How often should I descale my water heater?

Author: Dr. Nicholas Crona V  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

How often you should descale your water heater depends on the hardness of your home's water. If you have hard water, you want to try descale every 6-12 months. For homes with soft water, you can descale your system every 12-18 months.

What happens if you don't descale your water heater?

Shortened Lifespan: A water heater that isn't flushed regularly may experience corrosion and other damage more quickly, leading to a shorter overall lifespan. Water Quality Issues: Sediment can affect the taste and quality of the water, potentially leading to discolored or foul-smelling water.

How do I know if my water heater needs to be drained?

Here are a few warning signs that you need a water heater flush.
  • No Hot Water. When your unit stops producing hot water, there is either a large amount of sediment buildup or a faulty burner. ...
  • Funny Smells. Strange odors from your hot water is a sign of bacteria in your tank. ...
  • Strange Noises. ...
  • Rust Colored Water.

How do I know when my water heater needs to be cleaned?

Signs You Should Flush Your Water Heater
  1. If you notice that you don't have any hot water when you go to shower or wash dishes, it's likely that your water heater needs to be flushed. ...
  2. Rusty-colored water is also a sign that you need to flush your water heater.

How often are you supposed to flush your water heater?

Flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often. If you leave town, change your water heater to its vacation setting.

Correct Way to FLUSH WATER HEATER! 2-Minute Tutorial

What happens if you never flush your water heater?

-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.

Should I flush a 15 year old water heater?

If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.

Can I flush my water heater myself?

You can flush your water heater yourself if it's done on a regular basis. This guide will take you through the steps to drain and flush a gas or electric water heater. Learning how to clean a water heater is an essential part of maintaining your plumbing system.

How do I know if my water heater has sediment build up?

Here are some telltale signs of possible sediment buildup in your water heater:
  1. Rumbling, popping, or hissing sounds. ...
  2. The water gets warm but never hot. ...
  3. Cloudy or rust-colored hot water. ...
  4. Leaking or faulty pressure relief valve. ...
  5. Cracks in the tank or connections. ...
  6. Decreased hot water flow. ...
  7. Higher gas or electricity bills.

How long to leave clr in water heater?

After 2 minutes rinse promptly with cold water. Never leave Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover on an area for longer than two minutes.

Is it better to flush or drain your water heater?

It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.

How often should I replace my anode rod?

Anode rods require routine inspection and replacement, approximately every three to five years. Without proper maintenance, the anode rod loses its ability to divert damaging particulates from your tank and can accelerate rust and corrosion from chemical reactions, excessive heat, and imbalanced pH levels.

How much does it cost to flush a hot water heater?

Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater's lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost.

How often should you descale a hot water heater?

In such cases, your water heater may need descaling every six months to a year to maintain its efficiency and prevent damage.

Is a 30 year old water heater safe?

Sometimes, you'll just need repairs, but serious issues call for replacement. For example, a 30-year-old water heater certainly needs to be replaced, but a younger one with a minor problem may be able to get by with some simple repairs.

How long does it take to drain a 40 gallon water heater?

Typically, draining a 40-gallon water heater takes somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes. The overall time is heavily influenced by the size of the unit and the rate at which the water can exit the tank through the drain valve.

How often should I flush my water heater?

Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.

What is the best way to get sediment out of water heater?

Perform a vinegar soak.

Vinegar is part of clearing and cleaning a clogged drain, and it's also helpful in removing sediment from water heaters. After you've drained your hot water tank, you can pour a gallon or so of vinegar through it.

Can I put vinegar in my hot water heater?

Disconnect the cold-water inlet, hot water outlet, T & P valve, or element holes and, using a funnel, pour one (1) gallon of regular household cider vinegar into the water heater. (Do not dilute with water) ** NOTE: For Electric Heaters, it is recommended you remove the elements from the heater and lay them in a pan.

How do I know if my water heater needs to be flushed?

Keep an eye out for debris suddenly showing up in your water. If you notice sediment or any brown sludge coming out of your faucet, that's probably an indication that it's time for a water heater flush. If you see any of these signs, it's a good indication that your water heater needs maintenance.

How do you Decalcify a water heater?

Once everything is ready, it is time to begin descaling the tank, as discussed below.
  1. Step 1: Turn Off The Power And Water Supply. ...
  2. Step 2: Drain The Storage Tank. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove The Heating Elements And The Anode Rod. ...
  4. Step 4: Pour White Vinegar Or A Suitable Descaler. ...
  5. Step 5: Reinstall The Components And Fill The Tank.

How long should a water heater last?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

What happens if you never flush the water heater?

Over time, the number of sediment increases, leading to problems with the water heater. Sediment can begin the process of corrosion and can clog the valves inside the water heater tank, leading to leaks and other issues. Both of these problems decrease efficiency and can result in costly repairs.

Is 20 years too old for a water heater?

Water Heater Lifespan

If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.

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