Cross-linked polyethylene, better known as PEX, is a go-to form of home plumbing, as it’s much easier to work with than other materials, like copper, PVC, and CPVC. Unlike its rigid counterparts, PEX tubing is flexible and malleable, making it easy to install, even for beginners. However, while it’s easy to work with, there are … Read more
Dealing with septic tank issues is something no one wants to experience. But have you ever wondered if a full septic tank could be the cause of that annoying gurgling sound you hear in your pipes? When it comes to septic tank systems, regular maintenance is key, which means pumping the tank periodically. Neglecting this … Read more
When it comes to home plumbing, choosing the right products and components can make all the difference. If you’re faced with the decision between the Moen 1222 and 1222B cartridge for your faucet, you’ve come to the right place. These two cartridges have similar features and characteristics, but understanding their differences can help you make … Read more
Sharing a common drain for two toilets is indeed possible, thanks to modern plumbing innovations. It typically involves the use of a “wet vent,” which efficiently combines two fixtures into one pipe, conserving space and reducing the overall complexity of the plumbing system. However, careful planning is crucial, as local building codes and regulations must … Read more
Water pressure fluctuations can be a common household issue, causing annoyance and inconvenience for homeowners. They occur when the force of water in the plumbing system changes, leading to either a noticeable increase or decrease in water pressure. Several factors can contribute to fluctuations in water pressure. These can include issues within the local water … Read more
A steamy, hot shower goes a long way in rinsing away the day’s stress and muscle aches. But to achieve such a result, you’ll need access to hot water. Enter your water heater. This appliance ensures you have plenty of hot water to wash dishes, take soothing soaks, and do anything else you need hot … Read more
A 220 water heater is a popular pick for residential and commercial settings alike, as it offers elevated levels of efficiency and produces a considerable amount of hot water quickly. But what happens when you don’t have a 220-volt outlet in your home? Can you run it on a 110-circuit? Key Points: In short, you … Read more
Since its rise to popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s, PEX plumbing has continued to steal the spotlight, serving as a go-to pick in new construction. It’s flexible, making it easy to install and resistant to freezing and bursting. Key Points: On top of that, it’s inexpensive, requires few tools to install, and doesn’t demand … Read more
PEX piping is a go-to pick for DIYers and professionals alike, drawing attention with its ease of use and inexpensive pricing. While there’s no doubting the convenience of PEX piping over traditional piping materials, like copper or galvanized steel, is PEX a good choice for your plumbing system? Key Points: How long will it actually … Read more
While large, nasty globs of gunk residing in your drain require extra vigor and effort to remove, smaller clogs don’t need as much theatrics. Instead of reaching for the caustic drain cleaner on your shelf or running to the store to grab a chemical cocktail that will blaze through any clog, you could try using … Read more
Hot water heaters are standard in many homes across the United States. With the comfort and luxury they provide, it is customary to want to keep it in tip-top shape. So, when you notice a whistling sound coming from that direction and realize it wasn’t you subconsciously doing so, you begin to wonder. Why is … Read more
Our homes are packed with appliances that work in the background to ensure our lives operate smoothly. We use these appliances every day, whether it’s the water heater, water softener, refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher. So, when one of these appliances begins to fail, we usually notice. However, some of these appliances are … Read more
While some plumbing projects offer plenty of room to work, others are in compact, awkward spaces, making the process unnecessarily difficult. For example, the mounting nuts on a faucet can be extremely tough to reach, especially if you have larger hands or the gap between the cabinet wall and sink basin is narrow. This is … Read more
Boilers and water heaters: they’re the same thing, right? After all, a boiler implies it’s boiling something, like water, so it could produce hot water for steamy showers and toasty wash water, right? Well, yes, but not always. Key Points: While boilers and water heaters are similar in that they both provide heat, there are … Read more
PEX plumbing has taken the plumbing world by storm in the past few years, commanding the attention of many (but particularly DIYers). After all, the material is cheap, flexible, and easy to install, so why wouldn’t you choose PEX over a rigid material? While PEX certainly has its perks, it’s essential to understand the specifics … Read more
With the icy grips of winter on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing our homes. If you have a water softener, this includes its water treatment equipment. That said, the temperatures may only pose a threat to water softeners in certain locations, so extra precautions are necessary for specific situations. This guide … Read more
For many Americans, water out of the tap is good enough for drinking, washing, cooking, and cleaning. Water is water, right? While this is technically true, there are different types of water: hard and soft. If you’ve never heard of hard or soft water, this might sound downright bizarre. Key Points: After all, how can … Read more
Unless you live in the balmy tropics of a deep southern state, you probably have some sort of heating system in your home. Heating systems are essential in northern parts of the U.S., whether woodstoves, heat pumps, boilers, or furnaces, as cooler fall/spring temperatures and harsh winters demand supplemental heat. Key Points: Each heating system … Read more