Why It’s a Good Idea to Flush Your Water Heater

Most homeowners know very little about the inner-workings of their water heaters. They know where it’s stored, and the fact that when they turn on a hot faucet, hot water comes out. But, water heater maintenance can be crucial to the quality of your water, and the longevity of its life. 

That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to flushing water heaters. Here, we’ll dive deep into why water heaters should be flushed, how often, how to do it, and signs it’s time to flush yours. 

So, keep reading to protect a crucial component of your home: hot water! 

The Purpose of Flushing Water Heaters 

Sediment and minerals like calcium and magnesium are naturally present in water. These materials, overtime, settle at the bottom of the water tank. This forms a layer of debris that directly affects the efficacy of the water heater. Hence, the need to flush. 

If not flushed, this sediment can: 

• Reduce heating efficiency
• Increase energy costs
• Eventually cause damage to the unit. 

In areas with hard water, this buildup can be particularly problematic, acting as an insulator that forces the heating element to work harder and potentially leading to premature failure. Regular flushing—typically recommended annually—removes this accumulated sediment, restores optimal heat transfer, reduces unusual noises like popping or crackling, and helps prevent corrosion of the tank’s interior. 

The Benefits of Flushing Water Heaters 

This simple maintenance procedure can save homeowners hundreds of dollars in energy costs and potentially thousands in early replacement costs. If you still needed convincing, here are just a few simple benefits homeowners can take advantage of from flushing water heaters. 

• Improved energy efficiency: Removing sediment buildup allows for better heat transfer, meaning your unit doesn’t have to work as hard to heat water.
• Extended lifespan: Regular flushing can add years to your water heater’s life by preventing corrosion and reducing strain on components.
• Lower energy bills: When your water heater operates more efficiently, it uses less energy, resulting in noticeable savings on utility costs.
• Better water quality: Flushing removes minerals and debris that could otherwise end up in your household water supply.
• Reduced noise: Eliminates the popping and crackling sounds caused by steam bubbles rising through sediment layers.
• Faster hot water recovery: With clean heating elements and less sediment, your tank can heat water more quickly.
• Consistent water temperature: Removes insulating sediment layers that can cause inconsistent heating.
• Maintains warranty: Many manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep warranties valid.
• Prevention of serious problems: Regular flushing helps avoid issues like tank ruptures, pressur valve failures, heating element burnouts and internal corrosion. 

How to Flush a Water Heater 

Now that you have a better grasp of the “why” behind water heater flushing, we can dive into the “how”. Flushing a water heater requires careful attention to safety and proper technique. So, if you’re not a confident DIY’er, it’s best to call in a professional to do it for you. If you do decide to take it on yourself, here are the steps to follow.

1. Begin by turning off the power source—either switching off the circuit breaker for electric heaters or setting the gas valve to “pilot” for gas heaters—and allowing the water to cool for several hours to prevent scalding. 
2. Next, shut off the cold water supply valve and connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, ensuring the other end leads to a suitable drainage area or floor drain. 
3. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in your home to prevent vacuum formation, then open the drain valve to begin the flushing process. 
4. Let the water flow until it runs clear, which may take 5-10 minutes depending on sediment buildup. 
5. For stubborn sediment, you can turn the cold water supply on and off several times to stir up debris while continuing to drain. 
6. Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve, disconnect the hose, turn the cold water supply back on to refill the tank, and let the hot water faucet run until it stops sputtering, indicating the tank is full. 
7. Finally, restore power to the unit and wait about 20-30 minutes for the water to heat before normal use.

Water Heater Maintenance: The Signs to Watch For 

Many homeowners will schedule a routine annual plumbing inspection with their favorite trusted plumber. If you don’t already do this, at the very least, learning the signs to watch for, is crucial. ecognizing the early warning signs of sediment buildup and other issues can save you from costly repairs or premature replacement. 

A well-maintained water heater should operate quietly and efficiently, providing consistent hot water throughout your home. However, when maintenance is needed, your unit will often provide clear indicators that it’s time for a thorough flush. While some signs might seem minor initially, ignoring them can lead to significant problems, including complete system failure or tank rupture.

Here are the key indicators that your water heater needs attention:

• Unusual popping or rumbling noises during heating cycles
• Decrease in hot water temperature
• Hot water runs out faster than usual
• Rusty or discolored water from hot water taps
• Visible sediment in your hot water
• Increasing energy bills without increased usage
• Longer recovery time between hot water use
• Inconsistent water temperatures
• Water pooling around the base of the heater
• Metallic taste or unusual odor in hot water
• Visible corrosion on pipe fittings
• Cold water coming from hot water taps
• Higher frequency of pilot light outages (for gas heaters)
• Visible rust on the tank exterior

The Bottom Line: Water Heater Maintenance with WaterWork Plumbing 

In this guide, you’ve learned why flushing water heaters is crucial, how to do it, and signs to look for that your heater needs to be maintained. Having a trusted plumber on call, doesn’t just come in handy for emergencies. It comes in handy for annual plumbing check-ups, like crucial water heater maintenance. 

If you’re in the Metro Detroit area, look no further than WaterWork Plumbing for all things plumbing. From residential to commercial services, emergencies to ongoing maintenance, our experts have been in the business for nearly 20 years and service an expansive range of southeast Michigan. 
Get in touch to schedule a repair appointment now, or browse more educational guides and resources to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape.