January is a time for renewal and reinvigoration. This usually encompasses your lifestyle, but it should also mean within your home. That’s why now is the perfect time to call the experts at Michael’s Plumbing and discuss how a flush and fill can benefit the health of your hot water tank.
Florida water can be harsh on pipes and appliances in your home, especially with your hot water tank, where sediment, minerals and dirt can accumulate at the bottom over time. This can cause a variety of problems that can include the efficiency of the appliance and shortening the lifespan of the water heater.
So, what is a flush and fill? It’s a lot like it sounds: A Michael’s Plumbing professional plumber will flush out your water heater to remove any mineral buildup on the inside, then refill the water tank so it’s ready to offer you hot water more efficiently.
What are some signs that your water heater needs a flush and fill?
- Shorter span of hot water at your disposal
- Increase in your energy bill
- Decrease in water pressure
- Sediment coming out of your faucet
- Popping or rumbling sound coming from your water heater
Flush and fills are not something that can be easily done in your spare time and should only be attempted by the professionals at Michael’s Plumbing. Here are the steps a technician will take to perform a flush and fill:
- After turning off the power on your water heater and the gas or electricity, the technician will shut off the cold water supply to the water heater.
- The pressure relief valve will be opened, and a hose is hooked up to the water heater.
- The water tank is then drained into an appropriate drain.
- Once initially drained, the tank is flushed using hot water from a nearby faucet.
- Once complete, the water heater tank drain valve and pressure relief valve will be closed.
- Once the water heater tank is refilled, the water heater can be turned back on and use can resume.
Think of it like changing the oil in your car: a flush and fill is a routine maintenance to keep your water heater working in the best shape to save you money and offer more hot water throughout the day. While you don’t need to worry about doing it every 3,000 miles, it is something to do on an annual basis.
If you live in the Orlando area, give the plumbing professionals at Michael’s Plumbing a call today at (407) 219-9772.