Your water heater works every day to provide hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, cleaning, and more. Because it often operates quietly in the background, it can also be easy to forget about—until there is no hot water or, worse, a leak.
Regular water heater maintenance can help reduce sediment buildup, identify developing problems, maintain system performance, and lower the risk of unexpected water damage. However, the type of maintenance your water heater needs depends largely on whether you have a traditional tank-style system or a tankless water heater.
Here is what homeowners should know about maintaining both types of water heaters, how often maintenance should be performed, and when it makes sense to call a professional plumber.
Why Is Regular Water Heater Maintenance Important?
Water heaters deal with water, minerals, heat, pressure, valves, and plumbing connections every day. Over time, normal operation can lead to sediment buildup, mineral deposits, corrosion, clogged components, and worn connections.
Without regular maintenance, these relatively small issues can eventually contribute to:
- Reduced water-heating efficiency
- Inconsistent hot water
- Reduced water flow
- Leaking valves or connections
- Premature equipment problems
- Unexpected repair expenses
- Water damage around the water heater
Preventive maintenance gives you an opportunity to address developing problems before they become more disruptive or expensive.
How Often Should You Flush a Tank Water Heater?
For a traditional tank-style water heater, whether gas or electric, flushing the tank approximately once a year is one of the most important maintenance steps.
Over time, minerals and other particles in the water can settle at the bottom of the tank. This sediment can accumulate around the heating area and interfere with normal water-heater performance.
An annual flush helps remove that buildup before it becomes more difficult to deal with.
Why Sediment Buildup Matters
Sediment inside a tank water heater may not be visible from the outside, but that does not mean it is harmless. As more material collects in the bottom of the tank, your water heater may have to work harder to heat the water effectively.
Regular flushing can help:
- Remove accumulated sediment
- Support efficient water-heater operation
- Reduce unnecessary strain on the system
- Make future maintenance easier
- Identify potential drainage or valve problems early
The key is consistency. A tank that has been flushed every year is generally much easier to maintain than one that has gone several years without service.
Inspect Water Heater Connections and Valves Regularly
Flushing is only one part of proper tank water heater maintenance. Homeowners should also pay attention to the plumbing connections and valves surrounding the unit.
Areas worth checking include:
- Hot and cold water connections
- Valves around the water heater
- The pressure-relief or pop-off valve area
- The drain valve
- Visible piping and connections
- The flue and surrounding components on applicable gas water heaters
Look for moisture, dripping water, corrosion, staining, or anything else that appears different from normal.
A small leak is often easier and less expensive to address when it is discovered early. Ignoring it may allow the problem to worsen and potentially damage surrounding floors, walls, or other parts of the home.
Don’t Ignore a Leaking Water Heater Valve
If you notice water dripping from a valve or connection on your water heater, it should not simply be ignored in the hope that it will stop.
A leaking pop-off valve, connection, or other component can worsen over time. What begins as a small drip may eventually result in a larger leak and significant water damage.
If you see water around the heater and are unsure where it is coming from, consider having the system inspected rather than waiting for the problem to become more severe.
Darnold & Lyons provides professional water heater repair and replacement services for homeowners in Charleston and surrounding Central West Virginia communities.
Can You Flush a Tank Water Heater Yourself?
For some homeowners, flushing a traditional tank water heater can be a manageable maintenance project, especially when the heater has been serviced regularly.
However, there is an important condition: you should know where your home’s water shut-off valves are and be comfortable using them before attempting the job.
This becomes particularly important if a drain valve does not close correctly or another plumbing problem develops while the tank is being serviced.
Why Regular Flushing Makes DIY Maintenance Easier
A water heater that has been flushed every year is generally easier to drain than a system that has accumulated sediment for several years.
If a tank has gone a long time without being flushed, sediment may accumulate around the drain valve. This can make draining more difficult and may create problems when attempting to close the valve afterward.
For that reason, homeowners dealing with a water heater that has not been maintained for several years may want to have a professional plumber perform the service rather than making the first flush a DIY project.
Know Your Water Shut-Off Before Starting Any Plumbing Maintenance
Before attempting any plumbing maintenance, one of the most useful things a homeowner can know is how to shut off the water quickly.
You should understand where the appropriate shut-off valves are located before opening drains, disconnecting anything, or attempting to service a water heater.
If a valve fails, becomes clogged, or does not reseal correctly, being able to shut off the water quickly can make the difference between a manageable plumbing issue and significant water damage.
If you are unsure where your shut-offs are located or are uncomfortable servicing the equipment, contact a professional instead.
How Is Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Different?
Tankless water heaters operate differently from traditional storage-tank systems, so their maintenance requirements are different as well.
Instead of storing a large quantity of heated water, a tankless system heats water as it passes through a compact heat exchanger. Over time, minerals in the water can accumulate inside this heat exchanger.
If those deposits are allowed to build up, they can restrict water flow and interfere with the system’s ability to transfer heat efficiently.
