Here’s the Real Answer From Someone Who Actually Does It

If you’ve been told your water heater needs flushing, you’re probably wondering:

“How much is this gonna cost me — and is it even worth it?”

Fair question.
I’ve flushed dozens (probably hundreds) of water heaters in Sacramento — and I’ve had this conversation with just about every type of homeowner:

• The one who’s never done it
• The one who waited too long
• And the one who does it every year like clockwork

So here’s the honest answer — no fluff, no upsell.

What It Typically Costs (In Sacramento)

If you call a licensed plumber in the Sacramento area, a proper flush usually costs:

$120 to $200 for a standard tank-style heater
$180 to $250+ for a tankless system (more setup, more descaling involved)

Prices vary based on:

• Access to the unit (garage vs tight closet vs attic)
• Whether it’s gas or electric
• If it’s overdue and full of scale
• If other maintenance is needed (filters, ignitor checks, etc.)

Could someone quote you less? Maybe.
But ask what’s included — because a $79 “flush” might mean they run water through it for 3 minutes and leave.

What You’re Actually Paying For

A real flush (the kind we do) involves:

1. Shutting off water, gas, and power safely
2. Draining the unit fully
3. Running vinegar or descaling solution through the system
4. Removing sediment from the bottom of the tank (if it’s a traditional heater)
5. Cleaning filters (especially on tankless models)
6. Testing and restart — checking for weird noises, error codes, or pressure drops

It’s not just about draining water.
It’s about clearing out what you can’t see — minerals, buildup, gunk that shortens the life of your heater.

What Happens If You Don’t Flush?

I’ve seen water heaters last 12–15 years with regular flushing.
I’ve also seen 4-year-old units fail because nobody touched them.

Here’s what buildup does:

• Makes the unit run longer = higher bills
• Causes “popping” or “rumbling” sounds
• Lowers water temperature
• Blocks sensors and burner efficiency
• Can overheat the system and cause leaks

And once that scale cakes onto the heat exchanger?
You’re not cleaning it — you’re replacing it.

Is It Worth It?

Let’s do the math.

$150 a year = preventive care
$1,600+ to replace a full unit

Add in cleanup, permits, installation — and you’re way over what a few flushes would’ve cost you.

So yes — it’s worth it. Especially in a hard water zone like Sacramento.

What We Do at Golden Valley Plumbing

We don’t do “quick rinse and run.”
When we flush a heater, we treat it like we installed it.
We’ll show you what comes out, explain what to watch for, and let you know if anything looks off.

Want a straight-up quote? Or not sure when yours was last flushed?
Golden Valley Plumbing can help — no pressure, just honest work.

Final Thought

You don’t need to flush your heater every week.
But once a year? That’s smart.

It’s not just about hot water today.
It’s about keeping that hot water coming — without surprises.