One of the best ways to ensure that your tank-style water heater runs reliably and efficiently is to regularly drain the tank. Flushing the tank removes sediment build-up that can reduce heating efficiency and shorten the lifespan of the unit. Sediment is caused by minerals in the water that can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This buildup makes the burner work longer to heat water and increases the risk of corrosion.
So how often you should flush the tank? This depends on a number of factors, including the size of the tank, the number of people in the household and how hard your water is. Here is a general guide for how often you should flush your tank.
- 1 or 2 person household - Inspect the water heater every 6 months and flush the tank every 12 months.
- 3 or 5 person household - Inspect the water heater every 4 months and drain the tank every 8 months.
- 6 or more person household - Inspect the water heater every 4 months and drain the tank every 6 months.
