Do you clean your water heater at home? Do you want to know how to clean a water heater? Then buckle up as we talk about how to clean and maintain a water heater.
First of all, a water heater is a device used to heat water domestically using electricity, gas, etc. The system needs regular maintenance to work efficiently, and this is possible by removing accumulated minerals in the tank.
Let’s dive in!
Reasons for Cleaning a Water Heater
Many homeowners enjoy using a water heater but are unaware that the tank needs some care. When installing a heater, you should request the maintenance template/training from your supplier; this is because;
It Will Be More Efficient
The sediments in water accumulate inside the tank, hindering the proper transfer of heat during heating. Flushing out the sediment build-up in your water heater as required leads to improved functionality; hence heating water will be faster.
Lowers Electric Bills
Have your electric bills gone through the roof? The reason is simple: your heater needs some tender loving care.
Regular flushing of your tank saves cost by minimizing energy consumption since you will be heating water at a higher rate. Moreover, removing the chemical accumulation in the heater lowers the cost by eliminating repairs.
To Alleviate Noise
A poorly maintained water heater produces noise that might be irking, especially near the living areas.
Descaling the tank eliminates those irritating sounds you have been complaining about, creating a more peaceful surrounding at your home.
For Longevity
Research suggests that water heaters can averagely last up to ten years and even more, depending on the brand you are using. But, of course, this is only possible for a well-cared-for heater.
Just like any other appliances at home, your heater also needs to be a priority to avoid replacement costs after only a few years of functioning.
To Meet Your Warrant Obligation
Most companies, when issuing warranties to customers, they give conditions for replacements or payback. However, proper maintenance is usually the primary condition for qualifying for their services.
You should ensure your water heater is correctly flushed regularly to prevent it from any damages due to sediments.
But…
Although cleaning your water heater has several benefits to you and your pocket, sometimes it may wreak havoc. These tanks collect mineral and chemical sediments over the years, usually at the bottom of the heater.
These build-ups create hot points in the heater causing the steel to break down, leading to a leak. The sediment usually protects the leak; hence the heater functions without any spills.
However, when you decide to clean the machine after many years of ignorance, the flushing will drain the sediment blocking the leak leading to leakages.
How to Clean Water Heater
Follow these steps to clean a water heater correctly.
- Switch Off the Power
Depending on the type of heater, either gas, electric, tank, or tankless, turning off the power is crucial to avoid harming you. For example, for the gas heater, simply bring the valve to the off position, and let that cut off the gas supply.
If you have an electric water heater, find your home’s breaker box, switch of the breaker, let the water in the hot water tank cool, and finally, turn off the water supply.
- Start With the Exterior
You can use a portable vacuum cleaner to eliminate the thick layers of dirt on your water heater plus its environment. Then, continue your heater maintenance by removing more dust with a dry cloth.
After that, use a wet cloth to wipe off any remaining dirt while inspecting the heater for any leaks or damages.
- Hot Water Faucet Opening
Water heater maintenance requires you to open the faucet to let out water in the pipes and heater. Opening the faucet makes it easier to drain water since it prevents a vacuum that traps moisture, making it hard to clean the water heater.
- Drain the Water Heater Tank
Connect a garden hose or something similar to the drainage valve, drain opening or draining spigot; it is usually located at the bottom of the tank. Have care not to force the garden hose into the drain valve as those made of plastic are not very durable. Fit the garden hose securely to prevent leakage.
You need to make sure that your garden hose leads to a bucket or a drainage sink since you will be flushing out a lot of water. If your electric water heater is not so accessible, you might need to secure a portable pump instead of just a garden hose.
When you start draining the tank, you can open a hot water faucet to let in air to push the water out. This speeds up the process.
Additionally, you can simply turn on the cold water valve and this helps you know when the tank’s contents has been thoroughly flushed out. This is because you will start to notice cleaner water exiting the tank.
Drain until the water runs clear and continue flushing until no more sediments remain at the bottom of the tank. Predictably, larger hot water heater units will take longer to drain completely.
- Refilling the Tank
Refilling is a vital step for the proper cleaning of your tank. Refill the tank with cold water as much as possible to expel stubborn sediments you may have missed during the first drain.
Hard water contains minerals and chemicals which contribute to the accumulation inside the tank. Draining and refilling the tank facilitates a clean and fresh tank.
- Brush the Inside
For better results, brush the interior of your water heater with a special narrow brush that can reach all the crevices. A brush like those that are used to clean refrigerator coils is ideal. Remove the drain valve to allow the brush to fit inside the tank.
The process may take a while, depending on the frequency of how you clean your water heater. Be patient and gently brush out the contents and dislodge them completely.
- Do a Final Flush
When you are done with the brushing and feel satisfied, flush the water heater one more time to expel the contents. Then, open the inlet valve to let in cold water, and make sure you place a bucket since the dirty water coming out is plenty.
Let the water run until it starts becoming clear, meaning that all the sediments have been flushed out. You can then set the system back to its working condition.
