- HEP Plumbing
- Routine Flushes

Routine Flushes
Routine Flushes | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | McDonald
When sediment and mineral buildup quietly settle at the bottom of your tank water heater, they steal efficiency, shorten equipment life, and can leave you with lukewarm surprises. HEP’s routine flushes in McDonald wash all that trouble away—safely clearing the tank, restoring peak heat transfer, and saving you money on every energy bill. Our licensed plumbers arrive on time, protect your home, and finish with a spotless workspace, so the only thing you notice is the steady flow of piping-hot water.
Choose HEP for a fast, friendly service backed by transparent pricing and decades of local expertise. Whether your system is brand-new or nearing retirement, a regular flush extends its lifespan, maintains your warranty, and helps you dodge costly emergency repairs. Give your mornings the hot-shower reliability they deserve and let our team keep your tank working like new.
FAQs
Why does my tank water heater in McDonald need routine flushing?
Minerals such as calcium and magnesium found in McDonald’s hard water settle at the bottom of your tank over time. This sediment insulates the burner, forces the heater to work harder, reduces capacity, and can eventually corrode the tank. Flushing removes the buildup before it causes efficiency loss, leaks, or early failure.
How often should I have my tank-style water heater flushed?
For most homes in McDonald, an annual flush is recommended. If you have especially hard water, a large household, or notice faster sediment buildup, flushing every 6–9 months may be wiser. Newer units under warranty also require documented annual maintenance to keep coverage valid.
What warning signs indicate it’s time for a flush?
Common indicators include rumbling or popping noises coming from the tank, longer recovery times, reduced hot-water volume, water that looks rusty or cloudy, and higher utility bills. If you see water seeping from the tank’s drain valve or pressure relief valve, sediment may already be clogging components and a flush is urgent.
What does your routine flush service include?
Our licensed plumber will: 1) turn off gas/electric and water to the heater; 2) connect a food-grade hose to the drain valve; 3) fully drain the tank to flush out sediment; 4) power-rinse the interior with fresh water until it runs clear; 5) inspect the anode rod, burner assembly, T&P valve, and thermostats; 6) refill, purge air, relight or re-energize the unit; and 7) verify proper operation and safety settings.
Can a simple flush really lower my energy bills?
Yes. Just ½ inch of scale can increase energy consumption by 15–20 %. Removing sediment allows direct heat transfer, shortens burner run-times, and restores the tank’s full storage capacity. Over a year, many McDonald homeowners see enough utility savings to offset the cost of the service.
How long will the appointment take, and will I be without hot water?
A standard flush takes 45–60 minutes. During that time the water heater is temporarily shut down and drained, so hot water is unavailable. Once refilled and restarted, it typically takes another 20–30 minutes for the water to reach normal operating temperature. We schedule at your convenience to minimize disruption.