{"id":1534,"date":"2022-02-14T11:00:04","date_gmt":"2022-02-14T16:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atlanticrefrigeration.com\/blog\/?p=1534"},"modified":"2022-02-07T20:09:54","modified_gmt":"2022-02-08T01:09:54","slug":"how-a-tank-flush-can-help-a-water-heater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlanticrefrigeration.com\/blog\/water-heater-service\/how-a-tank-flush-can-help-a-water-heater\/","title":{"rendered":"How a Tank Flush Can Help a Water Heater"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"water-heater-tank\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When\nit comes to the lifespan of your water heater, most systems last between eight\nand twelve years. Some brands are, of course, designed to last longer than\nothers, but even if you have a high-quality system, if you don’t maintain it,\nyou will shorten its life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water\nheaters bring outside cold water into your home and then heat it with an\nelectric element or a gas burner. Over time, the minerals that are in the water\ncreate sediment in the tank. This sediment then settles at the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s why this is a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why sediment is bad\nfor your water heater<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let’s\nlook at gas systems specifically. As sediment settles at the bottom of the\ntank, it negatively affects the energy efficiency of the system. This is\nbecause gas water heaters have heat exchangers at the bottom of the tank, and\nthe sediment stops it from functioning as it should. The result is an\ninefficient system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limescale\nproblems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another\nproblem with sediment build-up is limescale. This mineral deposit will collect\nat the bottom of the tank and harden, which reduces its energy efficiency even\nmore. Eventually, if you don’t take care of this issue and let it continue to\naccumulate and collect, you may have a clogged system that’s not only\ninefficient but also possibly dangerous as it could lead to a leak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even\nelectric systems rely on heating coils at the bottom of the tank for their\npower source, so as sediment collects in there they can cause damage, as well\nas lower energy efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increase the life\nexpectancy of your water heater<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A\ntank flush can help extend the life expectancy of your water heater by removing\nthe sediment that’s collected in the bottom of the unit. Experts estimate that\nby not routinely maintaining your water heater by removing sediment, you are\nremoving two or more years from the system\u2019s lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over\nand above that, the sediment can cause components of the system to fail, which\nmeans you are in for expensive repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What signs to look\nout for if it\u2019s time for a tank flush<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When\nit comes to knowing whether or not you need a tank flush, keep an eye out for\nthe following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n