5 Great Reasons Grand Prairie Homeowners Should Flush Their Water Heater

By Victor P.

With family visiting me during the summer break and holidays, having a reliable water heater is a must. I've had my fair share of water heater issues—had to replace mine earlier than expected because I didn't flush it regularly. So, let me share with you, my fellow Grand Prairie homeowners, five good reasons why you should flush your water heater, based on what I’ve learned the hard way.

1. It Will Improve Your Water Quality

Living in Grand Prairie, we have pretty hard water, and mineral sediment can really build up in your water heater. Over time, this can make your hot water cloudy or make it taste like metal and make it stink. Believe you me, it’s not something you want when you’re cooking a big family dinner or taking a shower. By flushing your water heater, you can get rid of those impurities and ensure all your hot water is clean and safe for cooking, drinking, and bathing.

2. It Makes your Water Heater Last Longer

After working as an electrician for decades, I know the importance of maintenance. Hard water in Grand Prairie can cause a lot of wear and tear on water heaters. Those minerals build up and make it work harder, which shortens its lifespan. Flushing your water heater out regularly helps prevent this buildup, allowing it to run more efficiently and last longer. This means fewer interruptions and saving money in the long run—something I learned the hard way.

3. Better Efficiency

When all that sediment builds up in your water heater, it creates a layer of insulation between the heating element and the water. This means your heater actually has to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills. However, flushing your water heater removes these sediments, improving heat transfer and making your heater more energy-efficient. And as someone who’s always tried to keep the bills low, I can tell you, it makes a difference.

4. Consistent Temperatures

Have you ever noticed your hot water going from warm to cold in a flash? That can be due to sediment messing with the heating elements. By flushing your water heater, you can ensure it heats water evenly and consistently. This means you’ll get reliable hot water every time —something that's especially important when the grandkids are visiting and everyone needs a shower.

5. Limit Corrosion and Rust

Here in Grand Prairie, hard water can lead to corrosion and rust inside your water heater tank. This can cause leaks and potentially expensive damage your home. Flushing your water heater helps remove the elements that contribute to corrosion and rust, protecting your appliance and your home from costly damage.

A Simple Process of How to Flush Your Water Heater in Grand Prairie

Flushing a water heater might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s a pretty straightforward undertaking with just a few simple steps:

1. Turn Off the Water Heater: For electric models, switch off the power at the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, turn the gas valve to the pilot position.
2. Turn Off the Cold Water Supply: Locate the cold water valve at the top of the water heater and shut it off.
3. Connect a Hose to the Drain Valve: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Place the other end in a suitable drainage location.
4. Open the Drain Valve: Open the valve and let the tank empty completely. Be careful, as the water will be hot.
5. Flush with Cold Water: Once the tank is empty, turn on the cold water supply to flush out any remaining sediment.
6. Close the Drain Valve and Refill: Close the drain valve, disconnect the hose, and turn the cold water supply back on. Restore power to the unit or turn the gas valve back to the “on” position.

For a more detailed exploration of these steps, check out this resource: https://www.aaa-auger.com/procedure-and-maintenance-guidlines/water-heater-flushing-procedure/

Now, I know some of y'all might feel like you want nothing to do with this. So, if that's the case, don't fret, just give AAA AUGER Plumbing Services a call here in Grand Prairie, and they'll be happy to help you flush your water heater and keep it running smoothly. You can find them at https://www.aaa-auger.com/grand-prairie-plumber/

They’ve been in business for over three generations and are a reliable, professional plumbing service in Grand Prairie that believes in customer service, and delivering real value to their Grand Prairie neighbors.