Why Flushing Your Water Heater is Essential for Home Maintenance
Keep Your Hot Water Flowing and Your System Running Efficiently
Most homeowners don’t give their water heater much thought—until there’s a problem. But like any appliance, your water heater needs regular maintenance to keep working properly. Our expert plumbers handle water heater installations and repairs on a daily basis, and while we’re more than happy to handle routine maintenance, there are some tasks that can be completed by homeowners with minimal cost. One of the simplest and most effective ways to extend your water heater’s lifespan and ensure efficiency is by flushing it regularly. Thankfully, this process is relatively simple and has a number of benefits. Read more to learn how to flush a water heater.
Why Flushing Your Water Heater Matters
You may not even know it, but your water supply contains microscopic minerals and debris. This sediment is primarily calcium and magnesium, and hard water has a greater amount of these minerals. As water flows into your water heater tank, these sediments form solid particles in the hot water that cause them to sink to the bottom of the tank. Over time, a sediment layer builds up in the bottom of the tank as more and more of these particles settle. This creates a thick, crusty layer at the bottom of the tank and can even cause rock-like mineral deposits. Left unchecked, this buildup can:
- Reduce efficiency, making the heater work harder to heat your water.
- Shorten the lifespan of the unit due to overheating and stress on the system.
- Cause strange noises, like popping or rumbling.
- Lower water quality, with cloudy or rusty water coming from your taps.
- Lead to costly repairs or replacement when components fail.
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
The general rule of thumb is to flush your water heater once per year. However, if your home has hard water (which is common in many areas), you may want to flush it every 6 months. If you’re not sure about your water quality, a quick water test or consultation with a plumber in Bucks County can help you determine the right schedule.
How to Flush Your Water Heater (In Simple Steps)
While it is possible for homeowners to flush their water heaters themselves, not everyone is comfortable with or equipped to handle this DIY process. If you’re not comfortable working with water and gas/electric systems, it’s always safest to hire a professional. If you have decided that you want to proceed with doing it yourself, here are some general steps to follow. You may want to perform further research into the make and model of your water heater unit to learn if there are any additional steps that need to take place during the flushing process.
- Turn Off the Power/Gas:
- Electric heater? Turn off the circuit breaker.
- Gas heater? Set the gas control to the “pilot” setting.
- Shut Off the Cold Water Supply:
This prevents more water from entering the tank during the flush. - Connect a Garden Hose to the Drain Valve:
Direct the other end to a safe drainage area, like a floor drain or outside. - Open the Drain Valve:
Let the tank empty completely. You may see cloudy or gritty water, which is normal during sediment flushing. - Briefly Turn On the Cold Water Supply:
This helps stir up and flush out lingering sediment. Let it run for a few minutes, then drain again. - Close the Drain Valve and Refill the Tank:
Turn the cold water back on and wait until the tank is full. - Restore Power or Gas:
Once full, turn the electricity or gas back on and wait for the water to reheat.
What Happens If You Don’t Flush Your Water Heater?
If you skip regular flushing, your water heater becomes less effective and more prone to breakdowns. Here’s what you might face:
- Higher energy bills from inefficient heating
- Premature failure of the water heater tank or heating elements
- Reduced hot water capacity as sediment takes up space
- Potential leaks or tank damage due to overheating at the bottom
- Void warranty – many manufacturers require annual maintenance
In short, neglecting this simple task could cost you a lot more down the road.
When to Call a Professional
If your water heater hasn’t been flushed in years, or if you’re unsure how to do it safely, calling a licensed plumber is a smart move. They can perform a thorough flush, inspect for any hidden damage, and give you peace of mind knowing your system is in good shape. If you feel that you may need bi-annual water heater flushes, then you may want to explore McClain Bros.’ annual maintenance plans, which entitle plan holders to two visits per year with zero trip charges, VIP pricing, and priority scheduling.
Call Our Water Heater Experts in Bucks County
Flushing your water heater might not be the most glamorous household task, but it’s one of the most important for protecting your investment, lowering energy costs, and ensuring reliable hot water. Set a reminder to do it annually—or more often if needed—and your water heater will thank you with years of dependable service.
If you’re not sure whether it’s time for a flush or if you suspect your water heater is already suffering from sediment buildup, McClain Bros. can help. Our licensed plumbers are just a call away and ready to keep your hot water flowing! Call us today to discuss your water heater maintenance needs and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced plumbers.
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