Home Services Plumbing
Replacing Galvanized Pipes With PEX. Is It Worth It?
Galvanized pipes have many ways of telling you they need replacing. Perhaps they make weird noises, or maybe you notice decreased water pressure due to plaque buildup. You might even notice a slight discoloration in the water.
What Is The Rough-In Height For Sink Drains?
The “rough-in” building stage is when the plumbing fixtures and pipes are all lines are put in place, but they are not yet connected. Plumbing rough-ins, such as sink drains, are just one of many things inspected throughout the building or renovation process.
Sump Pump Running Continuously? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
A sump pump that runs continuously is the most common reason for sump pumps overheating and breaking down. If you discover that your sump pump is always running, address the issue promptly. This will prevent further damage to the sump pump and your basement.
Hot Water Heater Not Filling Up? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Hot water is something that all homes and most businesses need access to these days, and this is the main reason why hot water heaters are indispensable fixtures to both home and business owners. Just think about how many appliances depend on hot water in a home: the dishwasher, the washing machine, the shower, the kitchen and the bathroom sinks.
Is Your Toilet Coupling Nut Leaking? (Fix It Now!)
If your toilet is leaking, it can quickly create a disaster in a bathroom. Not only can a leaky toilet create a problematic situation in your bathroom, leading to mold and mildew, but it can be costly to waste water, which can cause sky-high utility bills. Luckily, most toilet leaks are easy to identify and simple to repair, requiring just a few standard tools that most DIY homeowners have.
Can A Sump Pump Drain Into The Sewer? (Find Out Now!)
A sump pump is a wonderful way to help protect your home investment and keep your property safe and dry. In the event of heavy rains and potential flooding, a sump pump helps to pull water out of your home and direct it safely away from your home. Finding an area to channel the excess water can be a challenge for a new sump pump installation.
Water Heater Keeps Running? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Water heaters have become essential at-home appliances. Modern water heaters are now equipped with a range of useful, high-tech functions, which means delivering hot water consistently has never been easier.
Water Pipes Making Humming Noise? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
If your water pipes are making a humming noise, this could be due to several reasons. In some cases, homeowners describe this strange humming noise sounding like a foghorn, as it usually reverberates.
Eight Signs Your Water Softener Is Not Working
Water softeners help millions of people deal with their annoying hard water problem. However, water softeners aren’t always as reliable as one may hope. There are several signs that your water softener is not working.
How Does A Bladderless Pressure Tank Work?
Water supply is not always plentiful in all parts of the country. In some places, service is unreliable and there’s a chance you’ll be greeted by a lack of running water in the morning.
What Causes A Water Heater Relief Valve To Open?
Water heaters are not as simple as many people believe. The controls and safety mechanisms built into modern water heaters prevent catastrophic accidents common in homes and businesses with older style water heaters. Many people wonder what causes a water heater relief valve to open.
Why Is My Water Heater Overheating? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
If the water from your faucet is too hot, this is not only uncomfortable but also unsafe. Extremely hot water is dangerous for all members of the family, especially if you have kids. Therefore, address this problem quickly to prevent further damage as the water heater could leak or burst.
2 Shower P-Trap Alternatives (That Can Work)
P-traps are an integral part of plumbing, particularly when it comes to showers. They can prevent sewer odors and wastewater from seeping out and into your home. They aren’t always an option, so what are the best shower P-trap alternatives?
How Much Does A Well Pump Cost?
Wells are a convenience and a staple in American homes for centuries now. The difference between the wells of days past and wells of today is the sophisticated simplicity of great well pumps. If you have a working well, you need a well pump, but what will it cost you?
Can Tree Roots Penetrate A PVC Pipe? (Find Out Now!)
PVC pipes are an excellent choice whether you’re planning any kind of home DIY project or you’re a professional contractor looking to do a job well done within a budget. PVC is remarkably sturdy, yet it’s far cheaper than many alternatives, such as galvanized steel or copper.
Where Does Shower Water Go?
When people take a shower and then use sinks and toilet facilities at home, the water appears to vanish, never to be seen again. If you’re wondering where that used shower water goes and whether it will be discarded or recirculated, you’ll be relieved to know that the majority of the water is reused and recycled. The forms of treatment are straightforward but fascinating.
