Yes, you can absolutely flush your own water heater! It is a straightforward DIY maintenance task. However, if your water heater is very old (over 5–7 years) and has never been flushed before, proceed with caution. In older neglected tanks, dislodging stubborn sediment can sometimes cause leaks or clog your plumbing lines.
Cost Factors for Flushing a Water Heater
The cost for a professional flush of your water heater typically ranges from $80 to $150. This service includes a comprehensive evaluation by our skilled technicians, who will ensure that every component of your water heater is functioning perfectly.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 20 to 25 gallons of hot water. Because showers are usually mixed with cold and hot water to reach a comfortable temperature, the actual volume of hot water drawn from your heater will usually be slightly less, while a low-flow showerhead can reduce this amount by up to 50%.
The 4-minute shower rule is a sustainability and cost-saving initiative advising people to limit their daily showers to four minutes or less. This practice helps conserve water, reduce energy used for heating, and lower household utility bills by limiting consumption to approximately 36–40 liters (roughly 9.6–10.5 gallons) per shower.
Inside a house, toilets are the largest single consumer of water, making up about 24% of total indoor usage. Following toilets are showers and baths (20%), faucets (20%), and clothes washers (17%).
You should never flush an older water heater (typically 5 to 10+ years old) that has never been flushed before. Accumulated sediment in old tanks can seal small rust holes or cracks; flushing this debris away can dislodge the seal and cause immediate leaks.
Water main flushing is the process of cleaning the interior of water mains and removing any accumulated sediment by sending a rapid flow of water through the mains. This rapid flow disrupts any sediment that may accumulate in the main over time, allowing us to filter and remove it.
Understanding the value of scrap water heaters can significantly impact your bottom line. With steel prices ranging from $0.05–$0.08 per pound, a standard residential tank can yield $10–$25. Larger commercial units may bring in $50 or more. Staying informed about market fluctuations is crucial for accurate estimates.
TIP FOR WATER HEATERS - Flushing your water heater every year can help remove sludge and sediment from the bottom of your water tank and can improve the efficiency and lifespan of your water heater. Make sure you are regularly cleaning the intake air filter as well.
It takes about 30 minutes to 60 minutes to flush the water mains on each street.
Flushing can be an important maintenance technique to remove stagnant water, restore disinfectant residual, remove loose deposits, and scour pipe surfaces. Flushing can reduce water age and address water quality complaints.
If the gas burner or electric heating elements come on during the flushing process, the water heater can be damaged, requiring repair or replacement. Some manufacturers will recommend turning the gas off completely during this process, others may recommend setting the gas valve to the “pilot” or “vacation” setting.
In short, draining removes water. Flushing removes sediment, and that makes all the difference.
Flushing a 40-gallon water heater typically takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours from start to finish. Draining the tank takes about 10–20 minutes, while the actual flushing (agitating and rinsing out sediment) and refilling the tank take up the rest of the time.
A 40-gallon gas water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years. However, the exact lifespan depends heavily on your local water quality, your household's daily usage, and how consistently the unit is maintained.
Scrap metal recycling
Your old water heater likely contains steel, copper, and brass—all recyclable materials. Many scrap yards take water heaters for metal recovery. Be sure to drain the tank, detach any wiring, and remove plastic components before dropping it off.
Estimated value: ~£5.50–£6.20 per kg. Top tip: Clean copper (free of solder, paint, and fittings) is worth more. Strip any attached brass or plastic to get the best rate. Copper is one of the highest-value metals you're likely to find around the house, especially during renovations or boiler upgrades.
Flushing a water heater every 1 to 2 years prevents mineral and sediment buildup, significantly extending the lifespan of your unit and lowering energy costs.
If you're growing in soil, begin flushing between one and two weeks before harvest. If you're growing in coco, flush your plants for up to one week prior to harvest. If you're growing in hydro, your plants only need to be flushed for one to two days.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
If your water heater is 10 years old and has never been flushed, it is generally best to leave it alone. Flushing an older, neglected tank can dislodge sediment, which might permanently unseal old, brittle valves or cause the tank to leak.
If a standard showerhead is fitted, it will use around an extra half a gallon each minute, accounting for a 25-gallon emittance every 10 minutes, or 50 gallons throughout a 20-minute shower. *1 gallon = 4.54 litres.
Common signs that sediment buildup is significant include bubbling and gurgling sounds and diminished hot water when bathing, cooking, or cleaning. You may also notice water discoloration, a leaking pressure relief valve, or cracks in the tank or its connections.