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Last Revised: 2/20/26
If you’ve never flushed your water heater, you’re not alone. It can seem like a daunting home maintenance project, and a lot of homeowners don’t even know it’s something they should be doing.
But here’s the thing, sediment (minerals, sand, tiny particles) builds up at the bottom of your tank over time. And that layer of gunk forces your water heater to work harder, use more energy, lose heating performance, and wear out faster.
The good news? Flushing your water heater is closer to a simple task than to a major project. You don’t need special tools or a plumbing license, and it can add years to your water heater’s lifespan.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to drain and flush your water heater step by step, so you can do it yourself with confidence. It’ll also help you understand if you’d rather have a pro handle it instead.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather a few things:
- A standard garden hose (long enough to reach a floor drain)
- A large bucket (if you don’t have a nearby drain)
- Work gloves
- A flathead screwdriver
- Safety glasses
How Long Does It Take to Flush a Water Heater?
Plan for about 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Most of that time is spent waiting for the tank to drain. The actual hands-on work takes just a few minutes. If your water heater hasn’t been flushed in a long time (or ever), it may take a bit longer.
Difficulty-wise, it’s not too complicated. But if you lack plumbing experience, it may still be smarter to have a professional handle the job. And if you notice any unexpected issue from a stuck drain valve, unusual noises, or leaks, it’s also highly recommended to pause and call a pro before making the problem worse.
A Quick Word on Safety
The water inside your tank is hot, typically 120°F to 140°F. That’s hot enough to cause burns. Here’s how to stay safe:
Turn off your water heater before you start. For a gas unit, turn the gas valves to the “pilot” or “off” position. For an electric unit, switch off the breaker. Never drain a tank with the heating element still running, it can damage the equipment.
Wear gloves when handling the hose, and be mindful of where the hot water is flowing. Keep kids and pets out of the area. If you let the tank cool for a couple of hours before draining, the water will be much more manageable.
How to Flush a Water Heater: Step by Step
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Heater
If you have a gas water heater, locate the gas valve on the front of the unit and turn it to “pilot” or “off.” If you have an electric water heater, go to your electrical panel and flip the breaker that controls the unit.
This is a critical step. Running a water heater with an empty or partially empty tank can damage the heating element or even crack the tank.
Step 2: Turn Off the Cold Water Supply
Find the cold water inlet at the top of your water heater. It’s usually a lever or a round handle on the pipe feeding into the top of the tank. Turn it off. This stops new water from flowing into the tank while you drain it.
Step 3: Let the Water Cool (Optional but Recommended)
If you have the time, let the tank sit for one or two hours after turning off the heater. This allows the water inside to cool to a safer temperature. If you choose to skip this step, just be extra cautious with the hot water.
Step 4: Connect a Garden Hose to the Drain Valve
You’ll find the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. It looks like a standard outdoor spigot or hose bib. Screw your garden hose onto the valve and run the other end of the hose to a floor drain, outside to your driveway, or into a large bucket.
Make sure the hose is secure. A loose connection means hot, sediment-filled water on your floor, and nobody wants that.
Step 5: Open a Hot Water Faucet in Your Home
Go to a sink or bathtub and turn on the hot water. This relieves pressure in the system and allows the tank to drain more smoothly. Leave the faucet open until you’re completely done.
Step 6: Open the Drain Valve
Turn the drain valve to open it. You may need a flathead screwdriver for this, depending on the type of valve. Water will begin flowing out through the hose.
What you’ll see: Don’t be alarmed if the water looks rusty, cloudy, or has visible grit in it. That’s the sediment, and it’s exactly what you’re trying to flush out. This is a good sign that means the process is working.
Step 7: Flush Until the Water Runs Clear
Once the tank has fully drained, briefly turn the cold water supply back on to stir up and flush any remaining sediment. Let it run through the tank and out the hose. You’ll know you’re done when the water coming out of the hose is clear and free of debris.
If you haven’t flushed your water heater in years, this part may take a little longer. Be patient and repeat the process a few times if needed.
Step 8: Close Everything Up and Restart the System
Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve and disconnect the garden hose. Turn the cold water supply back on and let the tank fill. You’ll hear water flowing in.
Leave that hot water faucet open (Step 5) until water again starts flowing from it steadily. This tells you the tank is full and the air has been purged from the lines. Once you see a steady stream, close the faucet.
Now, turn your water heater back on. For a gas unit, turn the valve back to “on” and relight the pilot if needed, your unit’s label or manual will have instructions for your specific model. If your unit is electric, flip the breaker back on and give the tank 30 to 60 minutes to heat back up.
What If Something Doesn’t Go as Planned?
Most of the time, flushing your water heater is a straightforward process. But here are a few things that occasionally trip homeowners up:
- The drain valve won’t open or is stuck
- The water won’t stop looking dirty
- You can’t relight the pilot light
- The drain valve leaks after you close it
If you run into any of these issues, it’s best to stop and call a pro. Pushing through can turn a minor fix into a costly repair.
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
Most manufacturers and plumbing professionals recommend flushing your water heater once every 2-3 years. And if you have hard water, sediment will build up faster, and you may need to flush your water heater more often.
Regular flushing helps your water heater operate efficiently, lowers your energy bills, and can significantly extend the life of the unit.
When It Makes Sense to Call a Pro
Flushing your water heater is a DIY-friendly job for some homeowners, but not for others. We encourage confident homeowners to tackle it themselves, and less confident homeowners to call a professional. Either way, the important thing is that you’re taking action to protect your investment.
If your water heater is old and has never been flushed, the risk of a stuck or broken drain valve goes up. If you notice any leaks, unusual noises, or inconsistent hot water, those are signs of a bigger issue that a flush alone won’t fix.
At Mattioni, we’ve been helping Greater Philadelphia homeowners with their plumbing since 1948. Our technicians can flush your water heater, inspect the anode rod, check the pressure relief valve, and make sure everything is running safely and efficiently. It’s a maintenance visit that pays for itself many times over.
Keep Your Water Heater Running Strong
Whether you just completed your first water heater flush or you’d rather have an expert take care of it, that maintenance will save you from efficiency losses and poor performance when hot water demand is highest.
Ready to schedule a water heater maintenance visit? Call us at (610) 400-8510 or book your appointment online to get started. Our 5-star rated technicians provide same-day service throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
Not sure if your water heater needs attention? Reach out to our team, we’re happy to answer your questions and help you figure out the right next step.
