How often should hot water systems be flushed to ensure proper hygiene?

Flushing hot water systems every six months is considered a good practice for maintaining hygiene and efficiency. Regular flushing helps remove sediment and mineral build-up that can accumulate over time, especially in hard water areas. This build-up can not only affect the system's performance by reducing its efficiency and capacity but can also harbor bacteria, potentially leading to health risks.

Flushing the system semi-annually ensures that any contaminants are removed, and the water remains clean and safe for use. It also helps in maintaining consistent water temperature and pressure, thus extending the lifespan of the system.

While more frequent flushing may seem beneficial, doing so every month could be excessive for many systems and not practical, as it could cause unnecessary wear and tear. Flushing annually may not suffice for systems in higher demand or less optimal conditions, where sediment buildup could occur more rapidly. Finally, only flushing when issues arise could allow problems to worsen, leading to more significant maintenance or health risks. Thus, a six-month flushing schedule strikes a balance between proper hygiene and system upkeep.