How Much Does It Cost to Flush a Water Heater in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Regularly flushing your water heater keeps hot water flowing, lowers energy use, and wards off pricey breakdowns. Expect to spend between $110 and $200 on water heater flush costs, with most projects averaging $160. In some cases, this service can cost as little as $75, or run as high as $250 for more complex situations. 

Your total will vary depending on tank size, heater type, and local labor rates. If your morning shower sputters or turns lukewarm, your water heater is likely overdue for a flush. Slotting a flush into your routine once or twice a year clears out sediment, extends the unit’s life, and helps you avoid mid-shower temperature swings.

Water Heater Flushing Cost Factors

Several key factors drive what you’ll pay for a flush. Use the breakdown below to see where your dollars go.

Tank Size

Bigger tanks mean a longer drain-and-refill cycle—and higher labor costs:

Labor

Many plumbers charge by the hour, averaging $45 to $200, depending on experience and scope. Others quote a flat $100 to $400 for a straightforward water heater flush. Many plumbers have a minimum charge equivalent to a set number of hours. Ask about minimums and bundle small jobs to save time and money.

Plumber’s Level of Expertise

Here’s what different experience levels cost per hour:

• Apprentice: $45–$90

• Journey-level: $70–$120

• Master: $90–$200

An apprentice or qualified handyperson can flush a heater. For repairs or electrical work, hire a journey-level or master plumber.

Additional Water Heater Tasks

Your plumber may recommend (and charge extra for) tasks like:

• Descaling the tank

• Inspecting and repairing leaks, loose connections, or rust

• Checking electrical/heating components and the pressure valve

• Replacing the anode rod

Consider bundling some of these related tasks while your pro is on site doing your water heater flushing:

• Water softener installation cost: $200–$6,000

• Well inspection cost: $250–$550

• Pipe leak repair cost: $300–$850

• Plumbing repair cost: $75–$4,000

• Toilet installation cost: $225–$550

Single Visit vs. Regular Maintenance

A one-time flush costs less today, but a water heater maintenance plan—paid annually or monthly—bundles routine checks, priority scheduling, and repair discounts. If you like predictable costs and fewer surprises, the plan can pay for itself.

Materials

Materials run roughly $20 to $140, depending on the heater you own. For a standard tank model, budget for basic supplies, including:

• Garden hose: $15–$50

• Bucket: $5–$10

For a tankless water heater, you'll need the following:

• Tankless water heater flush kit (pump, hose, bucket): $100–$120

• Cleaner (3 gallons distilled white vinegar): $3–$6 per gallon

Cost to Flush a Water Heater by Type

Costs shift depending on whether you own a tank or a tankless unit:

Tank-Style Water Heater

Flushing a tank-style water heater costs $75 to $150. A tank heater stores hot water for multiple users but constantly reheats standby water, so a quick flush boosts efficiency and curbs wasted energy.

Tankless Water Heater

You’ll spend $150 to $250 on flushing a tankless water heater. A tankless unit heats water on demand—up to 50% more efficiently—saving space and lasting longer with fewer leak worries. The trade-off is a higher upfront price and slower delivery when several taps run at once. A routine flush keeps that on-demand performance sharp.

Budgeting for Water Heater Flushing

Consider these cost-saving tips to make your water heater flushing service more wallet-friendly:

• Hire an apprentice plumber or handyperson to avoid the higher rates that come with more experienced plumbing pros.

• Stay on top of water heater repairs and maintenance to avoid costly expenses and serious issues with your unit.

• Get detailed estimates from at least three local water heater specialists to ensure competitive pricing. 

DIY Water Heater Flushing vs. Hiring a Plumber

Comfortable with basic tools and safety steps? Doing the job yourself cuts out labor charges. Tank models are fairly straightforward, while tankless units need a circulation pump and cleaning solution. It costs as little as $55 to flush a water heater yourself, but a pro can quickly handle the job as part of routine maintenance. 

Hiring a plumber ensures safety, correct procedure, inspections, repairs, and can extend your heater's lifespan. A local plumbing pro costs more but avoids mistakes.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.