How Much Does It Cost to Flush a Water Heater? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $110 - $200
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $160 to flush a water heater. Depending on the type, size, location, and labor, most spend between $110 and $200.
Flushing a tank water heater typically costs $75 to $150, while flushing a tankless water heater runs $150 to $250 due to added complexity.
The price to flush a water heater increases with tank size, ranging from $90 to $120 for 30 to 40 gallons and $180 to $250 for 60 to 80 gallons.
Hiring a professional plumber for a water heater flush costs $45 to $200 per hour, with total labor often totaling $45 to $600 per job.
Additional water heater services like pipe leak repairs range from $300 to $850, while installing a water softener can cost $200 to $6,000.
Your average water heater flush cost falls around $160, with most prices ranging from $110 to $200 depending on several factors. If your water heater sounds like a new garage band’s drum solo and is accompanied by lukewarm temps, it’s probably time to flush your water heater. Here’s a close look at the different aspects that can impact your water heater flush cost to help you budget.
Water Heater Flush Cost Breakdown
The cost to flush a water heater can depend on the type of water heater, tank size, materials, labor, and more. Use the following breakdown to help you navigate the cost of your water heater flush.
Guide to Water Heater Installation
Types
Choosing the best water heater type for your home is already a decision that can impact costs, but maintenance costs like flushing your water heater can also be affected by which one you choose. Overall, tankless water heaters cost $75 to $100 more to flush than tank water heaters due to the different water heater components.
Water Heater Type
Average Cost Range
Average Cost
Tank water heater
$75–$150
$115
Tankless water heater
$150–$250
$200
Tank Size
The national average cost to flush a water heater is $160, but prices can vary in increments based on the tank size. A 30-gallon tank will cost between $90 and $120 on average, while a 70-gallon tank could cost anywhere between $180 and $250.
Your water heater’s capacity can increase or decrease the time it takes to wait for the water to cool, drain the tank, flush the tank with cool water, and refill it during the flushing process. This means that larger water heater tanks could cost more to flush if you hire a plumber who charges by the hour. The number of people in your home affects the size of your tank, so larger households may cost more to flush a water heater than smaller households.
Here’s a closer look at water heater sizes and the typical price range that goes along with each size.
Plumbers cost anywhere between $45 and $200 per hour,depending on experience. Not all plumbers charge by the hour, however. Some plumbers charge a flat rate fee ranging from $100 to $400. Expect your local plumber to have a minimum charge for servicing your water heater. It takes around one to three hours to flush a water heater, so you'll spend between $45 and $600 if you hire a professional.
Level of Expertise
Again, the more experience your plumber has, the more you may end up paying to flush your water heater. Apprentice plumbers charge the least, master plumbers charge the most, and journey-level plumbers charge somewhere in between.
Choosing between a tankless vs. tank water heater is already a decision that can impact upfront costs, but long-term maintenance costs like flushing your water heater can come with additional expenses worth considering.
Tank Water Heater Flush Cost
Your conventional water heater is a tank-style water heater. The cost to flush a tank water heater ranges between $75 and $150. These water heaters are cheaper to flush overall because of how simple the process is. However, flushing your tank means you'll need to refill the entire tank with water and use energy to heat the new water once it's full.
A tank water heater costs between $600 and $2,500 to install, and its cheaper price tag for flushing the tank means you’ll save in maintenance and upfront costs. However, tank water heaters are less efficient than their tankless water heater counterparts.
Tankless Water Heater Flush Cost
Overall, tankless water heaters cost more to flush than traditional water heaters. This is because they are more complex than traditional water heaters and may need more frequent flushing to help curb limescale and sediment buildup. As such, you’ll spend anywhere between $150 and $250 on average to flush your tankless water heater.
Tankless water heaters cost between $1,400 and $3,800 to install, but their energy efficiency means you could conserve anywhere from 8% to 34% more energy than your traditional storage tank water heater, according to Energy Saver.
On top of your up front cost for flushing a water heater, you also have several ongoing expenses to keep in mind, including maintenance and repair costs.
Maintenance
A one-time visit could cost more than a contract with a local water heater company. Some professionals offer discounts on annual, seasonal, or monthly contracts. Investing in routine maintenance for your water heater can also help you catch issues as soon as they arise.
During a routine water heater tune-up, your pro may offer to flush your water heater, inspect the heater, and repair your unit as needed. You may even receive discounts on Services by signing up for a plan.
