Will Vinegar Damage a Hot Water Heater in Woodstock?

If you have hard water, it’s only a matter of time before you start hearing cracking and popping noises coming from your hot water heater. When your hot water heater has too much mineral buildup due to hard water, it can’t work as it should. You may use vinegar for cleaning surfaces in your home, but will vinegar damage a hot water heater?

If you don’t have the time or energy to clean your hot water heater yourself, invest in Woodstock's reliable water heater services from Quick-Pro Plumbing. The team has the training to flush excess minerals from your hot water heater and extend its lifespan.

Vinegar as a Cleaning Solution

White vinegar is a safe option for household cleaning. It doesn’t produce toxic fumes that could harm children and pets, and the strong smell will dissipate quickly, leaving your home smelling clean without artificial fragrances. 

Vinegar is totally safe to use in your hot water heater as long as you don’t leave the vinegar solution sitting inside the tank for an extended period of time.

Signs You Need to Flush Your Hot Water Heater

The best way to ensure your hot water heater lasts as long as possible is by scheduling regular maintenance. However, you may need to flush your hot water heater between service calls. Here are some signs that it’s time to flush your unit:

• Your water smells bad. Bacteria can form in a tank that hasn’t been flushed recently, resulting in a bad-smelling water supply.
• Your water heater doesn’t consistently produce hot water. When the temperature is inconsistent or the hot water supply runs out quickly, that’s an indicator that the thermostat is unable to work properly.
• Your water heater makes weird noises. If you hear clanging, hissing, or other new noises, your hot water heater probably has a buildup of mineral deposits that keep it from working as it should.
• Your monthly energy bill is higher than normal. A hot water heater that struggles due to mineral buildup can’t work efficiently and could cause your monthly energy bill to spike.

Cleaning Your Hot Water Heater

If you enjoy attempting your own home maintenance projects, you can clean your hot water heater in a weekend. It takes a little effort, but it is worth it to ensure you have the best quality of water possible. First, gather all the necessary equipment:

• Hose
• Towels
• Funnel
• Bucket
• Large jug of vinegar

Start by turning off the power at your circuit breaker. If you have a gas-powered water heater, turn off the gas before you proceed. Then, turn off the water supply to your hot water heater.

Next, drain the tank by opening the drain valve toward the bottom, collecting the water in the bucket, or allowing it to flow outside through the hose.

Close the valve and pour vinegar into the tank from the top. Allow the tank to refill with cold water and leave the vinegar solution in the tank overnight to give it time to break down the sediment.

Finally, flush the vinegar out of the tank and let it refill with clean water. You should notice fewer noises coming from your hot water heater and a more consistent water temperature. If you find yourself still wondering, “Will vinegar damage a hot water heater?” don’t worry; as long as you thoroughly flush the vinegar from your hot water tank, it won’t sustain any damage.

When you finish flushing your hot water tank, don’t forget to turn the gas back on and turn on the power. Depending on the type of hot water heater you have, it could take a while to have hot water again, so plan ahead before you start the flushing process.

Professional Hot Water Heater Maintenance in Woodstock

A corroded hot water heater can impede your water flow and cause high energy bills. When you regularly flush your hot water heater, you eliminate mineral buildup that causes all sorts of problems. If you want to clean your tank but wonder, “Will vinegar damage a hot water heater?” you can rest easy knowing that vinegar is a great way to clean buildup from the inside of your tank. Professional maintenance is the best way to guarantee a long hot water heater lifespan and reduce the cost of premature replacement due to hard water damage. Fill out our online form to schedule an appointment for a free estimate for hot water maintenance in Woodstock, GA, and the nearby areas.