Comprehensive plumbing guides, maintenance tips, and expert advice to help you understand your home's plumbing systems.
Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment buildup and extend its lifespan. This simple maintenance can save you hundreds in premature replacement costs.
If you hear rumbling sounds from your water heater, it's time for a flush!
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From basic maintenance to emergency procedures, our expert-written guides help you understand your plumbing systems and know when to call a professional.
Tank vs tankless, size calculations, and efficiency ratings
Step-by-step flushing and inspection checklist
No hot water, strange noises, and leaks
Lower your bills and reduce environmental impact
Set your water heater to 120°F to prevent scalding and save up to 10% on energy costs.
Immediate steps to minimize water damage
Main shutoff locations and emergency procedures
Quick fixes and prevention strategies
Health hazards and immediate actions
For immediate plumbing emergencies, call us 24/7
Inspect fixtures, check for leaks, test water pressure
Natural cleaning methods and clog prevention
Faucets, toilets, and shower heads
Energy savings and freeze prevention
Schedule your annual plumbing inspection every spring to catch issues early and save money.
Water damage can escalate quickly
Never attempt gas-related repairs yourself
Requires specialized equipment and expertise
Beyond our written guides, we offer hands-on tools to help you understand your plumbing systems better.
Estimate project costs for planning and budgeting
Step-by-step visual guides for common procedures
Get personalized advice from our licensed professionals
Detailed, professional-quality guides covering the most important plumbing knowledge every homeowner should have.
For electric units, turn off the circuit breaker. For gas units, set the thermostat to "pilot" position. Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the tank.
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Run the other end to a floor drain, outside, or into a large bucket. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house to allow air into the system.
Open the drain valve and let the tank empty completely. This removes sediment that has settled at the bottom. Expect this to take 30-60 minutes depending on tank size.
Turn the cold water supply back on briefly to flush out remaining sediment, then close the drain valve. Remove the hose and fully open the cold water supply. Close the hot water faucet when water flows steadily without air bubbles.
Once the tank is full, restore power (flip circuit breaker) or return gas setting to desired temperature. Wait 30-60 minutes for water to heat up before testing.
If sediment is heavily built up, you may need to repeat the flushing process. Also check the anode rod every 2-3 years and replace if more than 6 inches of core wire is exposed.
Find your main water shutoff valve before you need it. Common locations include:
If possible, try shutting off the water to the specific problem area first. Look for shutoff valves under sinks, behind toilets, or near appliances. Turn clockwise to close.
If individual shutoffs don't work or aren't available, turn the main shutoff valve clockwise until it stops. Some require a water meter key or wrench.
Turn on all faucets to drain water from pipes. Start with the highest fixtures and work down. This prevents water hammer and reduces pressure on damaged pipes.
Contact Aqua Plumbing Solutions immediately for emergency repair. Document damage with photos for insurance if applicable.
Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main shutoff is located. Consider tagging it with a bright ribbon or paint for easy identification during emergencies.
Prevent problems before they start with regular inspections
Look for drips, mineral buildup, or water stains
Note any significant pressure changes or weak flow
Check for moisture, leaks, or unusual odors
Check for loose handles, running water, or rocking
Look for leaks, rust, or unusual sounds
Should reach desired temp within reasonable time
Check basement, crawlspace, and exposed pipes
Ensure it turns easily (don't force if stuck)
While these guides help you understand your plumbing systems, some issues require professional expertise. Our licensed plumbers are here to help 24/7.
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