Quick Answer: How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
In most cases, a water heater should be flushed once per year. However, if your home has hard water, a large household or an older heater, consider doing so every six months.
Flushing a water heater helps to remove sediment, improve overall efficiency, and can extend the life of the product.
Quick Takeaways:
- Once per year is the standard recommendation
- Every 6 months is for hard water or heavy use
- Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for your model
- Flush sooner if you hear rumbling or popping noises
- Tankless units will often need descaling every 6–12 months
Why Flushing Your Water Heater Is Necessary
Flushing a water heater gets rid of sediment that can build up over time. If left inside of the tank, it can reduce the efficiency and carrying capacity of the unit itself.
The tank may also be at a higher risk of corrosion that can result in leaks or at a higher risk of exploding. This is because sediment may make it difficult or impossible for heat and pressure to exit in a timely manner.
Factors That Determine Flush Frequency
The type of water your home is exposed to, frequency of use and your specific water heater will determine how often it should be flushed.
Water Hardness in Your Area
If you experience hard water in your Florida home, aim to have the water heater flushed every six months. This prevents calcium or similar materials from quickly accumulating in the tank.
Household Size and Usage
Generally speaking, more people in your home means a higher demand for hot water. Ultimately, this puts a greater strain on the water heater itself, which means a greater need for regular maintenance.
Age and Type of Water Heater
Ideally, you’ll service an older heater more often than a newer one simply because it’s more vulnerable to damage as it ages.
Furthermore, gas water heaters may be more vulnerable to sediment buildup than electric ones, so it may be best to consider two flushes per year instead of one.
Manufacturer Recommendations
The owner’s manual that comes with your water heater should tell you how often to flush your particular product. You should follow the recommended schedule even if it means doing so more than once a year.
Signs It’s Time to Flush Your Water Heater
You should consider flushing your water heater if you hear hissing or popping noises when it is activated. Discolored water, a stuck temperature and pressure (T&P) valve or inconsistent water pressure may also be signs of excess sediment buildup.
Step-by-Step: How to Flush Your Water Heater Safely
Flushing a water heater is a relatively straightforward task if you know what to expect. Let’s take a look at how you can complete it in a timely and safe manner.
1. Turn Off Power or Gas
Turning off the power reduces the risk of water interacting with electricity. Turning off the gas reduces the risk of a leak or other potentially hazardous situation while the flushing process is ongoing.
2. Close Cold Water Inlet
Closing the cold water inlet stops new water from getting into the tank. The cold water inlet should be clearly marked or can be identified by looking at your owner’s manual.
3. Connect Hose to Drain Valve
The drain hose can be positioned wherever you need it to so that water drains to a safe place. Ideally, you’ll have it run to a sink in the basement or outside.
4. Drain and Flush Tank
You can now drain the water and remove the sediment from the tank. This process should take just a few minutes to complete.
5. Refill and Restart Heater
After dirty water and sediment have been removed, you can fill it with new cold water. The final step is to turn on the heater and give it a few seconds to reset.
Benefits of Flushing Your Water Heater
The main benefits of flushing your water heater include adding months or years to its lifespan and reducing water bills because the unit is more efficient. You may also benefit from cleaner water and less noise when the water heater is in use.
Additional Maintenance Tips
If you live in a region that has hard water, you might want to add a water softener to make life easier for your water heater. You should also check the T&P valve regularly as well as inspect the tank for leaks and other signs of corrosion or damage. Finally, be sure to replace the anode rod if it becomes corroded.
FAQs About Flushing a Water Heater
Can flushing damage my water heater?
When done properly, routine flushing shouldn’t cause any damage to your water heater.
Do tankless water heaters need flushing?
Tankless water heaters must undergo a process of descaling once or twice a year, which is different than flushing.
How long does flushing take?
A water heater can be flushed in as little as 15 minutes. However, you may need more or less time depending on your expertise and exact product.
Can I flush it myself or should I hire a plumber?
Hiring a plumber may be a good idea if you don’t feel confident doing so yourself. However, this is a task that a homeowner can complete if so inclined.
Give the Punctual Plumbers a Call Today!
Flushing a water heater is a relatively easy task that can save you money in the long run.
Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, call the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin serving Niceville and surrounding communities today for your water heater needs.