Repairs
Repairing a water heater costs between $225 to $1,000 on average, depending on the scope of the repair. Tankless water heaters fall at the higher end of the price point on average, though a water heater leak in your tank can stack up in cost. If your pro notices issues with your water heater while conducting a routine inspection, then they might need to repair your water heater on top of flushing the system.
Why You Should Hire a Water Heater Flushing Pro
Hiring a local water heater flushing pro may cost more upfront, but it ensures your system is cleaned safely and effectively. Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater, reducing efficiency, shortening its lifespan, and potentially causing damage. Professionals have the tools, training, and experience to flush your water heater thoroughly, helping maintain optimal performance and prevent costly repairs.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a water heater flushing pro
Flushing a water heater may seem simple, but it requires technical knowledge and safety precautions. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:
Technicians can safely drain and flush both tank-style and tankless water heaters without causing leaks or damage.
Pros can remove sediment buildup more effectively using professional tools and techniques.
Working with a pro ensures proper reinstallation and pressure checks to prevent malfunctions.
Professionals can spot related issues, such as corrosion, leaks, or faulty valves, before they become major problems.
Hiring a pro helps maintain efficiency, extend the life of your water heater, and reduce energy costs.
If you want to DIY prep for a water heater flush
While flushing is best left to professionals for thorough results, some prep work can make the process smoother:
Clear the area around the water heater to provide easy access.
Note any performance issues, unusual noises, or leaks to share with the technician.
Turn off power or gas supply as directed before the appointment.
Ensure you have access to a drain or bucket if needed for preliminary drainage.
Cost of Common Water Heater Flush Add-Ons
If you decide to work with a plumber to flush your water heater, they might offer additional services—sometimes at discounted rates if you bundle them together. Most plumbers are happy to check your home for leaks, install water softeners, inspect wells, and more. Here are just some of the services your local pro may provide. If you have plumbing concerns or questions, be sure to discuss add-on services with your pro.
How You Can Save Money While Flushing a Water Heater
Flushing a water heater can add up—especially if you have very hard water or a high demand for hot water. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to lower the cost of flushing a water heater, including the following:
Flushing your water heater yourself
Purchasing a flush kit for your tankless water heater
Staying on top of your water heater maintenance
Hiring a handyperson or apprentice plumber to save on hourly rates
Asking around for at least three quotes from local plumbing contractors to find the most competitive rates
Investing in a water softener system to prevent minerals from developing in the first place
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Water Heater Pro
Be ready to discuss with a pro what type of water heater you have, including tank size and fuel type, as this affects the tools and procedure needed for flushing.
If there is room left in your budget, ask your pro about add-ons like inspecting the anode rod, checking valves, or performing a full system maintenance.
Be prepared for unexpected costs, such as corrosion, sediment buildup, or minor leaks that may be discovered during the flushing process.
Plan for access and workspace needs, making sure the area around the water heater is clear and that nearby drains are available for the pro to work safely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, flushing your water heater prevents mineral deposits from collecting in your water heater unit, which can negatively impact your system. Mineral buildup can prevent your water heater from heating up properly and cause your unit to become less efficient. This can hike up your electricity bill or even shorten the life span of your water heater.
You should flush a water heater at least once a year. Just how often you flush your water heater will depend on the water hardness level in your area. Some regions are better off flushing water heaters every six months or even more often if there are high concentrations of calcium in the tap water. If you frequently use your water heater, then you’ll also need to factor in more frequent flushes compared to a water heater that isn’t used as often.
It might be time to flush your water heater if you hear strange noises coming from the tank, reduced hot water flow, or discoloration in the water. These signs usually indicate a sediment buildup in the tank, which can impair your heater’s performance. Regular flushing will help remove this sediment, improve your water heater’s efficiency, and extend its operational life. You should flush your water heater one to two times per year to prevent sediment buildup.
This article was created with the help of AI technology and edited by our editorial team for clarity and accuracy in accordance with Angi’s AI policy. We use AI tools to help deliver useful, easy-to-understand articles for Angi readers like you. Although AI technology supports our content creation, professional editors always review and fact-check it.
Maddie is a playwright and freelance copywriter from Omaha, NE, with over two decades of professional experience. Her focus is on creating work, whether fictional or non, that resonates with readers and tells an authentic story.
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