PLUMBING
How Much Does Water Heater Maintenance Cost?
Estimate water heater flushing and maintenance service cost — with the free calculator.
Yearly water heater maintenance removes sediment, improves efficiency and extends tank life. The price depends on the heater type and what the service includes. This guide covers the cost and a calculator.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Flushing a water heater costs $110–$200, averaging $160. Do it once a year — sediment at the bottom wastes energy and corrodes the tank. Tankless units need descaling every 1–2 years.
What it costs
A professional flush runs $110-$200, averaging $160. Tankless descaling costs more, $150-$300. Anode rod replacement adds $100-$200. A full maintenance visit with inspection runs $150-$250.
- Tank flush: $110–$200
- Tankless descaling: $150–$300
- Anode rod replacement: +$100–$200
Why yearly flushing matters
Sediment settles at the bottom of the tank, insulating the water from the burner and wasting energy. Over time it corrodes the tank from the inside, causing leaks. Flushing once a year extends heater life by years.
What the service includes
A pro drains the tank, flushes the sediment, checks the anode rod and tests the temperature. Ask if the quote includes the anode inspection — that's the part that prevents corrosion.
Try the calculator with your heater
Enter the number of heaters, base price per heater and service per heater to see the total.