4 Signs Your Water Heater Is Begging For Attention

As someone who spends a lot of time keeping my home running smoothly (read: endless cooking and cleaning), I’ve learned the hard way that some maintenance tasks just can’t be skipped. One of those is draining and flushing the water heater. It might not sound glamorous, but it’s a quick job that can save you from major headaches down the line. Depending on your water quality and the age of your heater, you should aim to drain it every six months to a year.

If you live in an area with hard water—like we do, where mineral buildup happens faster than my toddler can scatter toys—you’ll want to stick closer to that six-month mark. For older water heaters, regular maintenance becomes even more critical to keep them working efficiently.

Why Bother Draining Your Water Heater?

Draining your water heater might feel like just another chore, but trust me, it’s worth it. Over time, sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank. This reduces how efficiently your water heater operates, drives up your energy bills, and can even shorten the appliance’s lifespan. Plus, it’s that sediment that’s often behind those weird rumbling or popping sounds you might hear coming from your tank.

When I learned that ignoring this job could cause my water heater to fail altogether, I knew I couldn’t let it slide. Not only does a faulty water heater mean no hot showers (hello, nightmare), but it’s also a pricey repair or replacement. Spending 20 minutes draining it every six months suddenly seemed like a no-brainer.

4 Signs It’s Time to Drain Your Water Heater

Not sure if your water heater is overdue for a little TLC? Here are four telltale signs you’ve waited too long:

Bad Smells: If your hot water smells funky, it’s likely bacteria hanging out in the tank. Turning up the temperature to about 140°F for a few hours can kill the bacteria, but you’ll still need to flush the tank to get rid of the nastiness.
Lukewarm Water: If your water heater is struggling to produce hot water, sediment buildup around the heating elements could be the culprit. A good drain and flush should fix the problem.
Weird Noises: Rumbling or popping sounds usually mean there’s sediment bouncing around in the tank. It’s a clear sign the tank needs to be emptied and cleaned out.
Rusty Water: If the water coming out of your hot tap is rust-colored, minerals have likely built up inside the tank. In this case, you might also need to replace the anode rod to prevent further corrosion.

How to Drain Your Water Heater

Draining your water heater isn’t complicated, but it does take a little time. I like to tackle this in the evening, so the heater can refill and heat the water overnight. Here’s how to do it:

Turn off the power and gas supply to the water heater. For electric heaters, just switch off the power.
Close the cold water inlet valve at the top of the heater.
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the other end to a drainage spot, like a sink or outside.
Open a hot water faucet in the house to relieve system pressure, then open the drain valve to let the water flow out.
Once the tank is empty, turn the cold water back on to flush out any remaining sediment. Close the drain valve and remove the hose when done.
Let the tank refill before turning the power or gas back on. Don’t skip this step, or you might burn out the heating element.

What Happens If You Don’t Drain Your Water Heater?

I’ll be honest—this isn’t a job I used to prioritize. But after hearing horror stories from friends about tank failures and skyrocketing energy bills, I’m a convert. Skipping this task allows sediment to build up, which can eventually corrode the tank, cause leaks, or even lead to a full breakdown.

According to pros, regular draining can extend your water heater’s lifespan by three to five years. That’s time I’d rather spend hanging with my family than dealing with emergency plumbing repairs.

When’s the Best Time to Do This?

While you can drain your water heater any time of year, spring and fall are ideal. Water usage tends to be more moderate, so you’re less likely to notice the downtime. Plus, it’s a good way to prep your water heater for the high demands of summer or winter.

Keeping up with this task may not be exciting, but it’s one of those little things that makes a big difference. Trust me, your future self will thank you.