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Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Like other household appliances, regularly maintaining your home’s hot water heater can extend its useful life. Because we rely on water heaters daily, it’s important to make sure they are properly maintained. A regular maintenance schedule can keep it running for its 15-year expected lifetime and possibly beyond. Follow FloHawks’ water heater tips below.

You can improve the efficiency of an older unit by insulating it with a fiberglass jacket. Newer units are already insulated so check your owner’s manual to make sure.
Test the valve. Both gas and electric water heaters have a safety device called a temperature and pressure relief valve. If too much pressure ever builds up in the tank, the relief valve opens and releases the pressure. This will prevent damage to your tank. Open the valve, let the tank release some water. If the valve stops then you know it is in good working order. If not, then you will need to replace it.
Flush the system. At least once a year, drain several gallons out of your water heater using the drain valve. This will help to remove sediment and debris and will also help to make the unit operate more quietly. Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce your water heater’s energy efficiency and also clog your water lines. You can flush the system by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve and letting the water run into a bucket until the water is clear. Be sure to run it to a place where the hot water will not cause damage.
Check the water temperature. One major sign that your hot water heater has reached the end of its useful life is fluctuations in temperature. If your heater is not producing hot water or produces less hot water than it used to, chances are you need to get it repaired or replaced. Set the thermostat to 120 degrees. You will save up to 5% in energy costs for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, plus you’ll reduce the risk of scalding.
If your heater is old, leaks, makes loud noises, or fails to consistently produce hot water, it is probably at the end of its useful life. If you are experiencing any of these issues or any others with your water heater, the professionals at FloHawks will be happy to inspect your unit. They can help you diagnose and fix any problems with your water heater or help you replace the existing one within your home.

Both electric and gas heaters can be very dangerous so do not risk trying to fix a problem on your own – it’s best to leave it to a professional like FloHawks. Learn more about FloHawks’ professional water heater installation and repair services here. Our FloHawks technicians are available 24/7 to help you with your water heater or any other household plumbing or septic issue. Call us today at 1-800-356-4295 or contact us online.

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OUR SERVICES

Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

Service Advisor

Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

Stephen Redford

Service Advisor

Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

Janie “J” Kirkland

Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.