If you flush a water heater that already has a significant sediment buildup, it can actually cause more problems. Excessive or large sediment pieces can get stuck in the tank drain valve, or end up exiting the water heater and going through the pipes in your home – and neither of those is an easy fix.
You should really drain and flush your water heater twice-per-year: once in the spring, and then again in the fall. The reason why comes back to what a water heater is flushing out: minerals and sediment.
While draining your water heater once a year is the minimum recommended maintenance, flushing it twice a year is ideal. If you live in an area with high mineral content, more frequent flushing may be necessary to prevent mineral buildup in the tank.
If this heat is being blocked by sediment and other materials, then your water heater has to work harder to heat the water. There are really no downsides to flushing a water heater. Sediment build up causes damage and it is more expensive to leave it than to just flush it out regularly.
Water Heater Maintenance Tips
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. The pilot light will stay on, but the water will not be heated.
Performing annual maintenance on a tank-style water heater by flushing it will extend its lifespan. This can help you keep your water heater running in tip-top shape for years to come — and prevent an expensive disaster that involves a late-night or weekend call to a local plumber.
Flushing the tank until it's empty will remove the loose sediment and help the heater work better. The boiler will heat to a higher temperature, heating the water faster, and the parts will likely last longer. It's recommended to flush a water heater about once a year to get the best results.
Turn the cold water supply again and allow it to run until the water coming out of the hose is completely clear. This will perform a final flush of the system, removing any remaining sediment particles from your tank. Turn off the cold water supply once this step is finished.
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.
Open the hot water tank drain valve. Let the water run out the garden hose. This can take 20 to 60 minutes, depending on how big the tank is.
A water heater flush is exactly what it sounds like. During a water heater flush, your tank is emptied through a hose into an approved drain source. Then the tank is flushed of any sediment or mineral buildup that may reduce the heating efficiency of your water heater or lead to plumbing damage.
It only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to completely drain a water heater. A typical 40- to 60-gallon residential tank found in most homes will take no more than 15 minutes. However, larger tanks (80 gallons or more) found in homes with larger families can take longer, usually from 30 to 60 minutes; sometimes more.
Vinegar Soak
After draining your unit, you may want to take this opportunity to pour a gallon of cider vinegar into the tank. You'll want to close the drain valve first so that your water heater can get a nice, thorough soak. Six hours should be sufficient, of course more wouldn't hurt either.
Tankless water heaters typically have a lifespan of 20 years or more. Traditional water heaters with standing water tanks can last around 10 to 15 years before you notice signs of age.
To flush your hot water tank, simply turn on the cold water spigot leading into your hot water tank. Let it run for a few minutes until the water exiting your hose runs clear. This may take a bit. While the water might be running clear and isn't brown, you may still have some sediment.
Every homeowner knows how important it is to clean and maintain your systems and appliances. However, many homeowners don't know that flushing a water heater every year can remove a build-up of sediment from the bottom of the tank.
Hard water can cause sediment to build up in your water heater, leading to corrosion and shortened lifespan. We recommend installing a water softener or using a filtration system if you have hard water. This will not only extend the life of your water heater, but it will also improve the quality of your water overall.
After using the tank water heater for long (about ten years), the rod gets eaten away and no longer works effectively. The corrosive particles settle on the tank's interior lining, including its bottom, and destroy it. At that point, the tank may start leaking. Check out this post to learn how to deal with leaks.
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.
Water Heater Lifespan
A hot water heater's lifespan depends on many factors, including the type of water heater, the energy source, the type of water you have, and how well the unit is maintained. On average, most water heaters last between 8 and 12 years but some can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance.
The System Age
Most systems can last from 15 to 20 years. If a water heater is older than 20 years, it's usually better to put in a new system, even if the current water heater is working adequately. A decline due to age is going to start soon, and it's best to get ahead of it with a new water heater.