2 Signs Your Home's Water Heater Needs Flushing
When you have a water heater in your house, you may not give much thought to what is happening inside of the appliance, as long as it continues to provide your household with hot water. However, because of the heat and moisture to which the interior of the tank is constantly exposed, regular flushing is needed to more remove undesirable particulates that help improve your water quality and prolong the life of the heater.
If you have not had your water heater flushed recently or ever, there are a couple of signs that indicate this maintenance task is direly needed.
1. Hot Water Has a Metallic Taste to It
One sign that it is past time for your water heater to be flushed out is when the hot water starts taking on a metallic flavor. It may resemble the taste of putting a penny in your mouth and leaving it on your tongue.
All water has a certain amount of minerals in it. As it is heated up in the tank, some of these minerals are drawn out of the water and deposit themselves on the sides.
As they accumulate, they become more likely to break off and start infiltrating the water coming out of your faucets. These minerals can also start clogging up the lines, so having the tank flushed can help remove the accumulated minerals and keep the lines clear.
2. Water Coming out of the Hot Tap Has a Sour Odor
Another sign that you need to have the tank flushed is when you start detecting a sour odor while the hot water is running. If you detect the smell while both hot and cold water is running, this problem is probably caused by a busted sewer line and needs to be addressed.
However, if only the hot water smells sour, there are most likely bacteria growing inside of the tank. Thanks to the constant heat and moisture, certain strains will thrive and contaminate your water. As soon as your water starts souring, you should have a professional determine its cause.
When your water heater has sediment buildup and/or bacteria growth, having it flushed out can help remove the mineral deposits, as well as sanitize the interior of the appliance. If you feel that it is time for it to be flushed, contact a plumber near you who offers water heater services to schedule a time for them to come to your home and complete the job.