Also, learn how to flush a water heater beforehand.
How Often Should You Clean Your Water Heater?
By now, it is clear why we need to flush our water heater regularly, but how often should we do it? Here are some maintenance tips to take note of.
The first thing to consider is the manufacturer’s guidelines because every model comes with special instructions that must be followed for proper water heater maintenance.
In general, experts advise cleaning your water heater at least once per year. However, several factors may determine how often to clean water heaters.
For instance, some areas have water sources with a higher mineral concentration, leading to more mineral build-ups. In such a case, you should flush your heater every six months to improve its efficacy.
Also, a tip, if you are not sure, is to subtract two months off the required timeline to be on the safer side.
Moreover, some signs show reduced functionality with any flawed system, and you may use this as a hint for maintenance. These symptoms are;
- A foul smell: apart from sediment clogging your water heater, bacteria can also grow and cause an unpleasant odor. The smell should not be ignored as bacteria causes infections; hence, you should immediately clean and sanitize the tank.
- A weird rust colour: when you get rust-coloured water, whenever you open the tap, you need to contact your plumber. Rusty water shows that the anode rod is defective and needs replacement.
- When there is no hot water: there are two possibilities when you cannot get hot water from your unit, either the sediments are too large, or the burner is faulty. The residue case is one of two reasons; the build-up prevents heat transfer in the water or hinders the element from being lit.
- Strange noises: water usually contains minerals like calcium which calcifies to form a hard stone. The stone slams against the heater walls creating annoying sounds.
If your water heater displays any of the above symptoms, it indicates that it needs some cleaning and maintenance.
The Best Water Heater Products
Having access to hot water whenever needed is a plus for any household, but any appliance will eventually need replacements even with proper maintenance.
Water heater knowledge is not common to most people; hence many tend to make mistakes when purchasing one.
Moving into a new house or doing renovations at your home will require new systems in place too. I’m sure you have that figured out for other appliances already, but what about your heating unit?
If you are looking for a sound water heater system, here is a water heater buying guide to help you navigate through the market for the best-fitting unit.
1. Midea Non-Pump Water Heater MWH-38Q
The Midea non-pump water heater is a suitable heater model for your home. It comes with several desirable features for any household looking to install or upgrade their water heater unit. You can get this heater from Lazada.
Pros:
- Contains whirl flow technology which facilitates faster heating while the dry heating switches off the heater when the water levels are lower than 1.2 liters.
- IP25 splash-proof casing: this casing ensures protection from both solids and liquids.
- An in-built autoflow sensor: this allows the heater to start functioning with a minimum of 1.2 liters/minute.
- Precise thermal cut-out and double relay system regulates the water temperature when above 55°c and prevents power surges.
- AG+ antibacterial material: it is incorporated into the showerhead to inhibit any bacterial invasion.
- Affordable: the heater offers value for your money with all its features.
Cons:
- It has no in-built pump.
2. JOVEN 35L Horizontal Multipoint Hot Water System
The JOVEN 35L horizontal multipoint hot water system applies to a household that utilizes bathtubs, sinks, and jacuzzis. It has a couple of features.
Pros:
- Anti-rust material: the material used to manufacture JOVEN is resistant to rust, increasing its durability.
- Polyurethane insulation: it has a high-density insulation foam free from CFC, allowing the hot water to last longer.
- Dry-burn protection: the technology is advanced to protect the heating element when dry-burns occur through tripping of the thermostat.
- Pressure relief valve: to relieve any built-up pressure in the tank.
Cons:
- Valuable unit, but it is only available in Malaysia.
3. Alpha Water Heater Smart 18i with DC Pump
The Alpha electric water heater is a Sirim-approved heating system apt for a calm and quiet home due to its minimal noise of fewer than 40 decibels. Additional features include:
Pros:
- Auto-test: the electric water heater is built with smart technology that permits it to inspect any issue on its electrical components.
- Line fault indicator: assesses the wiring at your home to check for any faults and colour codes from green to red in case of a problem.
- DC pump: consumes minimal energy while providing maximum delivery of water. This feature also needs no maintenance.
- Double delay ELCB: ensures safety when power surges by cutting off both the neutral and live electric flows.
- Splash proof: the casing is made to secure the internal components from any water splashes.
- Internal insulation: it is insulated with nylon fibre to offer more protection from electric accidents.
Cons:
- Quite pricey.
All of these products come with a one-year general warranty plus additional warranties according to the components. These products are all available on Lazada at reasonable prices.
Conclusion
As I wrap up, remember to always check on the signs of a defective water heater for proper cleaning and maintenance using the seven simple steps highlighted.
Also, before any action on your water heater, safety is paramount; measures should be put up to protect you and your kin from any electrical hazards.
Among the 3 options, the Alpha Water Heater Smart 18i with DC Pump seems to be ahead of the others in terms of popularity because of its convenience and multiple safety measures.
You can try it out and see for yourself. Also, check us out for the best reviews on other essential products.
