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When to flush a tankless water heater:
These appliances require a flush with a descaling solution every one to two years, according to the manufacturer. Check on the data panel on your heater to find out what the recommended maintenance intervals are. Most manufacturers also require maintenance such as cleaning the heat exchanger and incoming water filter.
The purpose of flushing a tankless is to descale it so that the sensors and valves inside stay functional. So when maintenance is not performed on tankless water heaters, the lifespan decreases and more expensive problems can occur. I like to say that having a tankless heater is like owning a Mercedes versus a Honda–it can have great benefits for the right home, but there are higher maintenance costs because of more moving parts. I talk more about the pros and cons of tankless versus tank heaters in this post.
When NOT to flush a tankless water heater:
- If the heater is looking like it has had extensive wear and tear, showing bug infestation or heavy corrosion
- If it is over 10 years old
- If it has not been flushed in over 3 years
This is because doing maintenance on a neglected heater can cause other issues like sensors going bad, valves breaking, or electronics failing. Of course we can still do a flush, but we will let you know if we think it could result in further repairs or replacement.
When to flush a traditional tank water heater:
If you search the internet, you will find that it is recommended to flush a tank style water heater about once a year. Over time debris such as rust, minerals, sand, and other small particulates will build up in the base of the tank. As time goes on, this can create a layer several inches thick, causing the heater to be less efficient. However, this debris will mostly stay in the bottom of the tank and have little effect on the plumbing system.
Since the cost of a tank style water heater replacement is about $2000-$3000, we often advise customers to save their money and do a replacement every 10 years. A flush costs about $170 so over time, the cost of doing a service that may or may not have much benefit is up to the customer.
The 10 year replacement interval for a tank style water heater is highly recommended. After about 10 years, tank water heaters become much more likely to leak and cause costly damage.
This water heater manufactured in December 2022 is past due for a replacement!
When NOT to flush a tank style water heater:
If a heater hasn’t been flushed at all for more than 3 years, it is NOT recommended to do a flush. At this point, if the sediment in the bottom of the tank is stirred up, it can cause the water to stay rusty in color. Furthermore, disturbing the interior lining of the tank can actually speed up the corrosion process. It can also lead to clogged faucet aerators.
Need help with water heater flushing or maintenance in the Atlanta area? Call or text 770-PLUMBER!