Frequently Asked Questions

A precision tune-up from Gary’s Plumbing and Heating. We balance your flow to save your fixtures and your sanity. If pressure is too low, you get a weak flow. When pressure is high, there’s banging sounds, increased water bills, shortening of appliances life and risk of burst pipes. Yikes!

From pressure-reducing valves to high-efficiency pumps, we bring the "just right" back to your home.

Stop settling for a wimpy shower. Call Gary’s today for a pressure check 

Don't panic—Gary’s Plumbing and Heating is here to save the day! We’ll banish the scale with professional-grade softeners and high-tech filtration. 

Say goodbye to buildup and hello to crystal-clear water. Let’s get your pipes flowing perfectly again!

Good water pressure for a home is between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). Most plumbers consider 50 PSI the sweet spot. Pressure below 40 PSI can make showers feel weak and appliances run slowly. Pressure above 80 PSI puts stress on pipes, fittings, and fixtures and can shorten their lifespan significantly.

If you notice pressure that feels too high or too low, a plumber can test it with a simple gauge and install a pressure regulating valve (PRV) if needed. This is a small fix that protects your entire plumbing system.

A traditional tank water heater should be serviced once a year. Annual maintenance includes flushing sediment from the tank, inspecting the anode rod, checking the pressure relief valve, and confirming all connections are secure. Skipping maintenance shortens the life of the unit and reduces efficiency.

Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years with proper care. If yours is approaching that range, it may be worth discussing replacement options during your next service visit.

Tankless water heaters should be serviced once a year, though homes with hard water may benefit from flushing every 6 months. Annual service typically includes descaling the heat exchanger, inspecting the burner or heating element, checking the venting system, and testing for error codes or performance issues.

Tankless units are built to last 20 years or more, but only with consistent maintenance. Mineral buildup is the most common cause of early failure in tankless systems.

We typically reccomend annual service with filter changes every 6 months for optimal function of your HVAC system. Each visit covers cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, testing airflow, and confirming the system is running efficiently.

Regular service catches small problems before they become expensive repairs and helps keep your energy bills in check year-round.

Most homes should change standard 1-inch air filters every 1 to 3 months. Thicker filters (4 to 5 inches) can often last 6 to 12 months. A few factors affect how quickly filters clog:

• Pets in the home
• Allergy sensitivers or respiratory conditions
• High dust or construction activity nearby
• How often the system runs

A dirty filter restricts airflow, makes your system work harder, and reduces indoor air quality. When in doubt, check the filter monthly and replace it when it looks gray or clogged.

A smelly drain is usually caused by one of three things: built-up organic matter (food, grease, hair, or soap), a dry P-trap that is no longer blocking sewer gases, or a deeper clog starting to decompose in the line.

For mild odors, try flushing the drain with warm water, followed by a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, then rinse with warm water again. Running water into a seldom-used drain (like a guest bathroom sink) can also refill a dry P-trap and stop sewer gas odors.

If the smell is coming from a garbage disposal, try running lemon juice and ice through it. The ice helps scrub the grinding components while the lemon juice cuts through odor-causing buildup. For a more thorough clean, Total C is a citrus-scented drain treatment that tackles buildup and leaves drains smelling fresh. It is available for purchase, so ask us about it at your next service visit.

If the smell returns quickly or affects multiple drains, it may point to a deeper issue like a partial clog or a venting problem that needs a professional inspection.

Chemical drain cleaners are not recommended. While they may clear a clog temporarily, the caustic chemicals can corrode pipes over time, especially older metal or PVC lines, and they are harmful to septic systems. They also do not actually remove the clog. They dissolve just enough of it to let water pass, which means the buildup continues underneath.

A better approach is a drain snake or hydro jetting, which physically removes the blockage. For recurring clogs, a camera inspection can identify the root cause so it gets solved once and stays solved.

All three materials are code-approved and used regularly, but they each have different strengths:

PEX (Cross-linked polyethylene)

• Flexible, which means fewer fittings and faster installation
• Resistant to freezing and bursting
• Lower material and labor costs
• A popular choice for most modern residential repiping projects
• Not rated for outdoor use or direct UV exposure

Copper

• Extremely durable and has a proven 50-plus year track record
• Naturally resistant to bacteria
• Handles high temperatures well
• Higher material cost, and harder water can cause pitting corrosion over time
• A strong choice if budget allows and water quality is good

CPVC (Chlorinated PVC)

• More affordable than copper
• Handles hot water well
• More rigid than PEX, which means more fittings required
• Can become brittle over time, especially in cold climates
• Less commonly recommended than PEX for full repiping projects

For most homes in Whatcom County, PEX is the most practical and cost-effective option. A licensed plumber can review your existing system and water quality and give you a recommendation specific to your home.

If you live in Ferndale and your fixtures are corroding, clogging, or building up white or yellowish mineral deposits faster than expected, hard water is almost certainly the cause.

