Introduction
Your water heater works hard every day, but like any appliance, it needs regular maintenance to stay efficient. Over time, minerals from your water supply—especially in areas with hard water—settle at the bottom of your water heater tank. This buildup, known as sediment, can affect heating performance, increase energy costs, and even damage the tank.
Flushing your water heater is a simple but essential maintenance task that removes these deposits and keeps the system running smoothly. In this blog, Trade Pro Plumbing explains how often you should flush your water heater, why it’s important, and how professional service can help you avoid costly breakdowns.
Why Flushing Your Water Heater Matters
Every time you heat water, minerals like calcium and magnesium separate from the liquid and settle inside the tank. Over months and years, these minerals form a layer of sediment that acts as insulation between the heating element and the water.
This buildup causes several problems:
- Reduced efficiency: The heater must work harder and use more energy to heat water.
- Less hot water: Sediment reduces the space available inside the tank for hot water storage.
- Strange noises: Rumbling or popping sounds often indicate sediment boiling at the bottom of the tank.
- Corrosion and leaks: Over time, sediment traps heat that can weaken the tank and cause it to fail prematurely.
Regular flushing clears the buildup, restores heating efficiency, and prevents long-term damage.
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
The general rule is to flush your water heater once a year, but several factors can affect how often it’s needed:
- Water Hardness
Northwest Arkansas has moderate to hard water, meaning it contains higher mineral content. If you notice white residue on faucets or appliances, you likely have hard water. In this case, flushing every six months helps prevent heavy sediment accumulation.
- Household Size
Larger households use more hot water, which means more mineral buildup inside the tank. If your family uses a lot of hot water daily, flushing twice a year is recommended.
- Water Heater Age
Older water heaters may accumulate sediment faster due to internal corrosion or weakened anode rods. Flushing more frequently can help maintain performance until replacement is needed.
- Water Heater Type
- Traditional tank heaters: Should be flushed annually.
- Tankless water heaters: Also require periodic descaling, typically every 12–18 months, to remove mineral deposits from the heat exchanger.
If you’re unsure how often to flush your specific unit, Trade Pro Plumbing can evaluate your system and recommend a maintenance schedule based on your home’s water quality.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Flushing
Even if it hasn’t been a full year, your water heater may already be showing signs that it needs maintenance. Watch for these warning signs:
- Rumbling or popping noises: Sediment buildup traps air bubbles, causing loud noises during heating cycles.
- Lukewarm or inconsistent water temperature: The heater struggles to warm water evenly through layers of sediment.
- Discolored or rusty water: Indicates corrosion inside the tank or significant sediment accumulation.
- Decreased hot water supply: Sediment reduces the tank’s capacity to hold hot water.
- Higher utility bills: The system uses more energy to achieve the same temperature.
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to call Trade Pro Plumbing for a professional flush and inspection.
How a Professional Water Heater Flush Works
While some homeowners attempt to flush their water heater themselves, professional service ensures the job is done safely and thoroughly. Here’s what to expect when you schedule a water heater flush with Trade Pro Plumbing:
- Inspection
We begin by checking the overall condition of your water heater, including the tank, valves, and connections. We also inspect for corrosion or leaks that could affect performance.
- Power and Water Shutoff
The power and water supply are safely turned off to prevent damage or injury.
- Tank Draining
We attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and direct the water to a safe drainage area. The tank is fully emptied to remove sediment and debris.
- Flushing and Cleaning
Once drained, we run clean water through the tank to wash out any remaining sediment. This ensures the tank interior is completely clean.
- Refilling and Testing
We refill the tank, restore power, and test the water temperature and pressure to confirm proper operation.
This process typically takes less than an hour and can significantly improve your water heater’s efficiency and lifespan.
The Benefits of Regular Water Heater Flushing
- Improved energy efficiency: Clean tanks heat water faster, reducing energy costs.
- Extended lifespan: Removing sediment prevents corrosion and tank damage.
- Better water quality: Flushing removes debris and rust, giving you cleaner water.
- Fewer repairs: Regular maintenance helps catch small issues before they turn into major problems.
- Consistent hot water: Your water heater will deliver steady, reliable performance year-round.
A yearly maintenance appointment is a small investment that can save hundreds in repair and replacement costs.
When It’s Time to Replace Instead of Flush
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, shows signs of corrosion, or leaks around the base, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue flushing and repairing.
At Trade Pro Plumbing, we offer expert installation of both tank and tankless water heaters, helping you choose the right model for your home’s needs and budget.
Conclusion
Flushing your water heater is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain its performance and longevity. For most homes in Northwest Arkansas, an annual flush is enough, but homes with hard water may need it twice a year.
If your water heater is making noise, running out of hot water too quickly, or producing discolored water, it’s time for maintenance. Trade Pro Plumbing provides professional water heater flushing, repairs, and installations to keep your system in top shape.
Call Trade Pro Plumbing today to schedule your water heater flush and enjoy efficient, reliable hot water all year long.
