If you live in the 951 area, you know our water can be “hard”—meaning it’s full of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals settle at the bottom of your water heater tank, creating a layer of sediment. This sediment acts as a barrier between the burner and the water, making your heater work harder, run longer, and eventually fail prematurely.
At Davis Plumbing, we recommend a “flush” once a year to keep your system efficient. Here is why it matters and how to do it.
The Benefits of Flushing
- Quieter Operation: That “popping” or “rumbling” sound you hear from your garage is usually steam bubbles escaping from beneath the sediment layer. Flushing eliminates the noise.
- Better Efficiency: Removing the sediment allows the heating element to work directly on the water, lowering your energy bills.
- Longer Lifespan: Most water heater failures are caused by sediment-induced corrosion. A clean tank can last years longer than a neglected one.
The DIY Quick-Guide
- Turn off the Power/Gas: Never work on a hot unit. Turn the gas valve to “Pilot” or flip the breaker for electric units.
- Connect a Hose: Attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run it to a floor drain or outside.
- Open the Valve: Let the water flow until it runs clear. If the water looks chunky or “milky,” that’s the sediment leaving the tank!
- Refill and Restart: Close the drain valve, let the tank refill completely (open a hot water tap in the house to bleed out the air), and then turn the power back on.
Not Comfortable Doing it Yourself?
If your drain valve is stuck, or if you see rusty water during the flush, it’s time for a professional septic tank inspection or water heater check-up. Davis Plumbing provides affordable maintenance for all makes and models in Riverside County.
Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 to schedule a professional water heater flush and safety check.