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Video: Here's Why You Need to Flush Your Water Heater on a Yearly Basis

Cody Kearns
Posted on 
September 16, 2024
Water heater laying on its side with the top cut off and a buildup of calcium pouring out. The calcium looks similar to a pile of sawdust.
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We cut open a 24-year-old water heater to show you what builds up inside water heater tanks when they aren't maintained properly. Over time, calcium and minerals in water can accumulate inside water heaters. Once calcium builds up, it can prevent the heating elements from working. Mineral buildup also takes up space that could be used for water, lowering the capacity and efficiency of your water heater. For this reason, we recommend yearly preventive maintenance on water heaters.

How Should I Maintain My Water Heater?

We recommend getting your water heater flushed on a yearly basis. When we flush a water heater, we disconnect the drain pipe and run water through the water heater. This flushes out any sediment that has built up inside the heater. When your water heater is filled with sediment, it has to work harder to keep your water hot. Keeping sediment out of the water heater increases capacity, reduces energy using, and ultimately increases the water heater's overall lifespan.

We offer plumbing memberships starting at $195 per year that include complimentary annual water heater flushes for tanked water heaters, and discounted annual water heater flushes for tankless water heaters. To learn more about our membership options, call us at (850) 533-1252, or fill out our convenient online booking form.

How Often Should Water Heaters Be Replaced?

If your water heater is older than 8-12 years, it's probably time to consider a replacement. Water heaters can last longer than this, but generally lose performance over time due to aging parts and sediment buildup. This means they use more energy and produce less hot water. We are seeing more and more home insurance companies requiring customers to replace water heaters around this age here in Florida.

Call the Water Heater Experts at Tru Plumbing and Gas

Have questions about your water heater? You can trust our experienced technicians to give honest advice and reliable support. We serve Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Freeport, and all of Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. Our company is licensed, insured, and Better Business Bureau accredited. Call us today at (850) 533-1252, or schedule service online.