Don’t Forget to Flush Sediment from Your Water Heater


Over time, water heater tanks collect sediment from the water flowing through them. By regularly flushing the tank, you can protect your system from the damage sediment causes.

Why Sediment Buildup Matters

Sediment consists of particles of minerals such as calcium, along with sand and dirt. It’s present in every water supply, but hard water contains more. As water sits in your water heater tank, sediment sinks to the bottom and begins to build up. You may hear a rumbling noise coming from the tank as hot water bubbles break through the sediment. Sediment covering the burner of a gas water heating system acts as insulation and reduces the system’s energy efficiency. In an electric heater, sediment can cling to the heating elements and cause them to burn out.

Annual Flushing Protects Your Tank

Your water heater tank should be flushed completely at least once a year. Once every six months is even better. Waiting just two years can leave enough sediment buildup to cause a burst pipe.

To flush a water heating system’s tank, turn off the gas or power supply to the system and wait at least a few hours for the water to cool. Open a sink tap to prevent vacuum formation. Attach a garden hose to the tank’s drain cock or valve and place the other end of the hose outdoors where the water can safely drain. Open the drain cock, fully drain the tank, then close the drain cock and remove the hose. Allow the tank to refill completely before you turn it on again.

If you’d rather not hassle with this job, a plumbing professional can do it for you during an annual maintenance inspection. The technician will also test the water pressure, inspect the T&P relief valve, check the sacrificial anode and replace it if necessary, and perform other tasks that keep your system efficient and extend its lifespan.

If your water heater tank is due for maintenance, contact us at Rinaldi’s. We offer dependable energy solutions and HVAC services in the Orlando area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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