How Often Should Homeowners Flush Their Water Heaters?

Author:
July 08, 2025

If you live in Lacey, WA, and you haven’t flushed your water heater in a while—there’s a good chance it’s not running as efficiently as it should. Over time, sediment builds up inside your tank, affecting performance, increasing energy bills, and shortening the lifespan of your system.

So how often should Lacey homeowners flush their water heaters? Here’s what you need to know.

Quick Answer: Once a Year

For most homes in Lacey, flushing your water heater once a year is ideal. This keeps your system clean, efficient, and less prone to problems. Homes with hard water may need flushing every 6–8 months.

Why Flushing Your Water Heater Matters

Lacey’s municipal water system is generally reliable, but like most areas, the water can carry minerals, sediment, and debris—especially if your home uses an older water line or has galvanized piping.

If you don’t flush your water heater:

Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank.
It acts like insulation, making your heater work harder.
You’ll notice longer heat-up times, strange noises, or lukewarm water.
In worst-case scenarios, it can damage the tank and cause leaks or total failure.

Signs You’re Overdue for a Flush

If you notice any of these, your water heater probably needs attention:

Rumbling or popping sounds when it runs
Cloudy or rusty hot water
Reduced hot water supply
Higher energy bills without increased usage

DIY or Call a Pro?

Some Lacey homeowners are comfortable doing a basic flush on their own:

Turn off the power/gas and cold water supply.
Attach a hose to the drain valve.
Open the drain and pressure relief valves.
Let it fully drain, then flush with clean water.
Close everything back up and restart the system.

Warning: If you’ve never done this before, or if your unit is old or acting up, it’s better to let a licensed plumber handle it. We’ll flush the system safely and inspect for early signs of wear.

Don’t Wait for an Emergency

Lacey homes often go years without a proper flush, especially in older neighborhoods. Regular maintenance keeps your water heater running longer, hotter, and safer—without surprise breakdowns in the middle of winter.

Schedule Your Water Heater Flush Today

Our team at American Plumbing offers quick, affordable water heater flushing services right here in Lacey, WA. Whether you're on city water or have a private well, we tailor maintenance to your home’s setup.

BACK