Most manufacturers and plumbing professionals recommend flushing your water heater at least once a year. However, if you live in an area with particularly hard water or notice reduced hot water capacity or odd noises, you might consider flushing it every six months.

Ignoring regular flushing allows sediment to accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This sediment acts as an insulator, forcing the heating element to work harder, reducing efficiency, increasing energy bills, and ultimately corroding the tank from the inside out, leading to premature failure and leaks.

While rare, very old water heaters with severe corrosion can develop leaks during or after flushing. This is because sediment might be plugging existing small holes, and its removal exposes them. It’s still essential to flush, as not flushing guarantees more severe problems and eventual failure.

Yes, tankless water heaters also require periodic flushing, often called descaling, to remove mineral buildup from their heat exchangers. The process is different from tank-style heaters and typically involves circulating a descaling solution through the unit.