Why Your Heater Pressure Relief Valve Is Leaking
Your water heater’s pressure relief valve is there to help keep you safe and reduce the risk of having your heater burst due to excess pressure. When you replaced your valve, you expected it to help keep your boiler safe. Instead, it just started to leak, right after you switched it out. Feeling a little lost, and wondering what gives? You aren’t alone there.
How Far Apart Are Septic Tank Lids? (Find Out Now!)
Homeowners need to be knowledgeable and careful if they want to keep their septic tanks in good condition. The things you know could help save your household’s septic tank from unnecessary damage. Among the things worth knowing is the distance separating your septic tank’s lids.
Why Is My Boiler Making Noise?
Hissing sounds coming from your boiler may sound bizarre, but there is nothing to worry about. Some people refer to it as a “whirring” sound, but a hissing sound doesn’t indicate a problem. Hissing or whirring sounds typically appear when a boiler first turns on.
Pipe Union Vs. Coupling: What Are The Major Differences?
The piping in your home or business will, for the most part, do its job quietly and efficiently. That is so long as it has been properly installed first. There are many aspects to the installation process, part of which is choosing between a pipe coupling or pipe union.
What To Expect When Repiping A House (We Have The Answer)
Your home is comprised of many different components, all of which play an essential role in how it functions. One of the most critical parts of your home that often goes unnoticed is the plumbing system. The pipes that make up a plumbing system go bad and need to be repiped from time to time.
How To Remove A Tub Drain With Broken Crosshairs
Practically every bathtub strainer was originally screwed into place. If you’ve used an antique tub, you’ll notice there weren’t any threads. This is because they plugged with a rubber stopper.
How Many Watts Does A Well Pump Use? (Find Out Now!)
If you get your water from a well, you probably already know that when your power goes out, your water does not work either. As if it isn’t bad enough to have no electricity, now you have no water either. You should consider getting a generator for the well pump then.
Why Is My Tap Water Cloudy? (And How To Fix It)
Cloudy tap water certainly doesn't look appetizing, but is it safe to drink? This is an important question, as you don’t want to have to boil all your water or pay for expensive bottled water just because your faucet water is cloudy.
How Can A Pressure Tank Break After A Freeze?
Depending on the location of a home or vacation home, there may not be municipal water lines that run into the property. When this happens, there is usually a well system that is built to provide water to the home.
Can You Transport A Water Heater On Its Side? (Find Out Now!)
A water heater helps to heat the water in your house, so you can shower with warm water or use hot water to clean your dishes. Although a water heater is a major appliance, these units do not have a long lifespan, with many only lasting about ten years. Replacing a water heater is a simple job, but moving your new water heater is the hardest part of the entire water heater installation process.
Rheem Vs. AO Smith (Which One Is The Better Water Heater?)
In finding the best water heater company, both Rheem and AO Smith are easy contenders for the top. Both of them have a couple of hundred years of experience under their belts. They have also produced an impressive line of products. But when comparing the two, which of these water heater companies is the best?
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Mold?
Homeowners insurance typically helps costs associated with mold due to sudden events that are covered. For example, your insurance provider will likely cover the mold remediation in a basement where a pipe froze and burst. Most homeowner insurance providers cover sudden, accidental, unavoidable events.
P-Trap Vs. S-Trap Drain Pipes: What Are The Major Differences?
Whether you are building a home or remodeling an older home, you should understand drain configurations when deciding on plumbing. A licensed plumber is involved with the contractor or builder, but you should know what is up to code. Understanding the main differences between a P-trap and S-trap will help to ensure your home is a safe environment.
Can You Put Insulation Around Hot Water Pipes?
A common question homeowners have before they start a home improvement project is: “Can I put insulation on hot water pipes?” The answer depends on the type of insulation you use.
Hybrid Vs. Tankless Water Heater: What Are The Major Differences?
Water heaters are fixtures that homeowners can’t live without. The days of bulky, cumbersome water heaters being the norm are long over, and now hybrid and tankless heaters have taken their place.
Can A Boiler Explode? (Here Are Some Telltale Signs)
Boilers play an important role in any home. These units work by heating water and the house with steam. The steam travels through the house in pipes and radiators. Boilers are expensive to install, but have a long lifespan and are energy efficient.
