How Often Should I Drain My Water Heater?

You know why water heater storage tanks are made to be drained? Because they need to be periodically to remove any build-up of mineral deposits that could erode the inside of the tank and thus shorten its lifespan.

So that begs the question: just how often should your drain your water heater storage tank, or hire someone to do it for you?  That primarily depends on a couple of factors: the age of your water heater and the degree of hardness in your household water supply. Water is considered hard if it has more than certain levels of magnesium and calcium in particular, the two minerals that cause the most damage not just to the inside of your storage tank but all over your house.

Our recommendation? If your water heater is at least five years old, the tank should be drained once a year. That’s your best assurance of fewer repair problems and a longer system lifespan.

Of course, if you do have hard water conditions, you’ll want to do more than simply have your storage tank drained from time to time. You might, for example, consider installing a whole-house water softener to keep those calcium and magnesium deposits to a minimum, acceptable level. Then you’ll enjoy several added advantages, including these:

• Whiter whites after washing clothes
• No milky haze on dishes and glasses after running your dishwasher
• Improved sudsing action, even in the shower
• Softer, more manageable hair
• Moister skin
• Less internal pipe corrosion, which means fewer plumbing repairs

For more information on water heater maintenance or how to improve the quality of your water, contact Your 1 Plumber today. We’re the only household plumber you’ll ever need.