Why Annual Water Heater Maintenance Matters

Keeping your home’s hot water dependable through cold Connecticut winters starts with one essential step: regular water heater maintenance. Whether you use a traditional tank system or a tankless unit, routine flushing and descaling are key to preventing breakdowns and maximizing efficiency.

What a Water Heater Flush Does

A professional water heater flush removes sediment, scale, and mineral buildup that naturally collects inside your system over time. For tankless units, this involves circulating a safe descaling solution through the heat exchanger. For tank-style heaters, the tank is drained and cleaned until the water runs clear.

Without this service, minerals like calcium and magnesium create insulating layers that restrict water flow, reduce heating efficiency, and strain your system.

Why Regular Flushing Is Essential

Skipping annual maintenance can lead to cold showers—and much bigger problems. Sediment and scale buildup can increase energy use, cause fluctuating temperatures, and lead to unexpected shutdowns.

For tankless systems, scale can trigger error codes and shorten component life. In traditional tanks, sediment buildup may create hotspots that accelerate corrosion or even cause tank failure. Routine flushing keeps your system operating smoothly, reduces recovery time, and helps extend its lifespan.

How Often You Should Flush Your System

Most Wallingford-area homes should follow these guidelines:

Tankless water heaters: Once per year
Tank-style heaters: Every one to two years

Homes with hard water may require more frequent service to keep minerals under control.

Maintenance for Tankless Systems

Because tankless systems heat water on demand, minerals settle inside the heat exchanger where they cause flow restrictions and force the unit to work harder. If left unchecked, this can reduce water pressure, increase energy bills, or trigger system errors.

During a professional service, a technician will descale the unit, clean inlet screens, check valves and seals, and ensure proper venting and condensation management—steps that help protect your investment and keep your unit running at peak performance.

Why Professional Service Matters

DIY flushing may seem simple, but using the wrong tools or solutions can push sediment into delicate components or damage internal parts. A licensed professional follows the manufacturer’s recommendations and uses the correct equipment to protect both your heater and its warranty.

At Mansolf Plumbing & Heating, we ensure your system receives thorough, expert care—helping you avoid breakdowns, improve efficiency, and enjoy reliable hot water all year long.

If it’s time to service your water heater, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (203) 774-5318 to schedule your appointment.