspect the other components on your water heater. There are many components that can need replacement over the years; proactive replacement can prevent water heater malfunctions and emergency repairs while extending the life of your appliance. If it has been more than a year since your water heater tank has been flushed, call your local plumber and schedule a service.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Spring Maintenance for Home Plumbing

Now that spring is officially started, it is time to begin preparing your home for summer. This may mean doing some deep cleaning, pulling out the patio furniture from storage or planting flowers in your garden. It should also mean that it is time to do some home maintenance, including inspecting your plumbing. Even if you made it through the winter without any plumbing mishaps, it still is a good idea to do a thorough inspection on all your water fixtures and appliances. Here are some areas to cover:

  • Water heater. Water heaters should be inspected and flushed once a year to keep them working properly. Listen for strange sounds and inspect parts for leaks or rust when draining your tank, or call your local plumber to have an annual tune-up performed.
  • Outdoor faucets. Check your outdoor faucets to ensure there are no cracks or leaks from the cold winter weather. Turn them on and watch for any noticeable leaks, both outside and inside your home.
  • Outdoor drainage. Clean out all your gutters and outside drains that may be clogged with debris from over the winter.
  • Underground leaks. Spring is a good time to inspect your yard for any areas of water accumulation. A wet spot in your yard could mean you have an underground pipe that is leaking. Call your local plumber if you see any signs of leaks.

While you do your spring cleaning, also check all your indoor plumbing fixtures and appliances. Look for faucet leaks, slow flushing toilets or condensation on visible pipes. It can save you a large repair bill later if you can catch small issues before they become big plumbing problems.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934