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.

The average cost to pressure wash a driveway is $160, but costs range from $75 to $250. Factors like your driveway's size and material can impact the price, but a clean driveway is worth the investment to keep your home looking its best.

Water Heater Flushing Cost Factors

The cost of flushing a water heater includes several factors that will determine the final amount you’ll pay. Here's a breakdown of water heater flushing cost factors:

Materials

The material cost to clean a water heater ranges between $20 and $140, depending on the tank type. For a tank-type water heater, the main materials to budget for are:

• Garden hose: $15–$50

• Bucket: $5–$10

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

• Tankless water heater flush kit (comes with a circulation pump, hose, and bucket): $100–$120

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

Labor

Plumbers usually charge by the hour for their services. The average rate is between $45 and $200 per hour, depending on the experience level of the plumber and the work needed. Some plumbers may charge you a flat fee rather than an hourly rate for relatively small jobs.

Where the plumber charges an hourly rate, some might have a minimum charge, equivalent to a minimum number of hours, regardless of how small a job is. Ask your plumber if they have a minimum charge and bundle together other small plumbing jobs around your home to maximize both your time and money.

Plumber’s Level of Expertise

The average hourly rate for a plumber varies depending on their level of expertise. Here are the hourly rates for different experience levels:

• Apprentice: $45–$90 

• Journey-level: $70–$120 

• Master: $90–$200 

The kind of plumber you hire depends on the nature of the project. If you need a flushing service, an apprentice or even a handyperson near you can handle the task. However, if your water heater requires extra checks and repairs, such as replacing blown or damaged electrical components, replacing the pressure relief valve, or sealing leaks, you might need to hire a journeyperson or master plumber whose hourly rates are higher.

Additional Water Heater Tasks

The cost of a flushing service by a plumber also varies based on whether the plumber performs additional tasks on top of flushing your water heater. Some extra tasks that could increase the total cost of the service include the following:

• Descaling the tank

• Visually inspecting the heater for leaks, loose connections, or rust and performing the necessary repairs

• Inspecting electrical and heating components and the pressure valve to make sure they’re working correctly

• Replacing the anode rod

Single Visit vs. Regular Maintenance

The cost to flush a water heater also varies depending on whether it's part of an annual maintenance contract or a one-time visit.

With a maintenance plan, you pay an annual or monthly fee, and in exchange, a pro will perform routine checks on your water heater at regular intervals throughout the year. During these checks, they may perform preventive measures like flushing your water heater.

Depending on your maintenance plan, you'll also get other benefits, including priority service in case your heating system breaks, discounts on repairs, or even free repairs. While a regular maintenance plan will cost more than a one-time visit, the extra benefits could be worth it.

Cost to Flush a Water Heater by Tank Size

The cost to flush a water heater depends on the tank size. Larger tanks take more time to flush, which increases labor costs. Here's how tank size can affect the price:

Cost to Flush a Water Heater by Type

There are two main types of water heaters: tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. Each type has its pros and cons, and the costs to flush them vary.

Tank-Style Water Heater

Flushing a tank water heater costs between $75 and $150. Most homeowners have this type of water heater. Tank water heaters use a large, insulated tank to store hot water until you need it. The advantage of tank water heaters is that multiple people can use hot water simultaneously.

However, tank-style heaters have to keep reheating the water to maintain the temperature, even when you're not using it. This can lead to energy loss, known as standby heat loss. Regular flushing helps your tank water heater work more efficiently, saving you energy and money.

Tankless Water Heater

Flushing a tankless water heater costs between $150 and $250. Instead of storing hot water, tankless heaters heat water on demand when you turn on a hot water tap. This means they don't waste energy keeping water hot when it's not needed, making them up to 50% more energy-efficient than tank-style heaters.

Tankless water heaters save space, last longer, and are less likely to leak. However, they cost more to buy and install, and repairs can be pricier. They also take a bit longer to deliver hot water and may struggle with consistent temperatures if multiple outlets are in use simultaneously. Regular flushing keeps your tankless water heater running efficiently.

DIY Water Heater Flushing vs. Hiring a Plumber

Flushing your water heater yourself can save you money, especially if you're comfortable working with tools and following safety precautions. The process is relatively straightforward for a tank-style water heater, but it can be time-consuming and messy. Tankless water heaters require additional tools like a circulation pump and specific cleaning solutions, making the DIY approach more complex.

Hiring a professional plumber ensures the job is done correctly and safely. A licensed plumber brings expertise and can also inspect your water heater for potential issues, perform necessary repairs, and offer maintenance tips. While hiring a local plumbing pro costs more upfront, it can save you from costly mistakes and extend the life of your water heater.

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.