What Is Wet Vent Plumbing? (Find Out Now!)
When people start talking about plumbing, it’s easy to feel like you’re hearing a bunch of gibberish. Flange? Macerating toilet? Yeah, it’s a lot to take in at first, especially when you’re just dipping your toes into the water. (Sorry, had to add a pun!) Wet vent plumbing is one of the lesser-known terms that’s just starting to catch on in parts of the country, but what exactly is it?
Is 30/50 Or 40/60 Pressure Switch Better for a Well Water System?
Many people who have a domestic water well system are confused about the difference in pressure switches. Pressure switches are at the heart of your water well system. Its purpose is to tell the water pump that delivers water to your home when to turn on and cut off. The question often comes up about which one is the right choice for your home, a 30/50 or 40/60 pressure switch?
Can A Bad Water Heater Raise Your Water Bill? (Find Out Now!)
In this crazy modern day, it seems like almost every single necessity is skyrocketing in price. This includes water. With water beginning to get scarce in certain parts of the country, it makes sense to take a look at ways to trim your water bill. One of the most common rumors mentioned among home improvement circles is that a bad water heater can cause a spike in your water bill. Are you wondering if the rumor is true? We got some news for you…
Why Does My Plumbing Sound Like A Foghorn?
The plumbing system in your home is a complex one full of many different components. If you start to hear strange noises similar to a foghorn coming from your plumbing, there’s reason to be concerned. You should explore all of your options and try to get to the bottom of the issue immediately.
Why Is There A Septic Smell In Your Basement?
No matter what you use your basement for, an unpleasant septic smell makes you want to stay as far away as possible. Whether your basement is for storage, a workshop, or a bonus room, it becomes virtually useless if it smells like sewage.
Sump Pump Is Loud When It Shuts Off? (We Have A Fix)
Your sump pump plays a valuable role in your home’s upkeep, helping prevent unwanted water from entering your house. Typically, depending on your location, a sump pump in good operating condition might kick on once or twice a day. You might hear a low humming noise when this happens, which is normal.
Is Cast Iron Plumbing Worth It?
Cast iron plumbing is known for its durability, but it’s also quite expensive. This makes some people think twice about whether it’s worthwhile, especially when building a new house. So, is cast iron plumbing worth it?
Sewer Cleanout Cap Popped Off? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Homeowners are rightfully worried about keeping their sewer systems in pristine shape, and that includes keeping an eye out for strange happenings. One of the more alarming occurrences that can happen to your sewage line is to see your cleanout cap pop off on its own accord.
Can You Put A 90 In A Sewer Line? (Find Out Now!)
Working on sewage lines can be tricky. That’s why most homeowners hire professional plumbers. But can you put a 90 in a sewer line, or should you figure out something else? Here’s everything you need to know.
2-Wire Vs. 3-Wire Submersible Pump: What Are The Major Differences?
The time has come to replace the submersible pump in your residential water well. There are a variety of options to consider. Of the options, there is one that confuses homeowners more than any other? Which is the better option? A 2-wire or 3-wire submersible pump.
What Is A Condensing Tankless Water Heater? (Find Out Now!)
All homes and most businesses can’t do without a water heater, and this is because hot water is needed in homes and businesses for a variety of reasons. There are different kinds of water heaters available in 2021, as the days of 50-gallon-tank heaters being the norm are long over.
Water Heater Thermal Switch Keeps Tripping? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Water heaters are essential in modern homes, and luckily, they are usually easy to rely on. However, they are made of several parts that work together, and just one malfunction can throw the whole system off. So, what should you do when your water heater thermal switch keeps tripping?
How To Tell If A Sewer Pipe Is Leaking (Here Are 6 Telltale Signs)
Modern plumbing is a wonderful convenience that allows us to live safe and sanitary lives. Many people rely on municipal sewer systems to help remove wastewater cleanly and efficiently from your home. Sewage usually safely travels through the sewer pipe connecting your home to the municipal waste plant. However, sometimes a leak can occur within your sewer pipe, leading to major plumbing complications.
Is There A Substitute For Plumbers Grease? (Find Out Now!)
