Why You Should Flush Your Water Heater (Tank & Tankless)
Hot water is one of those comforts you don’t think about—until it’s gone. Your water heater works hard every day, and just like any appliance, it needs regular maintenance to stay reliable, efficient, and safe.
One of the most important (and most overlooked) maintenance tasks?
👉 Flushing your water heater.
Whether you have a traditional tank-style water heater or a tankless system, flushing plays a critical role in protecting your home and your wallet.
What Happens Inside Your Water Heater?
Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry have mineral-heavy water, which means sediment builds up over time. This sediment—mostly calcium and magnesium—settles inside your water heater and causes problems you may not notice right away.
Common symptoms of sediment buildup include:
- Water that takes longer to heat
- Reduced hot water supply
- Popping or rumbling noises
- Higher energy bills
- Premature system failure
Left unchecked, sediment can shorten the life of your water heater by years.
Why You Should Flush a Tank-Style Water Heater
A traditional tank water heater stores and heats dozens of gallons of water continuously. Over time, sediment settles at the bottom of the tank, creating a barrier between the heating element and the water.
Benefits of Flushing a Tank Water Heater:
✔ Extends the life of the tank
✔ Improves heating efficiency
✔ Reduces strain on heating elements
✔ Lowers energy costs
✔ Prevents corrosion and leaks
How often should it be flushed?
👉 Once per year is ideal for most homes in our area.
Skipping this simple service can lead to overheating, cracked tanks, and eventually… a flooded utility room.
Why You Should Flush a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters don’t store water—but that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free.
Minerals build up inside the heat exchanger, restricting water flow and reducing heating performance. Over time, this can cause:
- Error codes or system shutdowns
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Higher energy use
- Voided manufacturer warranties
Benefits of Flushing a Tankless Water Heater:
✔ Maintains peak performance
✔ Prevents scale damage
✔ Preserves manufacturer warranty
✔ Ensures consistent hot water
✔ Extends system lifespan
How often should it be flushed?
👉 Once per year (sometimes more often with heavy usage or hard water)
Tankless systems are efficient—but only when properly maintained.
“But My Water Heater Seems Fine…”
That’s what most homeowners say—until it isn’t.
Sediment damage happens slowly and silently, and by the time problems appear, repairs are often more expensive than routine maintenance would have been.
Think of flushing your water heater like:
- An oil change for your car
- A tune-up for your HVAC system
Small maintenance now prevents big repairs later.
Let Happy House Handyman Handle It
Flushing a water heater isn’t just about draining water—it requires:
- Proper shutoff procedures
- Correct descaling solutions (especially for tankless units)
- Safe pressure and temperature handling
- Knowledge of local water conditions
At Happy House Handyman, we provide professional water heater flushing services designed specifically for Lowcountry homes.
✔ Tank & tankless systems
✔ Safe, clean, and efficient service
✔ Preventative maintenance you can trust
📅 Schedule your water heater flush today and keep the hot water flowing—because a Happy House makes a Happy Spouse.