Home Services Plumbing

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?

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?

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 heaters can be found in virtually all homes and businesses these days, and this is mainly because humans need access to hot water many times throughout a single day. Knowing the ins and outs of how water heaters work is very beneficial, as you’ll never be without hot water and your system will last a long time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leaks have the potential to cause major problems and both water damage and mold can negatively impact your home for many years – especially if you don’t locate a leak as soon as possible. Fortunately, early intervention and professional leak detection services can help mitigate possible damage to your home or property caused by water.

If you live in an area that experiences frequent rain, it is natural to be concerned about your septic system. During heavy rain, drainage systems often get overwhelmed and streets flood. But can the same be said for your septic system?

Finding an unusual coloration, namely green, on your copper pipes can be disturbing. You may have questions racing through your head, which is an entirely typical response to this. So let’s answer this question: what is the green stuff on your copper pipes?

When you hear “money pit,” do you instantly think of the comedy classic starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long? (If not, it’s worth a peek for a lot of laughs -- or maybe a cautionary tale if you’re house hunting.)

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.

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.

No one wants to deal with leaky pipes; it wastes water, makes a mess, and just looks bad. But, when you have connections that use fittings and threaded pipes, you can inevitably end up with leaks. Primarily, leaks occur because no one used the proper sealant (or no sealant) during installation or the sealant’s worn out.

Whether renovating a current shower or building a new one entirely, it is important to ensure that the water wiping is up to proper standards. That means using the right materials for piping water into your bathroom.

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.

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?

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.

Problems with water heaters can be stressful because they are an essential part of modern living. Water heaters are dense and durable, but they are still prone to failure which can prove expensive. So, can a water heater freeze?

Plumbing has completely changed the way we live in our homes and has brought about an element of sanitation and convenience all in one. Plumbing systems can vary between commercial and residential applications, but usually, cast iron or PVC pipe are the materials of choice for contractors worldwide. While each pipe has its advantages, one pipe is superior to the other.

Hard water is common throughout 85% of the United States, and it’s often just a minor inconvenience. However, it can be quite troubling if your home sits near lots of natural calcium, limestone, magnesium, and iron. So, is installing a water softener worth it?

Apartment buildings have taken over much of the United States and currently house millions of people across the country. What many people don’t think about is that every single apartment has to get their plumbing and electricity from somewhere. So, how does the plumbing work in an apartment building, and where does it come from?

Oil and electric water heaters are two common types of water heater, and each has its pros and cons. If you’re installing a water heater in a home or office, you should know what these are, as then you’ll be able to make a wise purchase.

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.

Water heaters are essential in modern homes, but they are as prone to problems as any other modern commodity. Nothing is worse than when your hot water tank won’t fill up when you need it most. So, why is your hot water tank not filling up?

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.

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.

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.

Leaks are a way of life when it comes to plumbing. Anywhere there is liquid, there will eventually be a leak. Even the best plumbing construction will eventually breakdown in some way and need to be repaired.

Hair will always land in your shower drain unless you use a hair catcher. It’s an annoying part of being a homeowner or renter, especially when clogs form. That’s why you’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to dissolve hair in the shower drain.

While buying a pump is an easy solution to increasing your water pressure, those pumps can be incredibly expensive. For those on a budget, buying a pump may not be an available option. Because of this, we’ve produced a guide on how you can increase water pressure without a pump.

Is your water heater in the middle of your bathroom or kitchen? Maybe it is in a hall closet or taking up space in the center of the basement. The only solution you may have is to move it. But this can be a costly endeavor when paying someone else to do it for you.

Your shower is one of the most important parts of your home. You wouldn’t be able to keep yourself clean without one. That’s why it’s important to prioritize the maintenance of your shower.

If you’re getting rid of your 50-gallon old-fashioned water heater and choosing to go with a tankless heater instead, congratulations! You’ll be saving a lot of space.

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.

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.

Leaking fittings and pipes not only lead to the wastage of an essential natural resource, but they can also result in elevated utility bills and presents a hazard in the home.

Plumbing fixtures are prone to rust, as they’re typically made of metal and contain water. This creates the perfect storm for rust to form after years of heavy use. That’s especially true if the pipes in your home have been there since long before you moved in.

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?

Foam core (or “cellular core”) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has small air pockets embedded in the composite, whereas solid core PVC is solid plastic. If you run your thumbnail over the end of foam core PVC pipe, you can actually etch it. You can’t do this with solid core.

Not all households are connected to a main sewer system that handles and treats all their wastewater. In the absence of that convenient service, households turn to using their own septic systems instead. Aerobic septic systems are among the options available and they cover the needs of numerous homeowners.

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.

Regardless of how it gets into our home, we source the water that we use to drink and bathe through groundwater. The thing is that the water picks up soluble bits of the ground as it passes through and into our pipes.

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?

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.

Water heaters can make all kinds of noises when something is damaged or not running properly. However, if you suddenly start hearing a hissing noise coming from your water heater, you may want to take care of it soon. A hissing sound may not be dangerous to you and your family, but it can eventually damage the water heater. 

If you take a look at most of our plumbing guides, you’ll notice that one of the first instructions we add involves shutting off the water. It’s simple, right? Well, sometimes you might want to think twice. You might want to know if your water heater needs to be shut off too. This is doubly true if you own a tankless system. After all, it’s important to do it all the right way, right?

It is tempting for any builder-owner to take on DIY projects and save money. Some large projects, such as septic tank installation, are often best left to professionals. So, can a homeowner install a septic system?

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.

If you are trying to connect a 1 ¼-inch tailpiece to a 1 ½- inch drain, you are most likely doing so because you need a longer tailpiece. The standard tailpieces that come with the drains sold at most hardware and big-box stores tend to be shorter than you may need. That being said, making the switch is not a difficult thing to do.

A water heater is a lifeline when it comes to being comfortable in your home. If it involves water, then you need a reliable way to heat things when necessary. This is why it is so essential to make sure you take care of your water heater properly. 

Most homeowner insurance providers cover the cost of a burst pipe. However, it’s important to look up whether or not your provider includes that. If not, it’s worth switching to a provider that covers burst pipes, especially if you live in a cold area.

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.

It is a bad sign when any appliance leaks water, especially if it’s your water heater. Water heaters are typically low-maintenance, but it’s important to address problems right away. So, why is my water heater leaking from the overflow pipe?

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.

You had a small plumbing repair to make, such as a broken supply valve under a sink.  You followed all the guides and turned off the main water supply valve.  With the repair complete, you opened the main valve.  Now there is no water pressure at the sink where the site of the repair.

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?

Imagine the following scenario:  you are known for conserving water, and for as long as you lived in town, your water bills were $30 or so. Recently, a new family moved in. They have a pool, sprinklers, and everything else watery under the sun. The next month, you notice that your water bill shot up to $900. You look at your neighbors, who don’t make eye contact with you anymore. Could it be them?

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.