Florida Water Heaters Last Longer With Twice-Yearly Flushing

Florida Plumbing & Inspection, a locally owned plumbing company based in Palm Coast, Florida, has issued a warning to homeowners about the premature failure of water heaters due to a common oversight: skipping the regular flushing of the tanks. Master plumber Christian Laymon, founder of the company, emphasizes the importance of this maintenance task to extend the lifespan of water heaters.

According to Laymon, daily use of hot water in homes does not provide the same benefit as flushing the water heater.

The issue stems from the region's hard, mineral-heavy water. When heated, minerals settle at the bottom of the tank as sediment. Over time, this buildup hardens into scale, forcing the heating element to work harder and putting extra stress on the tank itself.

Laymon advises that a water heater in Palm Coast that is never serviced typically fails between 8 and 10 years. However, with regular flushing and the replacement of the anode rod around year five, a tank can last up to 12 to 15 years.

Homeowners can watch for warning signs that a tank has gone too long without a flush, including hot water running out sooner than usual, popping or rumbling while the unit heats, and a rust tint in the water first thing in the morning. Laymon recommends that two or more of these signs on a tank older than eight years is a signal to plan for a replacement rather than wait for a leak.

Florida Plumbing & Inspection recommends flushing water heaters twice a year, tying the two flushes to the start and end of hurricane season, specifically on June 1 and November 30. This schedule is easy to remember and ensures that homeowners maintain their water heaters effectively. The company holds a Florida plumbing contractor license (RF11067918) and is BBB Accredited.

By following these guidelines, homeowners can significantly extend the life of their water heaters and avoid the costly and inconvenient task of replacing them prematurely. Florida Plumbing & Inspection provides water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, pipe repair, whole-house repipes, water filtration, inspections, and remodel plumbing services to ensure that homeowners' needs are met comprehensively.