How Often Should You Flush a Water Heater?

Sediment settles at the bottom of a tank and insulates the burner or element from the water above it. That reduces efficiency, makes the tank work harder and shortens its life. Flushing clears it out.

How often depends on the equipment and on local water conditions. Maryland's hard water — and, on wells, iron and manganese — push the interval shorter than a manufacturer's default assumes.