Signs Your Water Heater Needs Flushing

You shouldn’t wait for your water heater to leak before you give it some attention. Long before a catastrophic failure, your heater will show signs of distress. If you notice any of these five red flags, it’s time to flush your tank.

1. The “Knocking” Sound

This is the most common sign. As water gets trapped beneath the layer of sediment at the bottom of the tank, it turns into steam bubbles that “pop” through the sediment layer. This sounds like stones or marbles rattling in your tank.

2. Taking Longer to Reheat

If you used to be able to take three showers in a row and now the hot water runs out during the first one, sediment is likely the culprit. It’s insulating the water from the heat source.

3. High Energy Bills

If your gas or electric bill has spiked without a change in usage, your water heater is likely struggling to maintain temperature through a thick layer of “muck.”

4. Metallic Taste or Smell

While not always a sign of sediment, metallic-smelling water often indicates that the anode rod is depleted and the tank itself is starting to corrode into the water supply.

5. Leaking Drain Valve

If the drain valve at the bottom of the tank is dripping, it’s often because sediment is preventing the valve from seating correctly.

The Bottom Line: If you hear knocking, flush today. If you ignore it, that sediment will eventually cause the tank to overheat and crack.