Water Heater FAQ

With showers, laundry, and dishes all in the mix, our hardworking water heaters are often taken for granted… until they aren't. Mornings are hectic enough without worrying about running out of hot water or dealing with a sudden plumbing issue. That’s why we’ve put together this quick Water Heater FAQ, straight from our expert plumbers, to help you keep things running smoothly.

Question: Do I need to drain my water heater?

Word from our plumbers: Unless you are on a well or have very hard water, you would not need to drain your water heater. The PNW has very clean water, and while this may be a concern in other parts of the country, it is not a common need for us here. In some cases, draining an old water heater can cause more harm than good. 

Question: How do I know my water heater may be in need of repair or replacement?

Answer from our plumbers: Typically, a premium water heater installed to best practice standards lasts between 12-18 years. However, our plumbers have seen many instances (particularly in new construction) where lower quality fittings have been used on brand new water heaters, which can cause failures in just a few years.

Common signs your water heater is failing could include:

• Hot water running out more quickly than normal.

• When calling for hot water there is a switch between hot then cold then hot again.

• Rusty spots, calcium deposits, and corroded fittings or piping can be identified by visual inspections. Pay special attention to pipe connections as these can be an indicator of an issue that could present sooner than later.

• Water heaters displaying signs of poor fittings or corroded conditions should be looked at by a professional. If left untreated, leaks or floods can occur.

Got more questions? We've got answers. Please feel free to reach out through our contact form, call us at 503-719-4015, or text us at 971-247-1561.