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When contemplating what you can do to lower your utility bills for the season, consider some light plumbing maintenance. Luckily, most of your plumbing is likely low maintenance overall and does not require much attention or upkeep. This applies to your water heater as well. In order to keep your water heater working properly, it’s recommended that you flush it at least every six months. Below, we’ll shed some light on properly maintaining it and why it is so important.

In order to keep hot water accessible within your home safely and efficiently, regular water heater maintenance is needed. There are two processes in which this can be facilitated: flushing and draining.

Flushing is more commonly done. This requires you to attach a hose to the drain valve and turn it on in order to transfer the hot water. This process typically takes a few minutes, and it nearly resets your water heater with fewer steps involved than the draining process.

Meanwhile, the draining procedure is inclusive of those steps above; however, it becomes a bit more involved. Draining your water heater requires the water supply to be turned off, which can take more time than the flushing process. While this may seem inconvenient initially, the advantage to this is that you can figure out the condition of the water. This includes noting any discoloration of the water itself.

, there are several benefits you may notice as a direct result of this. While it was mentioned earlier that this should be done every six months, this may vary based on your water quality — in terms of how hard the water is in the home. If you find that you have very hard water, it may be worthwhile to do this every few months.

For best results, however, we recommend consulting a professional.

Are you looking for thorough maintenance service on your water heater? Maybe you’re in need of a 

 or replacement? Either way, know that you can count on Harts Services to get the job done in a timely manner. Serving Tacoma, WA, and the surrounding areas, we’re your trusted plumbing company providing excellence through our service. 

Why Should I Flush My Water Heater? 

With every home, a waste system is required in order to continue the process of flushing out undesirable materials. In rural communities, septic systems are more commonly used in place of sewer systems. Interestingly enough, this process looks quite different than one involving a sewer line. With that said, let’s take a look at what parts make up this system, how they function as one, and even how to figure out if this is connected to your home.

These systems are responsible for processing waste and water from the home and pushing them into the septic tank. In order for your septic system to come together as one, there are two main parts: the septic tank being one, and the drainfield as the other.

1. The septic tank is the container responsible for keeping wastewater, also known as effluent, inside until any solids form sludge. Meanwhile, oil and grease will float to the top to create what’s considered scum.

2. Then, there’s the soil absorption field or drainfield, which is created in unsaturated soil. The drainfield will treat, gather, and circulate effluent as it flows through. In the end, however, it is pushed back to join groundwater.

On top of that, bacteria plays a large part in this process. After all, if it weren’t for the right bacteria, the materials could not break down. More specifically, within the drainfield, bacteria thrives, and treated water can soak in the ground.

Not sure if you have a septic system that connects to your home? There are a few signs to look out for to help determine if this is what your home uses. For example, if you get well water or happen to know that your neighbors have a septic system, chances are, you do too.

In addition, it is quite likely that you use a septic system if the water line that comes into the house does not have a meter. One of the final checks to perform is whether you see a $0 sewer charge on your property tax or water bill.

Why Should I Consider a Septic System for My Home?

Depending on how habitable a septic system may be for your home, this option could present several benefits for your property. While they generally tend to be connected to houses in more rural areas, that’s not to say that your property could not benefit from the change. Some of the most recognized advantages of this waste system are that it can save the homeowner money and has been proven to be better for the environment.

Essentially, notable savings are inherent with septic systems in comparison to sewer systems. This is applicable from installation to regular usage. In further detail, there is no monthly cost that you would incur with this option compared to the alternative. Furthermore, with regular maintenance, this can be a very sustainable option for long-term use, which amplifies the value.

Another great benefit to septic systems for your home is that they can present a minimal environmental impact. More particularly, this is achievable through less pollution due to the natural processes. Additionally, these processes allow for water to be recycled, which positively impacts the nearby ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Are you ready to get a wastewater or effluent system added to your home? Do you find yourself in need of general 

, repair, and installation for your home in the Tacoma, WA, area. 

 our team of professionals to help you today!

What Do Septic Systems Do? 

Are you experiencing issues with your home that may be related to your sewer lines? Luckily, there are two options when it comes to getting your sewer lines repaired if needed: trenchless and the more traditional choice of an open trench. Both primarily depend on the problem and where your priorities lie, as they each come with some benefits and drawbacks to consider. Certainly, when you are ready for either open trench or 

, and the surrounding areas, know that you can count on Hart Services to fix the issues at hand with precision and expertise. 

Now, let’s discuss what you could expect of each and some factors you should review prior.

Old-Fashioned, Open Trench Sewer Line Repair

First, there’s the one that’s been around for some time. Whenever there is a more specific issue at hand, 

 can be on the table as a choice. Before we get into the particulars of what this service can address, let’s get into what this means for you and your property.

With open trench repair, excavation of your property occurs when it makes the most sense for the needed repair.

