Vancouver Water Heater - Does anybody really flush their hot water tank?

     If you live in a Vancouver or Burnaby home then chances are you have a hot water tank. Have you ever drained and flushed your water heater? I don't think so, but if you have my hats off to you. Dollars to doughnuts most people wouldn't think twice about their tank unless it interfered with their morning shower.

None the less you really are recommended to drain and flush your tank as part of regular scheduled maintenance suggested by the manufacturer. The reason for this size-able request is to keep your tank running swimmingly by removing foreign sediment. This debris can cause unruly noise, inefficiency and may reduce the overall lifespan of the water heater. Since replacing a water heater is a financial burden most of us would like to avoid, maintenance is not a bad idea but there are a few considerations.

You want to bear in mind the age of your water heater and if it has been sitting undisturbed collecting a substantial layer of sediment on the bottom of the tank. This could make draining it problematic. Too much sediment could clog the hose bib and make re-closing it difficult. Trying to unclog a tank full of scalding water by putting a wire up through the hose bib has the potential to be dangerous. If the hose bib needs to replaced and is made of plastic may it could snap leaving the threads behind.

Choosing to drain and flush your tank is a good idea if you have assessed your fixture and feel comfortable doing it. It would be best to start the scheduled maintenance if your water heater is new, but if it is an older tank that has never been maintained it might be better left alone.

Watermark Plumbing - Vancouver