Water Heater Flush

Water Heater Flush in New Orleans

The mineral-rich water supply in the Greater New Orleans area may be great for seafood boils, but not for your water heater. Over time, sediment, mineral deposits, and rust can clog your water heater and even crack the tank. That’s where Keefe’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical, Generator & Plumbing comes in. Our New Orleans plumbers will flush away the gunk, check for damage, and make sure your hot water is flowing clean, fast, and worry-free. Whether you own a traditional hot water tank or a modern tankless heater, both need routine flushing to stay in mint condition — and that’s why we recommend scheduling professional water heater maintenance at least once per year. For Fast Relief, Call KEEFE!

Signs Your Water Heater Needs a Flush in the Greater New Orleans Area

Knowing when your hot water heater is due for a flush can save you from bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Strange Noises From The Tank: If you hear popping, rumbling, or banging, you’re likely dealing with sediment buildup at the bottom of the hot water tank. That sediment traps heat beneath it, causing the metal of your tank to overheat and possibly crack over time.
  • Rusty Or Discolored Water From The Tap: Brown or reddish water is a red flag. It can point to corrosion inside your tank or a failing anode rod, which protects your tank from rust.
  • Fluctuating Water Temperature: Inconsistent heating could mean your heating element is struggling to keep up due to sediment covering it, especially in areas with hard water like the Greater New Orleans area.
  • Lower Water Pressure: A buildup of mineral deposits can block your hot water pipes, making it harder for water to move freely through your system.
  • Longer Heating Times: If your water heating system is taking too long to deliver hot water, your thermostat may be working overtime to fight through sediment, which also drives up your energy bill.
  • Visible Leaks: Any leak around the drain valve of the hot water tank may be a result of pressure, corrosion, or cracks caused by excess sediment. For Fast Relief, Call KEEFE!
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Benefits of a Water Heater Flush Service

Routine hot water tank maintenance not only fixes current issues, but it also prevents future ones and helps your system perform better overall.

  • Extend The Life Of Your Water Heater: Flushing a hot water tank removes harmful mineral deposits that can corrode your tank, wear down the anode, or damage the heat exchanger. Regular water tank maintenance helps you avoid premature replacement and keeps your system running strong for years.
  • Improve Heating Efficiency: Without sediment coating your heating element, your water heater can warm water faster and more evenly. This means less strain on your thermostat, reduced energy costs, and a more dependable supply of hot water for every shower, kitchen task, or toilet flush.
  • Increase Hot Water Capacity: As sediment builds up, it takes up valuable space inside your tank. A professional hot water flush clears that debris, allowing your system to fill with more clean water so you get all the hot water you need.
  • Prevent Leaks And Costly Damage: When we drain the hot water tank, our team inspects the relief valve, drain, and connected pipes to catch issues early. This proactive care prevents major leaks that could ruin your basement floor.
  • Protect Your Family’s Health: A clean hot water tank is a healthier one. By removing bacteria-prone sediment and rust during a water tank flush, we make sure your tap water is fresh, safe, and ready for daily use in your kitchen, bathroom, and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flushing Water Heaters

Because of the mineral-rich water supply in the Greater New Orleans area, we recommend scheduling a hot water tank flush at least once per year. Annual maintenance removes sediment, protects the heating element, and prevents costly leaks or corrosion in your tank.

Even though tankless heaters don’t store water, they’re still vulnerable to mineral buildup in the heat exchanger. To keep your tankless water heater efficient and your water heating consistent, we recommend a professional tankless water flush once per year, and sometimes more often in homes with hard water.

Typically, a full hot water flush service takes about an hour, depending on whether you have a traditional tank or a tankless system.

While it’s possible to drain your hot water tank with a garden hose, most homeowners prefer professional help to avoid mistakes and catch early warning signs like corrosion or faulty valves.

Skipping a flush allows sediment and mineral buildup to worsen, leading to reduced heating efficiency, poor water pressure, and eventual system failure.

