Plumbing Tips and Advice (147)
Want to Clean Your Disposal? Skip the Lemons and Use Ice Instead
Putting a lemon in your garbage disposal is a well-known way to quickly freshen your garbage disposal. While citric acid is a great deodorizer, it also corrosive and can corrode the metal inside the disposal. Lemon peel can also be tough enough to damage the grinding parts inside the disposal. A safe way to clean […]
Read MoreWhat Temperature Should My Water Heater Be Set At?
By default, many water heater manufacturers set the temperature on the thermostat at 140 Fahrenheit. For most households, this is simply too high. One rule of thumb: if you can’t hold your hand under the tap with the water on it’s hottest setting, the water heater is turned up too high, and your wasting energy. […]
Read MoreAging In Place – Creating a More Accessible and Comfortable Kitchen
As we age we often discover that spaces in our home, such as the kitchen, can no longer not meet our needs as well as they once did. Thankfully, there are steps we can take to adapt these spaces to better meet our abilities as we age. The following are some ideas that can help […]
Read MoreThe ABC’s of Plumbing – Dual-Flush Toilets
In response to water conservation concerns in the 1990’s, low-flush (or high efficiency) toilets were introduced to significantly reduce the number of gallons used per flush (GPF). Low flush toilets use 1.3 gallons per flush, while a regular toilet 1.6 or more gallons per flush. The average US home will save US$90 per year, and […]
Read More5 Causes of a Low Hot Water Supply
If the supply of hot water heater in your home is not sufficient, even after turning up the thermostat, there are a number of possible causes. 1. The Dip Tube Is Damaged Cold water enters the water heater through the dip tube where it is forced to the bottom of the tank for quick heating. When the tube […]
Read MoreAre Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe?
When a bathroom or kitchen drain gets clogged many homeowners will purchase chemical drain cleaning products to try to clean out the obstruction. While drain cleaners can be effective at removing organic material from drains, they also carry a few risks. Liquid drain cleaners usually contain corrosive alkaline, bleach and lye in concentrations up to […]
Read MoreThe ABC’s of Plumbing – Traps
Plumbing traps, or P-Traps, are designed to perform two duties. First, they prevent sewer gases and odors from entering the home. Second, they are designed to trap debris from the sinks to prevent clogs from forming further down the plumbing system. In addition, if you have ever dropped something down the sink drain, you’ll appreciate […]
Read MoreRefrigerator Icemaker Not Working? Here’s What to Check
If your ice maker has stopped making ice, here are some things to check: Check the Water Supply Line and Valve. The water supply line runs from the ice maker to a valve located behind the freezer, under the sink, or in the plumbing lines below refrigerator. Check that the valve is open enough to […]
Read MorePreventing Plumbing Problems In Older Homes
If you’re considering buying or renovating an older home it’s important to understand the problems that older plumbing systems can present. Many times pipes, sewer and drain lines and fixtures will require upgrades to operate reliably. Before buying an older home, it’s a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect the home to ensure […]
Read MoreAvoiding Water Damage to Your Home
One of the most common causes of damage to the home, and insurance claims, is water. While some insurance policies may cover catastrophic damage from floods or hail, gradual water damage is usually not covered. Here are some tips to protect your home from water damage. Test your sump pump and water backup valve regularly. […]
Read MoreNeighbors Are Saying About ABC
