Ever asked yourself: how do I know if my water heater needs to be flushed?
If the hot water pressure’s dropped, your taps are coughing out rust coloured water, or you’re hearing strange noises from the tank — congratulations, your water heater is waving a bright red flag.
And while it’s true that Victoria’s water is relatively clean (cheers to that), that doesn’t mean your hot water heater is immune to sediment build up, corrosion, or worse — sky-high energy costs from a unit that has to work harder to deliver what it once did effortlessly.
Let’s break it down.
Noticed a brown or reddish tinge when you run the hot water tap?
That’s not just a dirty pipe. That’s your water heater tank reacting to sediment build up or internal corrosion. Over time, minerals, debris, and oxidised metal flake off and mix into the water. Not only is that gross — it’s a sign your tank may be deteriorating from the inside out.
If left unchecked, that sediment hardens and clogs your drain valve, making it even harder to successfully flushed the system later.
Hearing popping, banging, or crackling? That’s not your pipes settling — it’s your heater throwing a tantrum.
These strange noises come from mineral deposits that settle at the bottom of the tank. When the heating element fires up, it’s forced to heat around the sediment, which can cause the water to boil underneath and create percussive shockwaves inside.
Not only is it annoying, but it’s also a red flag that your hot water heater is about to start underperforming.
If your morning hot shower is now more of a lukewarm water drizzle, your heater needs attention.
Why? Because sediment builds up like a blanket between your heat source and the water. The more that builds, the harder it is for the water heater to do its job. You’ll see it in the form of short hot cycles, or random bursts of cold water mid-shower.
And if you’re using an electric water heater, the issue can be even worse, as buildup around the heating element will reduce its effectiveness and burn more power.
If your utility bills are climbing and your hot water isn’t lasting longer than a pub happy hour, the two are probably connected.
As sediment thickens inside the tank, it insulates the water from the heat — making your water heater work harder, run longer, and suck up more energy. This isn’t just bad for the wallet; it’s a sign of major inefficiency and long-term wear.
Most manufacturers recommend a general water heater maintenance check every two years — and that’s our policy too.
Now, we’re not saying you need to flush your water heater every year (especially in Victoria, where water supply is cleaner than most), but if you’ve skipped your regular service for two years or more, you’re playing with fire… or cold water, more accurately.
Regular checks will reveal if a water heater flush is needed, or if other components like the relief valve, shut off valve, or gas valve are starting to give out.
Look, we get it. You’ve watched a couple of videos, grabbed your garden hose, and you’re feeling like a DIY king.
But flushing a hot water system is not just twisting a drain valve and walking away.
You’ll need to safely:
Miss a step, and you could end up flooding your garage, scalding yourself, or worse — ruining the entire system.
When our licensed techs arrive, they’re not just turning a few valves and dragging out the hose.
They’re inspecting your pilot light, checking for hidden bacteria, cleaning out remaining sediment, testing the water supply, and ensuring the cold water inlet and relief valve are in open position — all while monitoring pressure and safeguarding your warranty.
More importantly? They make sure your hot water stays crystal clear, your tank stays clean, and your system stays efficient for years to come.
Here’s what you get when Melbourne Heating and Cooling handles it:
Whether it’s strange noises, low hot water, or rust coloured water out of nowhere — your water heater is trying to tell you something.
If you’re wondering, how do I know if my water heater needs to be flushed — now you do.
Sure, you could try to flush it yourself, but why gamble with something as important as your hot water system?
At Melbourne Heating and Cooling, we don’t just tick boxes — we fix problems before they become severe problems. Our experts diagnose, clean, and maintain every part of your heater so you’re never caught out by a cold water surprise again.
Book a professional service today and let our team keep your home or business comfortable — clean water, strong pressure, no stress.
Visit our Contact Us page to schedule your service or speak with a qualified technician.
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