plumbingsniper Identifying whether you have lead pipes in your home is crucial for the safety of your drinking water. Here are several ways to tell if you have lead pipes: In the United States, houses built before 1986 (not all houses though) may have lead water pipes even if they have been remodeled lately unless you … Read more
Polybutylene pipes were the pipes of the future in the 1970s. They were cheap, light and easy to produce. By the early 1990s, there were about 10 million homes with these pipes especially in the Mid-Atlantic States, Pacific Northwest and American Southwest. The production and use of polybutylene pipes (poly b or PB as they … Read more
A water heater (if properly working) will always have hot water in the tank. The thing about hot water as opposed to cold water is that it expands. When the hot water expands, it exerts pressure inside the tank. This is nothing to worry you since the water heater is made of thick steel, which … Read more
Replacing a water heater before it completely fails is a smart thing. Not only will a ruptured water heater cause destruction of property, it can also injure or end human life if it explodes badly. So, how long can a water heater last? Or how do you know it’s time to replace your old water … Read more
Imagine walking into your home after a long day and feeling instantly at peace. Every item has its place, and you can easily find what you need without rummaging through piles of clutter. This dream can become your reality with the right organizational tools. Whether you’re living in a cozy apartment or a spacious house, … Read more
Smells in drains is caused by decomposing organic gunk trapped in the drainpipe, dry P-traps, clogged vent stacks, poor plumbing among other factors. The following is a simplified version of how to deal with smelly drains: How to Clean Smelly Drains Cleaning smelly drains can be a really easy and fast task depending on what … Read more
A sump pump is the homeowner’s failsafe against flooding in the basement. It gives you peace of mind that in case of a storm, water will swiftly be discharged out, saving you thousands in damages. You however need to keep a watchful eye on the sump pump to make sure that when the time comes … Read more
A noisy water heater can be annoying and potentially indicate underlying issues with the unit. Here’s a brief summary of common causes of noisy water heaters and their solutions: 1. Sediment Buildup: 2. Thermal Expansion: 3. Loose Heating Element or Dip Tube: 4. Water Hammer: 5. Expansion and Contraction of Tank: 6. T&P Valve Operation: … Read more
A clogged or slow draining sink, bathtub, toilet or any other drain is quite frustrating to deal with to say the least. Nasty clogs will need you to call in a plumber to clear them, which is not cheap at all. And that is where salt comes in. Common salt can be used to break … Read more
Getting rid of drain flies, also known as sewer flies or moth flies, requires eliminating their breeding and resting sites. Here’s a brief summary of how to get rid of drain flies: Where Do They Come From? Drain flies are found in moist surfaces with highly organic matter like kitchen and bathroom drains, which provide … Read more