Gresham, Happy Valley, and Portland all have one thing in common—hard water. That means the water in your pipes contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which quietly settle inside your water heater tank. Over time, this mineral buildup can lead to corrosion, loss of efficiency, and premature failure.
If you’ve never had your water heater flushed or inspected for sediment buildup, July is the time to start. At Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing, we’re the #1 trusted plumbing service with over 100 5-star reviews, and we specialize in keeping your plumbing running clean and efficient—even when the water isn’t.
What Is Hard Water—and Why Does It Matter?
Hard water is water with a high mineral content. These minerals don’t pose a health risk, but they do build up inside plumbing systems, especially in water heaters. As hot water evaporates inside the tank, minerals are left behind, creating a layer of sediment.
Over time, this sediment causes:
- Loud banging or popping sounds
- Reduced hot water capacity
- Higher energy bills
- Damage to the tank’s heating elements
- Leaks from stress on the tank floor
In the Portland metro area, hard water is common enough that most water heaters start collecting sediment within the first year of use.
How Sediment Affects Different Types of Water Heaters
Whether you have a traditional tank or a tankless system, sediment is a problem:
In tank-style water heaters, sediment creates a barrier between the burner and the water, forcing the system to work harder and longer to heat the same amount.
In tankless water heaters, scale buildup narrows the water passageways, reducing flow rate and causing error codes that can shut the unit down completely.
If you’re experiencing hot water that doesn’t last or energy bills that keep climbing, sediment could be the hidden culprit.
How Often Should You Flush Your Water Heater?
In Oregon, annual flushing is recommended—but most homeowners skip it until there’s a problem. By that point, the sediment may have already damaged internal parts or caused irreversible wear.
At Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing, we offer professional flushes and system inspections designed to:
- Restore full tank capacity
- Improve water temperature consistency
- Extend the lifespan of your system
- Reduce noise and energy use
Don’t wait until your tank fails. Learn more about your replacement and maintenance options on our Water Heater Replacement page.
When Is It Time to Replace Instead of Flush?
In some cases, flushing is no longer enough. Signs your water heater may need replacing include:
- It’s over 8–10 years old
- The tank is rusting at the bottom
- Water is leaking or pooling around the base
- Repairs are becoming more frequent
- There’s a visible drop in performance after flushing
We help Portland-area homeowners compare energy-efficient, low-maintenance models that reduce sediment risks and provide reliable hot water year-round.
What You Can Do Between Flushes
You can reduce hard water damage with a few homeowner habits:
- Install a whole-home water softener or filtration system
- Check your anode rod annually (a simple replacement that prevents corrosion)
- Schedule a yearly inspection to catch early signs of trouble
- Choose high-quality replacement units designed for hard water areas
A little preventative care now saves you from costly repairs later—and we’re here to help at every step.
Save on Summer Service with Our Coupons
We offer seasonal specials on flushes, diagnostics, and replacements. Head over to our Plumbing Service Coupons page to grab the latest offers and book your next service call.
Why Homeowners Trust Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing
We’re proud to be the #1 trusted plumbing service with over 100 5-star reviews across Gresham, Happy Valley, and Portland. When you hire Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing, you get:
- Fast, friendly service from licensed plumbers
- Transparent pricing with no upsell pressure
- Long-term solutions—not just band-aid fixes
- Work backed by experience and a stellar reputation
Flush Out the Gunk and Keep Your System Flowing
If you haven’t flushed your water heater in over a year—or ever—it’s time. Our pros are ready to help you restore performance, reduce risk, and keep your hot water running clean.
Schedule your flush or inspection today
Claim your water heater coupon
SEO Title: Do You Need to Flush Your Water Heater? Gresham’s Hard Water Guide
SEO Description: Learn how sediment buildup from Oregon’s hard water can damage your water heater and when to flush or replace it.