Yes! Flushing water heater units clears out bacteria-prone sediment and rust, restoring clean, fresh tap water.

No problem. Our team is experienced with tight basement setups, floor access units, and everything in between.

What Is a Water Heater Flush & Why It’s Essential

A water heater flush is a simple but powerful maintenance service that involves draining the hot water tank, flushing out built-up sediment, and giving the internal components a thorough check. Whether you have a traditional tank-style or a modern tankless heater, this service is designed to improve performance, prevent breakdowns, and keep your system safe. Over time, the minerals in NOLA’s water supply, like calcium and magnesium, settle at the bottom of your tank or inside your tankless unit. This mineral buildup hardens, reduces efficiency, and creates hot spots that can damage your tank, pipes, or heating element. A professional flush prevents all that and keeps your water heating system working just like it should. For Fast Relief, Call KEEFE!

How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?

We recommend flushing your water heater at least once a year. Homes in the Greater New Orleans area that have hard water may benefit from more frequent hot water tank cleaning. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to inspect your system and create a maintenance plan that fits your home’s needs. Routine hot water tank maintenance isn’t just about preventing issues but also about maximizing value. A clean, efficient system lasts longer, heats better, and saves you money over time. If you’re part of Keefe’s Club, your annual plumbing inspection is already included!

Flushing a Traditional vs. a Tankless Water Heater

While both systems need regular flushing, the method varies depending on whether you have a traditional hot water tank or a tankless model. A traditional unit stores water in a tank, where sediment settles at the bottom. During a hot water tank flush, we’ll drain the system by opening the relief valve and clearing out any debris or minerals that could lead to overheating, rust, or a leak. It’s a straightforward but critical part of keeping your water heating system safe and effective. For a tankless heater flush, we focus on the heat exchanger, which can quickly become clogged with hard water deposits and corrosion. Using a pump and hose, we circulate cleaner through the system for 30–60 minutes to dissolve mineral buildup. We have experience working with Rinnai and other tankless models, so you can trust us to restore optimal flow and temperature performance.

Trusted Care Across Greater New Orleans

From downtown streets to quiet neighborhoods, Keefe’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical, Generator & Plumbing is here to keep every hot water heater in the Greater New Orleans area running strong. Our local team knows the unique challenges of Louisiana homes, and we bring dependable service wherever you need it.
  • Slidell
  • Pearl River
  • Sun
  • Covington
  • Hammond
  • Lacombe
  • Kenner
  • Metairie
  • Jefferson
  • Harahan
  • Destrehan
  • La Place
  • New Sarpy
  • Norco
  • Mt. Airy
  • Reserve
  • St. Rose
  • Lutcher
  • Garyville
  • Gramercy
  • Abita Springs
  • Bush
  • Folsom
  • Belle Chasse
  • TerryTown
  • Algiers
  • Gretna
  • New Orleans
  • Barataria
  • Harvey
  • Lafitte
  • Marrero
  • Des Allemands
  • Ama
  • Boutte
  • Hahnville
  • Luling
  • Paradis
  • Westwego
  • Arabi
  • Braithwaite
  • Chalmette
  • Mereaux
  • St Bernard
  • Violet
  • Ponchatoula
  • Mandeville

Schedule Your Water Heater Flush Today

Your hot water heater deserves expert care, and no one delivers that better in the Greater New Orleans Area than Keefe’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical, Generator & Plumbing. Our plumbers are trained to handle any system — electric, gas, tankless, or traditional — and we treat your home like it’s our own. Whether your shower pressure’s dropping or your sink water’s running rusty, we’re here with fast, professional service and a smile. With Keefe’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical, Generator & Plumbing, you’ll always know what to expect: up-front pricing, trustworthy advice, and a job done right the first time. Need financing? We’ve got options. Want to be proactive? Join Keefe’s Club for unbeatable plumbing maintenance perks, from discounts to priority scheduling. Don’t wait until a leak, drain, or pressure issue becomes a flood. For Fast Relief, Call KEEFE!