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Why Mission Viejo Water Heaters Need Flushing (and How Often)
Hard water is hard on water heaters. A yearly flush is one of the cheapest ways to make a tank or tankless unit last longer. Here is what it involves.
Call Now – (949) 693-0298In this guide
- South Orange County water is hard
- Sediment makes the tank work harder
- Flush a tank once a year
- Descale a tankless unit every year
Why do Mission Viejo water heaters need flushing?
Much of the water in south Orange County is imported from the Colorado River and Northern California, and it is hard. Hard water leaves calcium and magnesium in the tank as sediment. Over time that layer makes the heater work harder, causes popping noises, and can shorten the life of the tank. A yearly flush removes it. Call (949) 693-0298 to book.
Our maintenance and flushing service covers tank and tankless units across Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills and nearby cities.
How often should you flush a water heater?
Flush a tank water heater about once a year in a hard water area. Descale a tankless unit about once a year, or more often if the maker's manual or the unit's display says so. Homes with a water softener may go longer, but should still check the tank every year or two.
- Tank, hard water: once a year.
- Tank with a water softener: every 1 to 2 years, plus anode checks.
- Tankless: descale about once a year and clean the inlet filter.
What happens during a flush?
A tech turns off the gas or power and the cold water, connects a hose to the drain valve and lets the tank drain. Cold water is run through to stir and rinse out sediment until it runs clear. The tank is refilled, air is bled from the lines, and the heater is turned back on. For tankless units, a pump circulates a descaling solution through the heat exchanger.
A professional flush costs about $120 to $250. On an old tank that has never been flushed, a pro can also check that the drain valve opens and closes safely.
What is an anode rod and why does it matter?
The anode rod is a metal rod inside the tank that corrodes so the tank does not. Once it is used up, the tank itself starts to rust. Checking it every 2 to 3 years, and replacing it when it is worn, can add years to a tank. Anode replacement costs about $200 to $450.
Softened water can wear anodes faster, so homes with a softener should check them more often.
Does hard water affect the rest of the plumbing too?
Yes. Scale builds up in faucets, showerheads, valves and older galvanized or copper pipes. Over many years, that can lower water pressure and lead to leaks. Many owners of 1970s and 1980s homes in Mission Viejo eventually look at repiping as well as a new water heater.
If you are weighing a repipe, a house repiping cost calculator can give you a ballpark before you get quotes. For the water heater itself, see our water heater replacement cost guide.
What are signs a water heater needs service now?
Call if you hear loud popping, see rusty or cloudy hot water, run out of hot water faster than before, notice water around the base, or the tank is over 8 years old and has never been serviced. These are signs of heavy sediment, a worn anode or a failing part.
If the heat is out, see our guide to a water heater not heating. If it is time for a new one, our water heater replacement Mission Viejo team can help.
What are the signs my water heater needs a flush now?
Popping sounds, hot water that runs out faster than it used to, rusty or cloudy hot water, and higher gas or power bills are the most common signs. If you see two or more of these, a flush is a good first step. (949) 693-0298
- Less hot water: sediment takes up space in the tank, so there is less hot water to use.
- Noise: water trapped under the sediment boils and pops.
- Slow recovery: the tank takes longer to heat back up after showers.
- Cloudy or gritty water: bits of scale are getting into the lines.
If a tank has never been flushed and is over 8 to 10 years old, ask the technician to check the drain valve and anode first. Old sediment can clog the valve, and a worn anode may mean the tank is close to the end of its life.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I flush my water heater in Mission Viejo?
About once a year for a tank water heater, because the local water is hard. Tankless units should be descaled about once a year.
Can I flush my water heater myself?
Many owners can, if the drain valve works and they follow the manual. On old tanks that were never flushed, a pro flush is safer.
How much does a water heater flush cost?
A professional flush costs about $120 to $250 in Mission Viejo.
What does an anode rod do?
It corrodes in place of the tank, protecting the steel from rust. Replacing a worn anode costs about $200 to $450.
Talk to a water heater pro now
Questions about your water heater? Call a local pro in Mission Viejo, CA. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
(949) 693-0298 Call Now – (949) 693-0298