Healthy Home Maintenance Program

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.

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 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.