Plumbers grease is used in lubricating and protecting plumbing fixtures. Also referred to as faucet grease, since this is its most common application, it helps to lubricate O-rings and swivel points.
No Hub Couplings Vs. Flexible Couplings: What's The Difference?
No hub couplings and flexible couplings may look a lot alike. However, the surface similarities mask the real differences between these two types of plumbing couplings. Flexible couplings and no hub couplings are different, with different applications and meeting different standards.
How Do I Know If My Diverter Valve Is Bad?
You come home ready for a nice shower. After a few seconds in the shower, you notice something just isn’t right. What could be going on in your shower or bathtub? What could cause your shower to work poorly or not work at all? How do you know if the diverter valve on your tub or shower is bad?
Can A Running Toilet Cause A Flood? (Find Out Now!)
Running toilets are toilets that continuously cycle through water, and they’re a pest. A typical running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day. When you hear that running noise echoing from your bathroom, you might be wondering if it can cause a flood. You might be surprised at the answer.
Sink Drain Pipe Leaking At Connection? (Fix It Now!)
If there is one consistency about plumbing, it is that there is no such thing as a good leak. Should you notice water leaking from anywhere in your plumbing system, it is a real problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Hot Water Heater Not Getting Hot Enough? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Few things are more inconvenient than a water heater that can’t heat water properly. When your water heater is acting in this way, you won’t have access to hot water for showers, nor will there be hot water to clean dishes with. And if you live in a home where demand for hot water is high, a water heater’s inability to produce hot water can be especially inconvenient.
How Long Does It Take For Pipes To Unfreeze?
Frozen pipes are an expensive nightmare. Your pipes may unfreeze quickly, but the anxiety that they may burst is awful. So, how long does it take for pipes to unfreeze?
Electronic Ignition Water Heater Won't Light? (Do This!)
Water heaters can seem a little bit intimidating since they use gas, and heat, to warm the water. You may have some trouble getting the electronic ignition, to light your water heater, which can be frustrating. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the solution.
Why Do I Hear Water Dripping/Flowing Under My Stairs?
Nobody wants to hear water dripping and flowing in their house, as that means repairs are necessary. However, you can’t get into the repair mindset until you find the root of the problem, which isn’t always easy. So, why do I hear water dripping and flowing under my stairs?
Why Is My Shower Cold?
Did you know that taking showers and baths can be beneficial to your health? Enhanced blood flow, joint pain relief, and adequate sleep are just a few of the benefits. (Not to mention that they’re soothing!) It’s no surprise that many people enjoy a long, hot shower when they’re finishing up the day.
Can I Put A Regular Hot Water Heater In A Mobile Home?
When I first started doing home improvement work, I was shocked to find out how many seemingly universal household parts don’t work with mobile homes. I mean, they’re supposed to be universal, right?! We all know that most heaters and toilet systems may need to have modifications in mobile homes. When it comes to matters like hot water heaters, things can get dicey.
How To Prime A Well Pump (Quickly & Easily!)
In many parts of the country, getting well water is a mandatory part of your daily lifestyle. Wells remain a major source of water for many households in America. However, if you have a well, you’re going to have to pump out the water that is in there if you want to drink something. To do this well, you will need to know how to prime a well pump. The question is, how?
Can I Put My Water Heater Outside? (Find Out Now!)
When people get their first home, they almost always notice that the water heater has a singular location: the basement. I mean, that’s great and all, but if you’re like me, you don’t always want to have a big clunky thing inside your home. Many people have wondered if it’s possible to safely install a water heater outside. To find out, we did a little bit of research.
Water Level In Toilet Bowl Keeps Dropping (Fix It Now!)
A toilet is the most important plumbing fixture in your home, but that doesn’t mean that they always work perfectly. Everything from the flush power to the water level can tell you that something is wrong with your toilet. So, what does it mean when the water level in your toilet bowl keeps dropping?
Can Sewer Lines Freeze? (Find Out Now!)
Sewer lines are responsible for taking the used wastewater away from our homes and directing it to the local municipal treatment plant. Sewer lines are just like any other pipe and usually have liquid coursing through them. However, cold temperatures and harsh winters can make it difficult for liquid to move through the pipe without freezing.