Water Heater Maintenance: How Often to Drain It (and Why It Matters for Your Home Insurance)

By Brad Davis, CIC (January 27, 2026)
Davis Insurance Associates – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If there’s one appliance in your home that quietly causes some of the most expensive water damage claims, it’s the water heater.

As a local insurance agency serving Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas of South Carolina, we regularly see claims caused by failed water heaters – especially when they’re located inside the home, on a first or second floor, or in a closet instead of a garage.

The good news?
Routine water heater maintenance is simple, affordable, and can dramatically reduce your risk of a major water loss claim while also extending the life of the unit.

Let’s break down how often maintenance should be done, the differences between standard tank vs. tankless water heaters, and whether electric or gas makes a difference.

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Why Water Heater Maintenance Is So Important

Most homeowners don’t think about their water heater until:

• There’s no hot water, or

• It fails suddenly and floods part of the house

Unfortunately, many water heater failures happen without warning, especially when sediment buildup or internal corrosion weakens the tank over time.

In South Carolina, we also deal with:

• Harder water in some areas

• Higher humidity

• Homes built slab-on-grade with water heaters installed inside

All of this makes maintenance even more important.

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How Often Should a Standard Tank Water Heater Be Drained?

Recommended schedule:

At least once per year

Draining a traditional tank water heater removes sediment buildup that settles at the bottom of the tank over time.

Why draining matters:

• Reduces internal corrosion

• Improves heating efficiency

• Prevents overheating of the tank bottom

• Helps avoid premature tank failure

Sediment buildup is one of the leading causes of tank rupture, which can result in sudden and severe water damage.

👉If you’re curious what basic water heater maintenance looks like, Home Depot provides a helpful overview of routine steps homeowners should understand, including draining and flushing schedules. Water Heater Maintenance Article with Video by The Home Depot

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What Happens If You Never Drain Your Water Heater?

If a tank water heater is never drained:

• Sediment hardens inside the tank

• The tank has to work harder to heat water

• Internal lining breaks down faster

• Risk of leaks or catastrophic failure increases

From an insurance perspective, many water heater claims we see are sudden and accidental, but insurers are paying closer attention to age and maintenance history.

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Tankless Water Heater Maintenance: What’s Different?

Tankless water heaters don’t store water, but they still require regular maintenance.

Recommended schedule:

Once per year (sometimes more in hard water areas)

Instead of draining, tankless units require descaling or flushing to remove mineral buildup from the heat exchanger.

Why this matters:

• Mineral buildup restricts water flow

• Reduces efficiency

• Causes overheating and system errors

• Shortens the life of the unit

Even though tankless systems are often marketed as “low maintenance,” skipping service can lead to expensive repairs or total replacement.

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Electric vs. Gas Water Heaters: Does Maintenance Differ?

Yes, slightly.

Electric Water Heaters

• Sediment buildup can cover heating elements

• Elements may burn out prematurely

• Annual draining is especially important

Gas Water Heaters

• Sediment can block heat transfer at the bottom of the tank

• Increases risk of overheating

• Venting and burner components should also be checked

Both types benefit greatly from annual draining, but gas units should also be inspected for proper venting and combustion safety.

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Why Location of the Water Heater Matters (A Lot)

Where your water heater is located can significantly impact the severity of damage if it fails.

Higher-risk locations:

• Inside the home

• First or second floor

• Laundry rooms

• Closets

• Attics

When a water heater fails in these locations, water can:

• Damage flooring, drywall, and cabinets

• Leak into lower levels

• Cause mold issues

• Result in tens of thousands of dollars in damage

Routine maintenance becomes even more critical when the water heater is not in the garage.

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Water Heater Maintenance and Home Insurance Claims

From an insurance standpoint:

• Sudden water heater failures are typically covered

• Long-term leaks or neglect-related issues may not be

While insurance is there for accidents, it’s not meant to replace routine maintenance.

Maintaining your water heater helps:

• Reduce claim risk

• Avoid disputes over wear and tear

• Keep premiums lower over time

Some insurers are also beginning to ask more questions about age and condition when underwriting or renewing policies.

👉Feel free to visit our Home Insurance Page to find out what we have to offer.

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How Long Should a Water Heater Last?

With proper maintenance:

• Standard tank water heater: 10–12 years (sometimes longer)

• Tankless water heater: 15–20 years

Without maintenance, those timelines can be cut in half.

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Simple Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

• Drain tank water heaters annually

• Schedule annual tankless flushing

• Know how old your water heater is

• Consider a water leak detection device

• Replace units proactively before failure

• Pay extra attention if your water heater is inside the home

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Final Thoughts for Myrtle Beach Homeowners

Water heater maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your home from a major water loss.

As a local Myrtle Beach insurance agency, we’d much rather help you avoid a claim than deal with the aftermath of one.

If you’re not sure how your water heater is insured, how its location affects risk, or whether your home insurance is keeping up with changes in your home, we’re happy to review it with you.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended as plumbing, mechanical, or professional advice. Water heater maintenance and installation requirements can vary based on the type of unit, manufacturer guidelines, and local building codes. Homeowners should consult a licensed plumber for advice specific to their situation.

Additionally, this article does not change, replace, or interpret the terms of any insurance policy. Coverage, exclusions, and limitations vary by policy and carrier. Refer to your actual insurance policy for specific coverage details.