How Often to Flush a Water Heater

How Often Should You Flush & Drain Your Hot Water Heater?

How your hot water heater functions can greatly impact your comfort at home. If it takes a long time to heat the water for your shower, dishes, or handwashing, it might be time to flush and drain the tank. Read on to learn how often to flush a hot water heater.

Newer hot water heaters that are in good condition can usually be flushed once a year as they require less maintenance. Additionally, if your home has a water filtration system, you can likely maintain a once-a-year schedule.

However, older water heaters generally need more frequent attention and should be drained and flushed around twice a year, or every six months. Similarly, if you have hard water, stick to a twice-a-year flushing schedule.

Let’s look at how often to flush your water heater based on its type.

Storage Water Heater

Most of the hot water heaters we discuss in this article will be water heaters with a tank. Traditional storage water heaters can be flushed once a year, unless they are older, in which case you should flush and drain them more often.

Electric Water Heater

If your pipes and water heater are newer, flush the tank once a year. However, if the heater or pipes are older — or if you have hard water — flush the heater every six months.

Gas Water Heater

Like electric models, gas water heaters can be flushed once a year if they are newer. For older models, follow the same timeline as electric heaters and flush them twice a year. Flush more often if the heater is prone to slower heating or if you notice an odor coming from the water.

Tankless Water Heater

If you have a tankless hot water heater, you’re in luck! Tankless water heaters require minimal maintenance. Since there is no tank to store water, they don’t need to be flushed.

Heat Pump Water Heater

Newer heat pump hot water heaters follow the same maintenance schedule as other models. Flush and drain them once a year if they’re new. If you notice water heating problems before it is time to flush again, try a six-month flushing and draining schedule.

Do I Really Need to Flush My Water Heater?

The short answer is yes. For optimal performance, you should regularly flush your water heater. Over time, sediment collects at the bottom of the tank, which can clog water lines, reduce energy efficiency, and increase the time it takes to heat water. Regular flushing helps prevent these issues, extends the lifespan of your water heater, and improves water heating times.

How to Flush a Water Heater

Flushing a water heater is straightforward if you understand its components, which is why it’s best left to professionals.

Steps to Flush a Water Heater

1. Turn off the water heater. Allow the water to cool before starting. Depending on the type, this could mean flipping a switch on your circuit breaker (for electric models) or turning off the gas at the source.
2. Drain the water heater. The contractor will drain the tank into a nearby drain or bucket. This process typically takes 20–25 minutes.
3. Flush the tank. The contractor will open the drain spigot and let water flow through until it runs clear, removing sediment buildup.
4. Complete maintenance and restart. After flushing, the contractor will close the spigot, perform any other necessary maintenance, and turn the water heater back on.

How Much Does it Cost to Flush a Water Heater?

Expect to pay between $75 and $200 for a professional to flush your water heater.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Follow these tips to keep your water heater in top condition:

• Use the vacation mode feature if you’ll be away from home for an extended period.
• If your water starts to smell, turn the heat up to 140°F to kill odor-causing bacteria before flushing.
• Regularly check the anode rod.
• Inspect for leaks. If you notice a leak, check the drain valve and tighten it with a wrench if necessary. If the leak persists, inspect the rest of the heater to find the source.
• Test the temperature release valve annually.
• While tankless water heaters require minimal maintenance, have them serviced once a year.
• For gas and electric models, regular draining and flushing help prevent rust and corrosion.

Flushing and draining a hot water heater is an essential maintenance step to keep your home’s water clean, improve efficiency, and ensure your family’s comfort. Let Modernize help you find a local water heater pro.