Should You Flush Your Water Heater Before Winter? (Most Riverside County Homes Should)

flush water heater

Your water heater works harder in the winter than in any other season. Cooler incoming water, longer showers, holiday guests, and increased laundry all add strain.
But most homeowners don’t realize one simple truth:

✔ A dirty water heater loses up to 30% of its heating power
✔ Sediment buildup destroys efficiency
✔ Skipping annual flushing leads to early tank failure

At Davis Plumbing, we get dozens of “no hot water” calls every winter — many of them caused by water heaters full of sand, minerals, and sediment that prevent proper heating.

Here’s why a water heater flush before winter is one of the smartest things a homeowner can do.

1. Sediment Builds Up Fast in Riverside’s Hard Water

Riverside has some of the hardest water in California, which means:

  • minerals settle at the bottom of the tank

  • heating elements get buried

  • burners work harder

  • tanks overheat

This sediment forms a thick layer that acts like insulation — blocking heat from reaching the water.

Think of it like trying to boil water with a towel covering the burner.

2. A Dirty Tank Causes “Popping” and “Rumbling” Noises

Those noises aren’t normal.

They mean:

  • sediment is superheating

  • steam bubbles are exploding under the debris

  • your tank is experiencing thermal stress

This is one of the first signs your water heater needs flushing.

3. You Lose Hot Water Capacity

As sediment builds, it takes up space inside the tank.

A 50-gallon water heater might hold:

  • 50 gallons when new

  • 40 gallons after minor buildup

  • 30 gallons after years of no flushing

Less hot water = colder showers + unhappy guests.

4. Your Energy Costs Shoot Up in Winter

A dirty water heater needs more gas/electricity to do the same job.

Efficiency drops dramatically:

  • burners run longer

  • heating elements cycle more

  • tank strains to keep up

This is why winter utility bills spike more than expected.

5. You Risk Total Water Heater Failure

The #1 cause of early water heater replacement is sediment corrosion.

It eats through:

  • tank lining

  • heating elements

  • pressure relief valve

  • drain valve

Replacing a water heater costs hundreds or thousands. A flush costs a fraction.

6. A Flush Extends Your Water Heater’s Lifespan by Years

Most water heaters are designed for 10–12 years, but with proper maintenance:

  • many last 15–20 years

  • fewer emergency breakdowns

  • stronger heating performance

If you flush once a year, especially before winter, your system stays healthy.

Should You DIY a Water Heater Flush?

In some cases, yes — but only if:

  • valves are working

  • tank is newer

  • sediment isn’t hardened

  • heater is easily accessible

But for most Riverside homes, DIY flushing risks:

  • breaking stuck valves

  • damaging drain threads

  • unplugging hardened sediment that clogs fixtures

  • burning out heating elements

A professional flush includes:

✔ full sediment removal
✔ burner/element inspection
✔ pressure valve check
✔ thermostat optimization
✔ leak detection around the tank
✔ water pressure test

This ensures a safe winter.

Local Offer: $99 Winter Water Heater Flush & Safety Check

For homeowners preparing for holiday guests and colder weather, we’re offering:

$99 Water Heater Flush + Winter Safety Inspection

(Normally $169)

Service includes:

  • Full flush + sediment removal

  • Burner/element safety test

  • Temperature & pressure valve inspection

  • Water pressure check

  • Leak detection

  • Detailed written report

Final Thoughts

Flushing your water heater before winter is one of the most important — and most overlooked — home maintenance tasks.
It protects your tank, lowers your bills, and ensures you have plenty of hot water when you need it most.

Davis Plumbing & Heating proudly serves Riverside County with expert, family-owned service you can trust.

📞 Call or text: 951-657-0393