For many people, their hot water heater isn’t even a blip on the radar until there are problems. However, according to HomeLife Warranty Protection representatives, an hour once a year can prevent a host of problems including the dreaded cold shower. Today, we speak with HomeLife Warranty Protection about why flushing the hot water heater is important and get a few DIY tips.

Q: Thank you for taking time out to speak with us today. We would like to discuss hot water heater maintenance.

HomeLife Warranty Protection: That is, unfortunately, a task that is all too often forgotten.

Q: Why is that?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: The hot water heater is a silent workhorse that labors in the shadows providing hot water for the entire house. As they say, out of sight, out of mind.

Q: Until the shower is suddenly ice cold…

HomeLife Warranty Protection: That’s usually when people realize there’s a problem. But, many hot water heater issues can be prevented with a simple maintenance procedure once or twice a year, depending on where you live.

Q: Really?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, and it’s a simple as screwing in a water hose and opening a valve. Flushing your hot water heater helps eliminate calcium and sediment deposits in the tank.

Q: What kind of problems can arise from these minerals?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Hard water – that which contains enough calcium to leave sediment – can significantly reduce a hot water heater’s efficiency and even cause it to break down prematurely.

Q: How does it do that?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Deposits collect at the bottom of the tank and insulate the heating element, meaning the water doesn’t get as warm as it should and it has to work harder to maintain its temperature.

Q: Oh, that doesn’t sound good. But is it really is easy as connecting a garden hose?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, it is. Hot water heaters have a small threaded spout toward the bottom. Typically, it is the same size as a common water hose. You simply turn the main water supply off, attach the hose, and turn the knob. The water will drain over the course of an hour or so.

Q: And that’s it?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: It’s a good idea to turn the water back on to allow fresh water to flush away any remaining deposits while you still have the drain valve open.

Q: How do you refill the tank?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Once you’ve turned the water back on and closed the valve, the tank will refill.

Q: Can you drain the hot water heater if the water is hot?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: A functional hot water heater should be turned off overnight to prevent injuries.

Q: And this is recommended even for new units?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, it is especially important for new units so that the homeowner can get the longest time possible out of their investment. Hot water heaters are not cheap!

Q: That sounds easy enough, but what if I’m not comfortable doing it myself?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Any reputable plumber should offer hot water heater draining service.

Q: If the hot water heater isn’t flushed regularly, does that affect its warranty?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Since this is a standard maintenance requirement, not flushing it may very well void its warranty – both from the manufacturer and through HomeLife Warranty Protection.

Q: That makes sense. It’s kind of like changing the oil in a car.

HomeLife Warranty Protection: That’s exactly right.

Q: Again, we appreciate your time today, you’ve given our readers some things to think about and a new chore for the weekend.

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Any time.