Water Heater Flushing Basics Every Homeowner Should Understand

Your new water heater is installed and in good working condition. That’s one more thing you don’t have to worry about for another ten years at least. You can check that off your list and move on to other pressing matters. 

But wait. Before you decide it’s okay to forget about your water heater for a decade, consider: its lifespan depends on proper maintenance. There is something you must do routinely to avoid problems showing up earlier than you expected them to.

Flushing your water heater is essential for its continued operation. All Pro Plumbing explains all you need to know about this important task, including signs that it’s time to flush, the benefits of flushing regularly, and how to get it done.

Table of Contents

• Why Flushing a Water Heater Is Necessary
• How Often Should a Water Heater Be Flushed?
• How Do I Know if My Water Heater Needs To Be Flushed?
• Benefits of Flushing on a Regular Schedule
• Professional Flushing vs. DIY Flushing
• How Much Does It Cost To Have a Water Heater Flushed?
• How Flushing Fits Into Long-Term Water Heater Maintenance
• Schedule Professional Water Heater Maintenance With All Pro Plumbing 

Why Flushing a Water Heater Is Necessary

Minerals from the ground (especially calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium) dissolve into water that eventually flows through your home water system. These minerals are present in varying amounts. Hard water is so called because it contains high amounts of these minerals, which precipitate out of an oversaturated solution (i.e., the water in your water heater).

The crystallization of minerals causes a solid layer to form on the surfaces inside your water heater’s tank, coating the heating element, dip tube, and anode rod, but collecting primarily at the bottom as sediment. The heating element has to work harder to maintain the water temperature, and this accelerates wear on your water heater.

What Sediment Does to Your Water Heater

As sediment builds up at the bottom of the unit, your water heater becomes less efficient at its round-the-clock job. This may result in a number of problems that make your daily routine more difficult and threaten the life of your water heater:

• Clogging of the pipes or the drain valve
• Buildup of pressure within the tank, leading to corrosion, cracks, and leaks
• Uneven heating and less hot water availability
• Rumbling or tapping sounds caused by trapped water boiling under the sediment layer

What Happens If You Don’t Flush the Water Heater

Ultimately, these issues may cause your water heater to fail prematurely. They could also lead to immense costs in water damage from a leaking or ruptured tank. A less urgent but obvious indication that your water heater needs to be flushed is a steadily increasing electric bill.

How Often Should a Water Heater Be Flushed?

Basically, a water heater should be flushed as often as it takes to prevent the buildup of too much sediment. This is usually about once a year, but several factors can contribute to faster mineral deposition.

How Often Should a Gas Hot Water Heater Be Flushed?

Sediment buildup occurs at a faster rate in gas water heaters than in those powered by electricity. This is because the intense heat of the heating element near the bottom of the tank causes minerals to precipitate faster. 

Because of its relatively rapid accumulation of sediment, a gas water heater should be flushed no less than once per year. But if you live in a hard water area, your water will reach its mineral saturation point, and sediment will accumulate even more quickly. In that case, you’ll want to flush more frequently.

How Often Should a Tankless Water Heater Be Flushed?

Tankless water heaters are smaller and box-shaped and heat water on demand rather than constantly. Despite this, they still require flushing once per year, as mineral deposits can collect in the narrow passages of the heat exchanger and lead to clogging.

How Do I Know if My Water Heater Needs To Be Flushed?

Be on the lookout for the following signs that your water heater could is due for an internal cleansing:

• Popping or rumbling sounds, which occur when water boils under the sediment layer
• Clouded or rusty water
• Lukewarm water coming out of the hot tap
• Higher electric bill

Benefits of Flushing on a Regular Schedule

Improved Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills

Once the sediment sludge at the bottom of the tank is removed, heat transfer from the heating element or burner speeds up and thoroughly heats all the water in the tank. The heating element or burner doesn’t have to work as hard to bring the water up to the set temperature, so you’ll save on your energy bills.

Extended Equipment Lifespan

A water heater that has to work harder to do its job will wear out faster than one in optimal working condition. By flushing periodically, you can: 

1. Save your water heater from the stress of heating insulated water.
2. Protect it from corrosion and cracking resulting from excessive pressure.

Your water heater will stay fully functional for longer and you’ll be able to delay replacement, deal with fewer breakdowns, and ultimately get a better return on your investment.

