



No one likes standing around waiting for hot water, especially first thing in the morning. If it takes forever to get warm water flowing through your taps, sediment buildup in your water heater could be the culprit. Flushing your water heater once a year—or more often in hard water areas—helps keep your showers hot and your water heater running smoothly. It’s a relatively simple maintenance task that can extend the life of your water heater, reduce noise and cut your energy bills. Plus, it gives you a chance to spot any early signs of trouble.
Water heaters naturally collect sediment like limestone, chalk and gypsum over time. These minerals settle on the bottom of the tank, especially near the heating element. As that buildup grows, your water heater has to work harder, which drives up energy use and shortens the unit’s lifespan. Flushing removes that sediment and can improve heating speed, reduce strange noises and even eliminate smelly water. It also lets you spot early signs of trouble—like a rusted anode rod or small leaks—before they turn into major repairs.
If you’re not sure how often to flush your water heater, check your area’s annual water quality report, usually sent out by July 1 or posted online. It will tell you how much mineral content is in your water. If your home has hard water (high in minerals like calcium and magnesium that will build up faster), flushing every six months is a good idea.
Even if you’re sticking to an annual flush schedule, keep an eye out for signs your tank needs attention sooner. Lower levels of hot water are an early indicator. If your steamy showers have turned into chilly ones, sediment is likely coating the heating elements. Foul smells, especially from hot water, could mean bacteria in the tank. You can kill it off by setting the heater’s thermostat to 140 degrees for eight hours, then flushing. Odd clunking or banging sounds are another red flag. That’s sediment rattling around inside the tank. Rust-colored water? That may mean your anode rod is spent, and corrosion is starting. You’ll want to flush the tank and consider replacing the rod.
You don’t need to be a plumber to flush your own water heater. Plan to spend 20 minutes to an hour on this work, depending on your tank size. A larger tank will take longer to drain. Before you get started, make sure you know whether your unit is gas or electric, and allow the water inside to cool for at least 20 to 30 minutes after turning it off. Open the drain valve carefully, because water may come rushing out faster than you expect. Gloves and old clothes are a good idea, because you’re probably going to get wet.
Not feeling up to the task? Hiring a pro to drain and flush your water heater costs about $200. It’s a smart move if it’s been a few years since the last flush or if you suspect sediment might be hiding leaks in the tank. Fall tends to be a popular season for this kind of maintenance, so scheduling outside of peak times could save you a bit. If your tank is older or showing signs of wear, calling in a licensed professional is the safest way to avoid bigger problems down the road. Replacing a water heater can run around $1,250, so a little maintenance now can save you a lot later. And while they’re at it, your water heater expert can perform a full inspection and make sure everything’s in good shape.