Once I purchased my first home, I realized that I needed to do my part in caring for my home appliances. In addition to reading the user manuals for my kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art plumbing system, I realized that I also needed to do a little research about HVAC. Because I had no experience with HVAC systems, I called out a professional to teach me a thing or two. It was fascinating to talk with him, and I was able to take notes about all kinds of important topics, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and even shopping for a new system. This blog is all about understanding HVAC guidelines.
Understanding HVAC Guidelines
Signs Your Hot Water Heater Might Have Sediment Buildup And The Repairs It Might Need
Marilou Girard
Sediment can be a problem for your hot water heater, especially if your area has hard water. Sediment is composed of minerals and other debris that don't dissolve in water. Instead, they slowly fall down to the bottom of the tank and collect over time. Here's how to tell if your hot water tank has a problem with sediment, how to fix it, and ways to prevent the problem in the future.
Signs Of Sediment Buildup In Your Water Heater
Sediment affects a water heater in a couple of ways. For one, it forms a scaly film over the inside of the tank that restricts water flow. This could result in lower water pressure coming from your hot water lines. The scale and sediment can also cover the heating element, and this causes your hot water heater to be erratic. The water might be too hot one time and not hot enough another time. In severe situations, the buildup on the bottom of the tank can become quite deep and displace some of the water, which might make you run out of hot water quicker. Also, all that sediment floating around the bottom of the tank can cause weird noises such as popping sounds. All of these signs indicate you should call a plumber to have your heater checked and repaired.
Repairs For Sediment Buildup In A Water Heater
Sometimes, water heater repairs for a sediment problem are easy to deal with, especially if the buildup isn't too bad. The plumber may simply need to flush out the tank to get rid of the sediment. If there is a lot of buildup inside the tank, then flushing it could cause clogging in the drain and other parts as the sediment tries to flow out. This can make cleaning out the tank more difficult because the clogging has to be dealt with and eliminated or the tank will have leaks when water is restored to the tank. Another thing the plumber has to note is if the sediment is from mineral deposits or if it is rust. If your tank is rusting on the inside, then the tank needs to be replaced since repairs aren't possible in that situation.
Steps For Preventing Further Problems With Sediment
Once the plumber has cleaned out the tank and has it working properly again, ask for advice on how to keep the problem at bay. You may need to flush out the tank once a year to prevent buildup again. If you flush your tank regularly, it should be an easy job since there won't be enough sediment to cause clogging. You can drain the tank by hooking up a garden hose and emptying the water in your yard. Be sure to follow the instructions in your manual. If you don't feel comfortable draining the tank yourself, then call a plumber to perform preventative maintenance for you that includes flushing out the tank on a regular basis so sediment doesn't build up and cause problems again.
For more information, reach out to water heater repair services.
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