At first glance, sanitary tees and WYEs look almost identical. They both feature a section branching from the main portion of the fitting. They both have a place in plumbing, but each fitting has a slightly different application. Key Points: So, what are the main differences between a sanitary tee and a sanitary wye? Let’s …
Washing machines are standard in many households. With busy lives, it is convenient to be freed of the time-consuming chore by simply reassigning that task to a machine. However, like many household appliances, washing machines can begin with or develop problems. For example, the machine may start to shake aggressively at points during its cycle. …
Perhaps you’re installing a new faucet and come to the step where you hook the water supply lines directly to the faucet. As you hook up each line to the appropriate side, you begin to wonder why the cold is on the right and the hot is always on the left. Or, maybe we missed …
Perhaps you found a leak and need to turn off your water supply. However, you’re concerned that turning off the water supply could negatively affect your boiler. You might be worried the system will overheat (similar to boiling a kettle without water in it). Key Points: While we understand the concern, you can put those …
Compression fittings can be the ideal solution for connecting various types of tubing and piping. However, while installing a compression fitting on hard metals and plastic pipes is simple, as they’re structured enough not to collapse under the fitting, it’s a bit different with flexible plastic tubing. Key Points: While it is possible to install …
Maybe you recently moved into a home with a septic system, or you’re building a house that requires one, so you’re trying to bring your knowledge of these systems up to date. Or, maybe you accidentally dumped a bottle of hydrogen peroxide into your drain and wondered if you should be stressed about that. Key …
Scalding water is problematic for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s hazardous to the skin, as these temperatures can easily scald or burn skin (especially those with sensitive skin, such as young children). On top of that, it’s usually an indicator of a larger problem in play. For example, it could point to …
Your faucet is having flow issues, so you decide to remove the aerator to eliminate mineral deposits from your list of potential culprits. However, when you go to start the process, you discover your faucet has a recessed aerator. The worst part? You have absolutely no clue where the tiny plastic key went. Key Points: …
Perhaps your old tank-style water heater recently reached the end of its lifespan, so now it’s time for a replacement. As you search for the best water heaters, you come across tankless water heaters. They’re a newer, convenient alternative to traditional-style water heaters, but are they any good? Key Points: Tankless water heaters have their …
Wells are relatively common in the United States, as they provide an almost endless water supply. With that in mind, your well water may sometimes feel slimy. Why? Well, (pun intended), this depends on whether your water is considered hard or soft and what you are usually used to. Now, you may be thinking, what …
Sprinkler systems can take your lawn to the next level. They ensure your lawn remains hydrated, promoting lush, healthy growth and strong roots. But when your sprinkler system undergoes damage, like a busted sprinkler pipe, these benefits may dissolve. Key Points: You might notice patchy spots on your lawn where water is pooling, skyrocketing water …
Your sprinklers come on, spraying water droplets over your lawn. They come on routinely, ensuring your yard remains a luscious, green expanse. However, each time the sprinklers cycle on to do their job, your pipes begin making noise. They start knocking, creating a racket that disturbs your home. Key Points: Since this impromptu concert isn’t …
Perhaps you’re headed out of town for a few weeks or months to take the trip of your dreams, exploring numerous foreign countries and soaking in the culture. As you prepare to leave home for a while, you might begin wondering about the appliances in and around your home. Should you leave the water heater …
In many areas of the United States, rainy periods cloud at least one season. The severity of rainfall varies based on the area, but many states receive torrential downpours every now and again. When the clouds open and release inches of rain on a single location, they can cause a string of negative occurrences. Key …
Conventional water softeners switch hard water minerals (magnesium, calcium, etc.) for sodium ions via ion exchange. In this process, water softeners need to eliminate excess hardness materials within the resin. They flush these minerals via regeneration, which usually happens every three to seven days. Key Points: For the system to function correctly, it needs a …
Consistent water pressure is something many of us take for granted. So, when it tapers off or surges, we notice. In an ideal scenario, the water pressure in your home should remain constant, free of any significant variation. When variations occur, there could be a problem with your home’s water system. Key Points: Sometimes, the …
Cold weather is fast approaching for many people if it hasn’t already arrived. With the icy cold temperatures sweeping in, it’s time to start thinking of the plumbing throughout your home. Frozen pipes quickly become an absolute nightmare, and if left unchecked, they can wreak havoc throughout your home. Key Points: Allowing a few of …
In some cases, repairing a faucet can be a challenge. Whether the challenge arises due to hard-to-reach parts or a stubborn lock nut, a simple repair can quickly become a complicated task. So, you’ll probably start looking for an alternative solution when this happens, and you might even reach for WD-40. Although using WD-40 on …