Water heater maintenance is often overlooked—until there’s a problem. You may have heard that flushing your water heater can help it last longer, but is it really necessary? The short answer: YES—but there are risks if it’s not done correctly.
In this post, we’ll explain the importance of water heater flushes, common problems that can arise, and why it’s often best to leave it to the professionals.
A water heater flush is a maintenance process that involves draining and cleaning the tank to remove sediment buildup.
If you have a traditional tank water heater, flushing clears out sediment that settles at the bottom of the tank. With a tankless water heater, flushing clears scale that coats the heat exchanger.
It’s one of the most important steps to keep your system running efficiently and avoid major problems down the road.
Over time, water carries tiny minerals like calcium and lime into your heater. These minerals settle at the bottom of tank systems or stick to the small pipes inside a tankless system.
That buildup makes it harder for your water heater to do its job. It needs more energy to heat water, and it takes longer to get hot. In severe cases, mineral scale can even cause your heater to overheat or shut down.
Flushing removes these deposits and keeps everything flowing like it should.
In short — yes, you absolutely do.
Flushing is one of the best ways to protect your water heater. It keeps your system efficient, helps it last longer, and saves you money on energy bills.
Most manufacturers also require regular flushing to keep your warranty valid. If you skip it and something fails, you could be on the hook for the full cost of a replacement.
If you let sediment or scale build up too long, it starts to cause real trouble.
Here’s what could happen if you skip flushing:
• Sediment can burn out heating elements or block gas burners.
• Your water takes longer to heat up, or never gets fully hot.
• You lose hot water capacity, so showers run cold sooner.
• You might end up with leaks or even a complete system failure.
Ignoring flushing means you could be replacing your water heater years sooner than necessary.
How often you flush depends on the type of system and your water quality.
• For tank water heaters, most plumbers recommend once a year.
• For tankless water heaters, it’s usually every 6 to 12 months, especially if you live in a hard water area like San Diego.
Keeping a regular schedule helps you avoid surprises and ensures your heater always runs at its best.
A professional water heater flush is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to the cost of repairs or a full replacement.
Depending on your system and your area, a flush usually runs anywhere from $100 to $350. In many cases, it pays for itself by extending your heater’s lifespan and lowering energy bills.
Absolutely. Flushing your water heater is a small cost that protects a big investment.
It keeps your hot water steady, your energy bills low, and your system from wearing out before its time. It also helps avoid the stress (and cost) of an emergency replacement when you least expect it.
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It’s possible to flush a water heater on your own. For tank systems, homeowners often use the drain-and-fill method. For tankless units, some pick up a flush kit and run vinegar or a descaler through the system.
But be careful — DIY flushing comes with real risks:
• Incorrect Valve Handling – Mishandling shutoff or isolation valves can cause leaks or damage.
• Using the Wrong Solution – Harsh chemicals might damage the heat exchanger.
• Incomplete Flushing – If not done thoroughly, scale or sediment stays behind and keeps causing problems.
• Leaks or System Errors – Putting it back together wrong can lead to leaks or ignition failures.
• Voided Warranty – Most manufacturers require flushing by a licensed plumber. Doing it yourself could leave you paying for future repairs out of pocket.
If you’re not completely sure how to do it safely, or if you want to keep your warranty intact, it’s best to call a pro.
LGE Prime Plumbing
Ready to Schedule Your Water Heater Flush?
We’re here to help. At LGE Prime Plumbing, we flush both tank and tankless water heaters all across San Diego, Chula Vista, Bonita, and surrounding areas.
Our friendly, licensed plumbers will remove the scale, check critical parts, and make sure your system is in top shape — all while protecting your warranty.
Call us today or book an appointment online to keep your hot water flowing smoothly.
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