Here’s How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater Tank
One of the most important—yet often overlooked—parts of maintaining a tank-style water heater is regularly flushing the tank. Over time, minerals in your water (especially if you live in a hard water area like much of Grand County, Colorado) settle at the bottom of the tank as sediment. This sediment layer forces your water heater to work harder to heat the water, reducing its efficiency and lifespan while increasing energy costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sediment buildup can make a water heater use up to 30% more energy than necessary (source). In extreme cases, sediment can even clog the drain valve, cause rumbling noises, and lead to premature tank failure due to overheating and corrosion at the base of the unit.
Why Flushing Your Water Heater Is a Smart Move
When sediment accumulates in the tank, it acts like insulation between the burner and the water. This not only increases heating time and energy use but also traps heat beneath the sediment layer. Over time, this can cause the tank to overheat and weaken, increasing the risk of leaks or failure. Flushing your tank removes this buildup and restores the water heater’s performance and longevity.
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal flushing frequency depends on factors like the number of people in your home, how much hot water you use, and the hardness of your water. Here’s a general maintenance schedule you can follow:
- 1 or 2 person household – Inspect the water heater every 6 months and flush the tank once a year.
- 3 to 5 person household – Inspect every 4 months and flush the tank every 8 months.
- 6 or more person household – Inspect every 4 months and flush the tank every 6 months.
If your home has hard water—which is common in Colorado—flushing more frequently may be necessary.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Flushing
Not sure if it’s time to flush your water heater? Here are some warning signs:
- Rumbling or popping noises coming from the tank
- Hot water runs out quickly or is inconsistent
- Cloudy or rusty hot water
- Increased energy bills without increased usage
Let Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating Help
Flushing a water heater is a relatively simple maintenance task—but only if you know what you’re doing. If you’d rather not risk damaging the drain valve or missing signs of corrosion, it’s best to leave the job to professionals. At Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been helping homeowners across Grand County care for their plumbing systems since 1920.
Whether you need help flushing your tank, replacing a worn-out unit, or scheduling a full plumbing inspection, we’re here to help. Call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating today for expert water heater maintenance and peace of mind.