How Often Should a Tankless Water Heater Be Flushed?
As discussed in the video, a tankless water heater should generally be flushed approximately every 12 to 18 months.
This maintenance process helps remove mineral deposits from inside the heat exchanger and supports proper water flow and heating performance.
Regular tankless water heater maintenance can help:
- Reduce mineral buildup inside the heat exchanger
- Maintain proper water flow
- Support effective heat transfer
- Maintain system efficiency
- Reduce unnecessary strain on the unit
- Promote dependable long-term operation
The proper maintenance interval may vary depending on water conditions and system usage, but waiting until performance has noticeably declined is generally not the best maintenance strategy.
What Happens During a Tankless Water Heater Flush?
Flushing a tankless water heater involves more than simply attaching a hose and draining stored water.
The heat exchanger typically needs to be cleaned by circulating a mild acidic cleaning solution through the system. A pump and specialized flushing equipment are used to move the solution through the heat exchanger so mineral deposits can be removed.
This process is one of the reasons tankless water heater maintenance is different from flushing a traditional tank.
Should You Flush a Tankless Water Heater Yourself?
While experienced homeowners may be able to perform certain maintenance tasks themselves, tankless water heater flushing is generally better suited to professional service.
The procedure requires specialized equipment, including a circulation pump and flushing setup. For many homeowners, purchasing the necessary equipment and learning the procedure for an occasional maintenance task does not make practical sense.
A trained plumbing professional already has the tools and experience needed to properly flush the heat exchanger and inspect the system during the visit.
If your tankless system is due for maintenance, Darnold & Lyons can help with your plumbing and water heater service needs.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Although both types of water heaters benefit from regular maintenance, their primary service requirements are different.
| Maintenance Item | Tank Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Flushing Interval | About once per year | About every 12–18 months |
| Main Maintenance Concern | Sediment accumulating in the tank | Mineral buildup in the heat exchanger |
| Basic Flushing Method | Drain and flush accumulated sediment | Circulate cleaning solution through heat exchanger |
| DIY Friendly? | Can be manageable for knowledgeable homeowners when regularly maintained | Professional service is generally recommended |
| Specialized Equipment | Generally limited | Circulation pump and flushing equipment |
Preventive Maintenance Can Help Avoid Water Heater Emergencies
One of the biggest advantages of water heater maintenance is the opportunity to find problems before they become emergencies.
Consider the difference between discovering a small amount of corrosion during an inspection and discovering the same problem after water has leaked across a utility room floor.
Routine service allows valves, connections, drainage, sediment buildup, and overall operation to be evaluated while the system is still functioning.
Darnold & Lyons also offers a Plumbing Comfort Club maintenance plan that includes an annual hot water heater inspection and, when possible, flushing and draining of qualifying water heaters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heater Maintenance
How often should I flush my water heater?
A traditional tank water heater should generally be flushed approximately once per year to remove sediment buildup. Regular flushing can help maintain system performance and make future maintenance easier.
How often should a tankless water heater be flushed?
Tankless water heaters should generally be flushed every 12 to 18 months to help remove mineral deposits from the heat exchanger and maintain proper water flow and heating performance.
What happens if you don’t flush a water heater?
For tank-style water heaters, sediment can continue accumulating at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this may interfere with efficiency and make future draining more difficult. Neglected valves and connections can also become potential sources of leaks.
Can I flush my own tank water heater?
Flushing a regularly maintained tank water heater can be a manageable project for some homeowners. Before attempting it, you should understand your system and know exactly where the appropriate water shut-off valves are located. If the heater has not been serviced for several years or you are uncomfortable performing the work, professional service is a safer choice.
Can I flush a tankless water heater myself?
Tankless water heater flushing requires a pump, flushing equipment, and a cleaning solution circulated through the heat exchanger. Because of the specialized setup involved, professional maintenance is generally recommended.
Why is my water heater leaking from a valve?
Water around a valve or connection can indicate a problem that should be inspected. A drip should not automatically be considered harmless because leakage can worsen and potentially lead to water damage.
Does a tankless water heater need maintenance even though it doesn’t have a tank?
Yes. Tankless systems can accumulate mineral deposits inside their heat exchangers. Periodic flushing helps remove those deposits and maintain water flow and effective heat transfer.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance in Charleston, WV
A little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your water heater operating reliably. Whether you have a traditional gas or electric tank or a tankless system, regular flushing and inspection can help identify problems before they lead to unexpected repairs or water damage.
Darnold & Lyons provides plumbing, water heater repair, replacement, and maintenance services for homeowners throughout Charleston and Central West Virginia.
If your water heater is due for maintenance, showing signs of a leak, or no longer providing reliable hot water, call Darnold & Lyons at 304-744-8474 or visit our plumbing services page to get started.
Water heater designs and maintenance requirements can vary by manufacturer and model. If you are unsure how to safely maintain your equipment or locate the appropriate water shut-offs, consult a qualified plumbing professional.
