Flushing your water heater once a year
Sediment builds up at the bottom of a tank and wastes energy. A yearly flush keeps your heater working longer.
Sediment from hard water settles at the bottom of a tank. It makes the heater work harder and can cause noise and early failure.
Turn off the power or gas first
Switch off the electric breaker or set the gas control to pilot. Then turn off the cold water supply to the tank.
Drain the tank safely
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and run the other end to a floor drain or outside. Open a hot tap somewhere in the house to let air in. Water can be very hot, so take care.
Flush and refill
Open the cold supply briefly to stir up sediment and drain it out. Close the drain valve, turn the cold water back on, and let the tank fill before restoring power or gas.
Know when to call a plumber
If the drain valve is clogged, stuck or leaking, call a plumber rather than forcing it. Old valves can break when turned.
Common Questions
Do you offer emergency service?
Yes. Call (619) 555-0142 any time and a plumber will respond as quickly as possible. We have emergency plumbers available 24/7, even on weekends and holidays.
How fast can you arrive?
We offer same-day appointments for most calls and give you an arrival window when you book. For emergencies like burst pipes or no water, we aim to arrive within 2 hours.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We are licensed with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB License #[number]) and fully insured. You can verify our license on the CSLB website.
What's your service area?
We serve San Diego and the surrounding areas, including Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, Vista, National City, Bonita and Eastlake. Call to confirm your ZIP code.
What are your hours?
We're open Monday through Saturday, 7am to 7pm. We also have an emergency line available 24/7 for urgent issues like burst pipes or major leaks.
How much does a service call cost?
A service call is $129. This covers the plumber's time to diagnose the problem. If you decide to proceed with repairs, we'll give you an upfront quote before we start work.