Home Services Plumbing
Why Is My Tap Water Rusty?
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.
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 Flare Copper Tubing (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making connections can be easy when it comes to social media, but it is getting more and more complicated in the real world of building. There are so many connections needed when you are building or repairing something around the house and some of them have to do with copper tubing, which can be a pain to work with sometimes.
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 A Homeowner Install A Septic System?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are Water Heater Blankets Worth It? (Find Out Now!)
Water heaters are not exactly the first thing that people think of when they want to upgrade their home. I mean, they are a major part of your water system but that doesn’t mean that people go out of their way to outfit them with new doodads. That’s why most people don’t really discuss water heater blankets, but maybe, they should. They could be well worth the money people pay for them.
What Is The Green Stuff On My Copper Pipes?
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?
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.
Do Enzyme Drain Cleaners Work?
Most renters and homeowners would rather unclog their drains without spending a fortune on outside help. After all, renters can face penalties if grease is found, and homeowners must pay for plumbing work out of pocket. That’s why more and more people use enzyme drain cleaners to fix clogs, but do they work?
Washing Machine Water Backing Up Into Bathtub? (Here's What You Can Do)
Watching dirty washing machine water back up into your bathtub can be a confounding experience for some. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem if you are not experienced with drainage systems. As a result, it is common for people to think that the problem is more serious than it really is.
How To Install A Utility Sink Next To A Washing Machine
A utility sink can make for a very useful addition to a washroom, basement, or garage. It offers an additional drainage capability, cleaning space so as to not ruin higher-end sinks, and a world of other possibilities.
Top Alternatives To Septic Tanks (8 Options to Consider)
For many homes, it’s impossible to have a conventional sewage system. The most common reason for this is the fact that sewage services don’t reach their property. There may be situations where a septic tank cannot be installed on the property do to logistical or geographical issues. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from if you’re facing this septic conundrum.
What Is A Point-Of-Use Water Heater? (Find Out Now!)
Having hot water in a home is essential, and this is why most homeowners go out of their way to ensure they have reliable water heating systems. One way you can ensure you always have hot water at home is by installing complementary point-of-use water heaters.
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.
Why Does My Shower Water Smell?
Nobody wants to bathe in water that smells like rotten eggs, but it’s more common than you may think. That’s because the water supply is vulnerable to a few chemicals and bacteria that can create that stench. For example, your water supply may be corrupted with hydrogen sulfide, which is exacerbated by heat.
Why Is My Water Heater Leaking From Overflow Pipe?
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?
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.
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.
Mobile Home Water Heater Vs. Regular Heater: What Are The Differences?
Imagine a situation where you just installed a water heater, but you found a mobile home that is much more in your price range. You don’t want to lose the value you put into this water heater, but you also can’t use it in your mobile home. When it comes to a mobile home water heater vs. regular heater, the two have significant differences.
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?
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?
How To Adjust A Water Pressure Regulator (Step-by-Step Guide)
Your home’s water pressure is not something you typically notice until it’s off. It’s only when you get into the shower and see that you’re barely getting water that you realize there’s a problem. In some cases, the issue may also be excessively high water pressure.
Cost To Install A Shower Valve (Labor & Materials)
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Why Does It Sound Like Water Is Constantly Running?
Your plumbing pipes travel through your home, including behind your walls, above your ceiling, and under your floors. You’re literally surrounded by water and drain pipes at all times, no matter where you are in your house. As a result, you might notice the sound of water running nonstop but can’t pinpoint where it’s coming from.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Hot Water Recirculating Pump?
If you ask anyone who’s hip to the jive, going green is important. Everything from water conservation to creating new ways to be energy efficient is on the table. That’s why more people are starting to look at unusual ways to save money on the basics. That’s why people are starting to install hot water recirculating pumps. But, are they really worth it?
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.
How Much Does an Aerobic Septic System Cost?
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.
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?
Should I Turn Off My Tankless Water Heater If The Water Is Off?
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?
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.
How To Install Slip Joint Washers In Plumbing (Quickly & Easily!)
Plumbing rough-ins, repairs, and installations can be intimidating even to experienced builder-owners. There is a lot that goes wrong if you don’t ensure a proper seal to prevent flooding with components like slip joint washers. With that said, how do you install slip joint washers to keep your PVC pipes from leaking water?
How To Install A Water Softener In A Pre-Plumbed House (Do This!)
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.
What Is The Best Way To Seal A Leak On A Threaded Pipe?
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.
Can Too Much Rain Cause Septic Problems?
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?
Should I Replace My Garbage Disposal?
Because most people don’t necessarily peer into their sinks at their garbage disposal, it’s easy to forget about it. That said, you’ll likely think about your garbage disposal when you realize it doesn’t work nearly as well as it once did. You may then wonder, should I replace my garbage disposal?
Korky Vs. Fluidmaster Fill Valves: Which One is Better?
There is nothing more annoying than a leaky fill valve in a toilet. Leaking fill valves are also water waters that can run up your water bill significantly if ignored. When the time comes to replace a leaky fill valve in your toilet, which fill valve should you chose, the Korky or the Fluidmaster?
Why Is My Water Bill So High?
Is your toilet leaking and constantly running after flushing? If so, that can explain why your water bill is so high lately, and it demands immediate attention. Toilets that constantly run can waste up to 200 gallons in a single day, which costs a fortune.
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.
Hot Water Tank Not Filling Up? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
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?
What Is The PVC Pipe In My Yard? (Find Out Now!)
If you own a house and have spent any amount of time in your yard, you’ve probably noticed some strange pipes sticking out of the ground. You’ve probably also asked yourself what in world is it for? It’s likely an obstacle and an eyesore that you’d rather do without and want to know if you can get rid of it.
Oil Hot Water Heater Vs. Electric: What Are The Major Differences?
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.
Are Eljen Septic Systems Any Good? (Here Are the Details)
Overall, no homeowner budgets for repairing or replacing a septic system that fails. Installing a new septic system can range anywhere from $4,000 to upwards of $20,000 when you factor in the costs of install. When the system is not properly maintained, a number of problems can arise and rebuilding a failed septic is an expensive burden to bear.
SharkBite Vs. Compression Fittings (Here Are The Differences)
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.
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?
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?
Water Heater Smells Like Gas? (Fix It Now!)
If you wake up in the morning and the first thing you smell is gas, that would automatically tell you something is wrong. Leaking gas is inevitably a serious situation that you need to handle as soon as possible. It is never ideal to stall when it comes to gas leaks.
Is Inch PEX Pipe Big Enough For A Shower? (Find Out Now!)
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.
Hot Water Heater Making Knocking Sounds? (We Have A Fix)
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.
How Does Plumbing Work In An Apartment Building?
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?
How To Dissolve Hair In The Shower Drain
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.
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.
Cost To Drill A Well [Pricing Per Foot & Cost By State]
Whether you’re wanting to save money on your water bill or keep your lawn watered without breaking the bank—drilling a well is an excellent option for you. While you will incur some costs, you will save a lot in the long run. So, how much does it cost to drill a well?