Ever been in the middle of a relaxing shower in your Parksville home only to be hit with a sudden blast of cold water? Or maybe you’ve noticed a strange rumbling coming from the utility room. Your water heater might be trying to tell you it needs a little professional attention. At John G. Plumbing Inc., we specialize in keeping hot water flowing reliably across Parksville and the Oceanside area, and that starts with knowing how to maintain your system.
How to drain and flush a water heater
Want to know how we handle it? Here is the basic process for a standard maintenance check:
- Turn off the power: For electric heaters, we switch off the breaker. For gas, we set the valve to “pilot.”
- Turn off the cold water supply: We close the valve on the inlet pipe.
- Open a hot water faucet: This helps prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines.
- Connect a hose: We attach a high-pressure hose to the drain valve at the bottom and direct it to a safe drainage area.
- Open the drain valve: We let the water (and the sediment) out until it runs clear.
- Refill and test: Once the tank is clear, we close the valve, refill the tank completely to avoid “dry firing,” and restore power.
Why do I need to flush sediment from my water heater?
Think of your water heater as a giant kettle. Over time, minerals and sediment from our local Parksville water supply can settle at the bottom. This buildup acts like an insulating layer, forcing your heater to work much harder to reach the right temperature.
Not only does this reduce its efficiency and drive up your energy bills, but it also shortens the lifespan of your unit. A good old flush and drain once a year can prevent these issues and keep your water heater running smoothly.
When should a plumber inspect my water heater?
While routine maintenance is great, some signs mean it’s time to call in the pros. If you hear loud rumbling noises, find water leaking from the bottom of your unit, or your water heater is over 10 years old, it’s definitely time for a professional inspection. We can diagnose issues and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s a repair or a new installation.
Why is my hot water running out too fast?
If your hot water vanishes mid-shower, it usually points to a few common culprits: heavy sediment displacement, a broken “dip tube,” or a failing heating element. In many Parksville households, the tank may also simply be undersized for your family’s current needs. We can help you size a new, reliable system that ensures you never run out again.
How to safely check and adjust the thermostat on my water heater
For electric water heaters, the thermostat is usually behind access panels. Always turn off the power at the breaker first! Carefully remove the panel and insulation to access the thermostat. You can then use a screwdriver to adjust the temperature. A good starting point is 120°F (about 49°C) – hot enough for comfort, but not so hot it’s a scalding risk.
What are the signs of a failing heating element?
If you have an electric water heater and you’re getting no hot water at all, or your circuit breaker keeps tripping when the water heater tries to heat, a failing heating element is a likely culprit. This is definitely a job for an experienced plumber!
Trust Parksville’s local experts for your next installation
Don’t wait for a cold shower to take action. Whether you need a quick repair or a brand-new, high-efficiency installation, John G. Plumbing Inc. is here to help. We install only the most reliable brands (like Rheem, Navien, and John Wood) to ensure your home stays comfortable year-round.
Ready for reliable hot water? Call John G. Plumbing Inc. at (250) 797-0858 to schedule your Parksville water heater service today!
