Commercial Plumbing

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.

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.

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.

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.