How Often Should You Flush Your Electric Storage Water Heater?

How Often Should You Flush Your Electric Storage Water Heater?

A Guide to Maintaining Your ThermoMate 10-Gallon & 18-Gallon Models

Maintaining your electric storage water heater may not be the most glamorous part of homeownership, but it’s essential for keeping your hot water flowing efficiently year-round. At ThermoMate, we’ve designed our 10-gallon and 18-gallon electric storage water heaters to make routine maintenance — like flushing — simple, fast, and effective.

So, how often should you flush your water heater? Let’s break it down.


Why Flushing Is Important

Sediment buildup is inevitable in storage water heaters, especially in areas with hard water. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a thick layer of sediment that can:

  • Reduce energy efficiency

  • Increase heating time

  • Shorten the lifespan of the unit

  • Cause rumbling or popping noises

  • Lead to rust or corrosion

Regular flushing removes this buildup and keeps your ThermoMate water heater running smoothly.


How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?

Here’s what we recommend for ThermoMate 10-gallon and 18-gallon electric models:

Condition Recommended Flushing Frequency
Normal use, soft/moderate water Once per year
Hard water area Every 6 months
High hot water demand Every 6 months

💡 Pro Tip: Flushing takes just 15–30 minutes and can significantly extend your unit's service life.


Built-In Drain Valves Make It Easy

Both our 10-gallon and 18-gallon ThermoMate storage water heaters come equipped with built-in drain valves for effortless flushing.

These features make it easy to:

  • Attach a standard garden hose

  • Fully empty the tank

  • Rinse out sediment with minimal tools or mess

This user-friendly design saves time and encourages regular maintenance.


Signs That It’s Time to Flush Your Heater

Not sure if your unit needs flushing? Watch for these red flags:

  • Longer heating times

  • Hot water runs out quickly

  • Cloudy, discolored, or metallic-smelling water

  • Unusual noises from the tank

  • Water leaks around the base

If you notice any of these, it’s time to flush — regardless of the calendar.


How to Flush Your ThermoMate Water Heater

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

  1. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker.

  2. Shut off the cold water supply valve.

  3. Attach a garden hose to the built-in drain valve at the bottom of the tank.

  4. Open the valve and drain the water into a floor drain or bucket.

  5. Open the cold water valve briefly to stir up remaining sediment and flush it out.

  6. Once clear, close the drain valve, remove the hose, and refill the tank.

  7. Turn the power back on once the tank is full.

Need help? Your ThermoMate manual includes detailed instructions, or you can contact a licensed plumber.


Why Choose ThermoMate?

Our 10-gallon and 18-gallon electric storage water heaters are designed with U.S. homeowners in mind. Whether you need hot water for a small household, office, or utility room, ThermoMate delivers:

  • Durable steel tanks with anti-corrosion enamel lining

  • User-friendly drain valve for easy maintenance

  • Overheat and dry-heating protection

  • Energy-efficient performance

  • Free U.S. shipping and a 1-year warranty


Final Thoughts

To keep your ThermoMate electric storage water heater operating at peak performance, flush it at least once a year — or every 6 months in hard water regions. Thanks to the built-in drain valve, it’s a simple DIY task that protects your investment and ensures a steady supply of hot water when you need it most.


Shop ThermoMate Storage Water Heaters:

Need help choosing the right model or scheduling maintenance? Our team is here to help. Contact us anytime at thermomate.com.

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