How to Drain Your Water Heater, and Why?
Water heaters fulfill a critical function in your McAllen home, but like any appliance, they do not last forever. However, you can prolong the life of your water heater dramatically by draining it once a year.
What Is This Sediment?
Over time, minerals, sand, dirt and grit build up in your water heater. This sediment can come from the city water supply, the metal in your pipes or even the dirt in your well. There is no way to prevent the build-up of sediment.
The Effect of Sediment
As sediment accrues over time, it hampers the performance of the water heater. The sediment acts like a barrier, forcing the water heater to work extra hard to heat up the water and pump it through the pipes.
This is bad for your water heater because it wears it down. A water pump that isn't cleaned regularly will not last as long. Furthermore, the heater in your McAllen home has to use more electricity to heat the water, which raises your electric bill.
Don't Do It Yourself
It has become more common in recent years for homeowners to undertake maintenance projects themselves. Unfortunately, this often means that necessary tasks are not handled adequately. Draining a water heater can be risky, so don't do it yourself.
Draining a Water Heater
It is generally a good idea to turn off the water heater before the plumber arrives. If this is not done, it can cause a delay of several hours, as a water heater needs to be cool before it can be drained.
When the plumber arrives, they will turn off the cold water intake valve and open the pressure release valve; they may turn on a hot water faucet to eliminate any excess water from the pipes. Next, they will connect a hose to the drain valve and drain any excess water, directing some of it into a bucket or other container to inspect the level of sediment.
When a Water Heater Needs to Be Flushed
If there is a lot of sediment in the bucket, it may be necessary to flush out the water heater before turning it back on. If the water heater hasn't been drained in a long time, this process may need to be repeated.
If you live in McAllen, TX and want to schedule an appointment, call All Valley Pro Mechanical LLC. at (956) 686-6656.