1. With that said, the first step is to consult several inspectors to understand where any utility lines are located so they are not disturbed in the process. After all, it would not be ideal for any electric, gas, phone lines, or anything else to be punctured while trying to fix an already existing issue.

2. Depending on the repair site, your trusted sewer repair experts may need to reroute traffic while working. Because of that, signs and cones may be instituted around your property. Permit costs and traffic plans are all-inclusive of your experience with Harts Services, so you’ll know that your sewer lines are being handled with the proper precautions.

3. Just as it sounds, open trench sewer line repair requires your yard to be excavated. Keep in mind that the work done will be what is necessary to tend to the issues at hand. Sometimes, a sewer line replacement is needed, and in cases like this, an open trench is best.

On the other hand, the less invasive trenchless sewer repair option may be more fitting for your property. If your sewer lines are repaired in this fashion, understand that there are a few approaches to how the professional may go about it.

Fortunately, all of the following options are long-lasting solutions to your plumbing problems that require less digging of your property. More specifically, this means your property can withstand a better condition following the repair, for less land will be disturbed.

If you’re still unsure which option is right for you and your property, rely on our team to walk you through what your options are based on the problem at hand. 

What You Need to Know About Trenchless Sewer Repair Compared to Traditional Sewer Repair 

Understanding how to maintain your water heater is important in saving you money while also reducing the chance of potential problems. Reaching out to a company that offers 

, is always a great option if you have any questions about your water heater. Our professionals can keep your water heater working at an optimal level to avoid leaks and cold showers!

Here are a few of the most common questions related to 

Why Am I Always Running Out of Hot Water?

Constantly running out of hot water in the shower is always uncomfortable and frustrating. The most likely cause is a broken dip tube that prevents cold and warm water from mixing together in your tank. The lower heating element may also be malfunctioning, so reaching out to a plumbing company is a good idea to find the source of the problem.

What is the Best Temperature Setting for My Water Heater?

Finding the optimal temperature setting for your water heater is important in helping you stay comfortable without raising your energy bill. Typically, a setting around 120 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient for most people. Changing the settings to medium on older models is also effective in keeping you comfortable.


A water heater can leak due to a wide range of reasons. These leaks can cause a lot of damages to your house and also increase your water bill. Often a leak will occur due to a loose pipe fitting, or the internal tank may be cracked. The vast majority of leaks can easily be patched or repaired by a professional plumber. However, your entire system may need a replacement if you are experiencing significant leaks in multiple areas.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your water bill is to invest in a low-flow shower head. You can also improve the efficiency of your water heater by scheduling maintenance services to remove the buildup of sediment. It is also a good idea to follow the emergency shut off instructions for your water heater if you notice any signs of a water leak.

Contact the Professionals to Learn More About Water Heaters


Harts Services is a company that offers a wide range of plumbing services for customers throughout Tacoma, WA, and the local area. Our certified and licensed plumbers will always perform top-quality services at an affordable price. Feel free to reach out to us today to learn more about using water heaters!

Some FAQs About Water Heaters

Anything you need to keep water flowing through your home or business facility, our plumbing company can handle it! Why do any of the dirty work yourself when there are skilled, experienced sewer pipe experts right in your backyard? Our company provides sewer pipe repair, maintenance, and installation, as well as 

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Customer service and answered the phone was pleasant and helpful. Person who came on site to discuss the work was thorough, gave great advice, and made suggestions for future planning.

Hart's Services got here about 3 hours after calling them. Very courteous and helpful with going over my options for all of my plumbing needs. They are getting our emergency repair work completed for a reasonable rate.

Very friendly, very knowledgeable. Made replacing my whole sewer line as painless as possible.

Quality Plumbing Services in the Tacoma Area

At Harts Services, our #1 priority is your utmost satisfaction. We won’t just show up at your location and provide easy fixes that will eventually come undone, causing you more aggravation and costing you more money. Our plumbers provide lasting results at affordable prices, holding themselves to the highest standard for excellence in every job they undertake. We also offer peace of mind inspections, maintenance plans, and customer education to ensure complete peace of mind today and in the future.

When Others Say They Can't, We Say We Can!

Harts has amazing customer service and responded promptly to our plumbing emergency! Chris has been to our home in the past and is very knowledgeable and professional. Harts is a great local company to work with.

I was so happy to finally get my faucets outside my house fixed. Anytime I turned them on they dripped, dripped, dripped. Now I have frost free hose bibs and no drips! Thanks Harts!

Harts Services is a very professional company. We called because our sewer was backing up into our home and they had someone at our house within the hour.

Fast service, excellent follow-up, and Tim who performed the service was excellent and easy to work with. Will definitely use again if needed.

Thank you Chris McAlister from Harts Services. The service was professional, quick but thorough. Thank you

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