Ferndale's municipal water supply is known for higher mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium. When hard water moves through your plumbing system and fixtures, it leaves mineral deposits behind. Over time, this buildup:

• Clogs aerators and showerheads
• Reduces water flow and pressure
• Shortens the life of appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines
• Leaves scale inside pipes

The most effective long-term solution is a whole-home water softener or a water treatment system. These remove the minerals before they reach your fixtures and appliances, protecting your investment and improving water quality throughout the house. If you are seeing rapid fixture wear in Ferndale, it is worth having your water tested to understand exactly what you are dealing with.

A good rule of thumb: if your water heater is more than 10 years old and the repair cost is more than half the price of a new unit, replacement is usually the smarter choice.

Here are the key factors to weigh:

Lean toward repair if:

• The unit is less than 8 years old
• The repair is straightforward (thermostat, heating element, or pressure relief valve)
• The tank shows no signs of rust or corrosion
• No history of recurring issues

Lean toward replacement if:

• The unit is 10 years old or older
• You are seeing rust-colored water or sediment at the tap
• The tank is leaking from the base
• Energy bills have crept up without another explanation
• Repairs have been needed more than once in recent years

A newer unit will also be significantly more energy efficient, which means lower monthly bills. A licensed plumber can inspect the unit, give you an honest assessment, and walk you through your options, including tank and tankless systems, before you make a decision.

A plumbing inspection protects both buyers and sellers and can prevent a deal from falling apart over an unexpected repair.

For buyers: A plumbing inspection reveals problems that a general home inspection may miss, including aging pipes, slow leaks behind walls, corroded water heaters, low water pressure, faulty shut-off valves, and drain or sewer line issues. Knowing about these before closing gives you negotiating power and prevents surprise repair bills after move-in.

For sellers: Getting a pre-listing plumbing inspection lets you identify and address issues on your timeline, before they become a buyer's leverage point or a deal-breaker. Coming to the table with a clean inspection report builds buyer confidence and can support your asking price.

Plumbing problems, especially sewer line issues, can run into thousands of dollars. A pre-sale inspection typically costs a fraction of that and gives everyone involved a clearer picture of the home's true condition.

A dripping faucet is usually caused by worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges. Over time, mineral buildup makes the problem worse and can waste thousands of gallons of water yearly, raising your bill. Our expert technicians quickly diagnose the issue and repair or replace the faucet the same day in most cases. We use high-quality parts that last. If your faucet is old, we can recommend and install a new, water-efficient model. Don’t let a small drip turn into a big problem—call Gary’s Plumbing and Heating today for fast, reliable service. 

A constantly running toilet often stems from a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or misadjusted float. This wastes hundreds of gallons daily and inflates your water bill.

Gary’s Plumbing and Heating technicians arrive promptly, identify the exact cause, and fix it efficiently—usually with a simple replacement of the flapper or fill valve. We carry common parts on our trucks for same-day repairs. If the tank or internal components are damaged, we can replace the entire toilet quickly and cleanly. Stop wasting water and money. Contact Gary’s Plumbing and Heating for expert toilet repairs you can trust. 

Low water pressure is commonly caused by clogged aerators, mineral buildup, leaks, or sediment in older pipes.

Our team at Gary’s Plumbing and Heating starts with a thorough inspection. We clean or replace aerators and showerheads on the spot. If the issue is deeper—such as corroded pipes or a faulty pressure regulator—we repair or replace it quickly. For whole-house problems, we provide lasting solutions so you enjoy strong pressure again. Don’t struggle with weak showers or slow-filling sinks. Call Gary’s Plumbing and Heating for fast, professional results.

Slow or clogged drains result from hair, grease, soap scum, and food buildup. Harsh chemicals can damage pipes over time.

Gary’s Plumbing and Heating uses safe, effective methods like professional snaking, hydro-jetting, or camera inspections to clear blockages completely. We remove and clean P-traps when needed and provide preventive advice. For recurring clogs, we locate and repair the root cause—such as tree roots or damaged pipes. Don’t risk backups or overflows. Let our experienced team restore fast-draining sinks and showers quickly and cleanly. Call Gary’s Plumbing and Heating today. 

Insufficient hot water is often due to sediment buildup, faulty heating elements, a bad thermostat, or an aging unit.

At Gary’s Plumbing and Heating, we flush tanks, replace elements or thermostats, and repair dip tubes efficiently. If your water heater is over 10–15 years old, we can install a new, energy-efficient tank or tankless model the same day in most cases. We handle both gas and electric units. Enjoy reliable hot water again without the hassle. Trust Gary’s Plumbing and Heating for fast diagnosis and quality repairs or replacements. 

Leaking pipes result from corrosion, high pressure, loose joints, or freezing. Hidden leaks can cause serious water damage and mold.

Gary’s Plumbing and Heating uses advanced leak detection tools to find problems quickly and accurately. We repair or replace damaged pipes, valves, and fittings with durable materials. For emergency leaks, we respond fast and minimize water damage. We also install preventive solutions like pipe insulation and pressure regulators. Protect your home from costly damage. Call Gary’s Plumbing and Heating for expert leak repairs and reliable service.