Professional Flushing vs. DIY Flushing

Unless you’re just rolling in cash, you probably ask yourself every now and again, “Do I really need to call someone for this, or can I just do it myself?” This is one of those times. Depending on the condition of your water heater, one approach might be better than the other.

When a DIY Flush May Be Enough

It is only recommended that you flush your own water heater if:

• You are confident about dealing with gas and electrical appliances.
• There is no heavy buildup of sediment.
• There’s no sign that the pressure relief valve is damaged.

You should also be comfortable performing the following procedure:

1. Shut off the power or gas and the cold water supply at the water-inlet valve.
2. Connect a hose to the drain valve and run the other end to a place it can drain safely.
3. Open the drain valve and let the hot water drain. Wear gloves and exercise caution, as the water will be very hot.
4. Turn the cold water on and let it stir up and force out the sediment. Leave it on until the water runs clear.
5. Close the drain valve and disconnect the hose before refilling the tank with cold water.
6. Turn the power or gas back on and wait for the water to heat up. Inspect the area for any leaks, which indicate a plumbing emergency requiring professional help.

While the procedure is fairly straightforward, a mistake could be costly, especially when insurance companies often decline coverage for errors resulting from DIY attempts. If you want to avoid culpability for damage to your water heater system, it’s best to call a professional.

When To Call a Professional Plumber

For a safer, more thorough servicing of your water heater, schedule the services of a professional plumber like All Pro Plumbing. We’ll not only thoroughly flush the tank, but also inspect all the components (such as the pressure relief valve or the anode rod) and replace any if necessary. We can detect signs of corrosion, leaking, or damage and address them to ensure your water heater is performing optimally.

Some situations are just too complex for regular homeowners to handle themselves. These include:

• Older systems that have never been maintained may be especially prone to leaks or other damage during servicing.
• Tankless systems are more difficult to flush and clean properly. A professional can be sure to comply with warranty requirements.
• Heavy sediment buildup will probably not wash out with the regular flushing procedure.
• Corroded or leaking systems require repair or replacement.

How Much Does It Cost To Have a Water Heater Flushed?

The average national cost of having a water heater flushed is around $160. While you might be tempted to dispense with this service if your finances are a bit tight, remember that flushing once per year can help you avoid having to replace the entire system due to premature failure.

Factors That Affect Flushing Cost

Flushing costs will depend on:

• The size and type of your tank: The larger your tank, the more you’ll pay to flush and refill it. For example, a 30-gal tank may cost $90–$120, but a 60-gal tank may cost $180-$250+. Tankless water heaters typically cost more to flush and must be flushed more frequently.
• How old the system is: Older systems are more prone to damages and require extra care to flush safely.
• Degree of sediment buildup: Heavy sediment buildup will cost more to remove.
• Accessibility of the water heater: If your water heater is in a hard-to-reach area, labor will be more expensive.
• The water hardness in your region: If you live in an area with very hard water, you’ll need more frequent flushing.

For an upfront estimate of the cost to flush your tank, contact All Pro Plumbing to schedule a visit from one of our professional plumbers.

How Flushing Fits Into Long-Term Water Heater Maintenance

Flushing is one of the most important ways you can ensure the longevity of your water heater. By preventing the buildup of sediment, you set your water heater up for efficient heating and safeguard it against corrosion and other internal stressors. It’s also the perfect time to inspect all its components to ensure their proper function. 

Other Maintenance Tasks To Combine With Flushing

When you have a professional like All Pro Plumbing flush your water heater, the plumber can also perform the following tasks:

• Inspect your anode rod for scaling or exposed wire.
• Check your pressure relief valve for issues such as mineral buildup, leaks, or inadequate aperture.
• Adjust the temperature settings as needed (usually to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Ascertain that there are no leaks, which are often caused by damaged valves or cracks due to corrosion.

Call All Pro Plumbing today to schedule your water heater flush.

Schedule Professional Water Heater Maintenance With All Pro Plumbing

Having served the Portland area for over 20 years, All Pro Plumbing is equipped to handle any plumbing problem or maintenance request you may have. Besides water heater maintenance, we also offer:

• Installation of bathroom and kitchen fixtures and toilets
• Repair of pipe leaks, drain pipes, garbage disposals, or water lines
• Plumbing for new additions or remodels 
• Drain cleaning
• Emergency plumbing services

Call us today to allow us to meet your plumbing needs.