As fall approaches in Oakland County, MI, your home starts using more hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes. One smart habit that keeps comfort high and bills low is simple: flush your water heater once a year. It’s a quick way to extend the life of your system, improve performance, and reduce the chance of surprise repairs.
At Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve helped Waterford-area homeowners since 1929. Here’s why flush your water heater belongs on your annual checklist—and how our team can make it easy.
Why Flushing Matters
Sediment—tiny minerals and debris from your water supply—settles to the bottom of tank-style water heaters. Over time, that layer gets thicker and starts causing headaches.
What sediment does
- Insulates the burner or elements, forcing the unit to work harder
- Steals capacity, so you get no hot water sooner during showers
- Creates popping or rumbling sounds as water bubbles through buildup
- Raises energy costs and can shorten system life
If you’ve been searching “water heater troubleshooting” for lukewarm or inconsistent water, sediment is a common culprit.
Clear Benefits of an Annual Flush
Better efficiency and lower bills
Removing sediment lets the heat transfer happen the way it should. Your water heater doesn’t have to run as long, which may help trim energy use.
Hotter, more consistent water
When the tank’s full capacity returns, you’ll notice steadier temperatures and longer showers.
Fewer repairs and leaks
Sediment can overheat tank bottoms and stress heating elements, leading to water heater repair calls—or worse, a premature replacement. Flushing reduces that risk.
Longer equipment life
A clean system simply lasts longer. Yearly flushing is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment.
Signs It’s Time to Flush Your Water Heater Now
- Rumbling or popping noises from the tank
- Hot water runs out fast or feels inconsistent
- Cloudy or rusty-looking hot water
- Higher utility bills without a clear reason
- You can’t remember the last flush (it’s time!)
If you also see water around the base or notice a persistent leak, stop and call a pro. A water heater leaking may indicate a failing tank, which flushing cannot fix.
Tank vs. Tankless: Do Both Need Flushing?
Tank-style water heaters
These benefit most from an annual flush because sediment settles at the bottom of the tank. In our area, where many homes have at least moderately hard water, once a year is a solid rule of thumb.
Tankless water heaters
Tankless units don’t store water, but they still need periodic descaling to remove mineral deposits inside the heat exchanger. Plan on professional maintenance annually or as your manufacturer recommends.
Can I Flush It Myself?
You’ll find plenty of DIY guides online for water heater troubleshooting and flushing. A careful homeowner can handle a basic flush on a traditional tank. Still, there are reasons many Oakland County homeowners choose Kotz:
- Safety: Scalding water and gas controls require care.
- Thoroughness: We flush, check the anode rod, test the T&P valve, and inspect for early signs of trouble.
- Warranty protection: Professional service helps keep warranties in good standing.
- Time savings: We handle it quickly, cleanly, and correctly.
What a Professional Flush Includes (Quick Overview)
- Power and fuel off for safety
- Cool-down period to avoid scalding
- Hose connection to the drain valve
- Controlled drain and sediment purge
- Refill and air purge, then system restart
- Performance test for temperature, pressure, and leaks
This is also the perfect time to discuss upgrades—like a tankless water heater, a larger tank for growing families, or a mixing valve for steady temperatures.
When Flushing Isn’t Enough: Repair or Replace?
If your unit is 8–12 years old (tank) or you’re facing frequent breakdowns, flushing alone may not solve the root issue. Kotz can help you compare water heater repair vs. water heater replacement and explain total cost of ownership. If a new system makes sense, our team handles fast, clean water heater installation with trusted products that fit your home, usage, and budget.
Simple Tips to Keep Hot Water Flowing
- Schedule annual flushing (put it on your fall to-do list).
- Set a smart temperature (typically around 120°F for comfort and safety).
- Add a whole-home filter or softening solution if mineral buildup is severe.
- Call early if you notice noises, temperature swings, or a small leak.
Ready for Easy, Reliable Hot Water?
Whether you want us to flush your water heater, perform a full tune-up, or talk through replacement options, Kotz is here to help. We’re locally owned and have served Waterford and Oakland County since 1929 with quality workmanship, honesty, integrity, and personalized attention. We stand behind reliable products from trusted manufacturers—and we stand behind our work.
Stay cozy this fall. Contact Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule your annual flush or to book a no-pressure estimate for a new water heater.
