We use toilets several times a day, but most homeowners have no idea how they work or fit into the home’s plumbing environment. If something goes wrong, the first line of defense is usually to “jiggle the handle” — and when that works only temporarily, the next thing to do is “jiggle the handle” again until you finally get fed up and call a plumber.
In the next several posts we look at traditional toilets. The information is presented to give homeowners a basic understanding of what’s involved with toilets and what they can do working alongside a plumber. (There are “newfangled” toilets with new hardware, but we’ll cover these in a future post.)
Replacing a plumbing fixture like faucets and toilets is something most homeowners will get to do at some point in owning their home, but chances are they have no idea what to do.
In this post we look at installing toilets. The information is presented to give homeowners a basic understanding of what’s involved and what they can do working alongside a plumber.
In this basic plumbing emergency post, we look at frozen pipes and how to patch a leaking pipe. This information is presented to give homeowners a rudimentary understanding of what’s involved and what they can do working alongside a plumber.
During cold weather, pipes in your walls, attic or under your floor can freeze. Frozen pipes crack or burst because as water freezes it expands. Note: The cracks may not be dramatic and immediately visible, but they will leak when the ice melts. Unless it’s in a high traffic area, chances are you won’t even notice until water begins pooling and damage is done.
Years ago, repiping would have been an expensive, long process, but now, thanks to modern technology, repiping will only cost you a fraction of what it would have. Repiping is exactly what the name says; replacing the old pipes in your house with new pipes. Sometimes, when it comes to serious situations, it's necessary to rip everything out and start new again. If you notice multiple leaks in a year, weird smells, strange dripping noises or nasty water in your home, it may be time for you to consider going out with the old and in with the new in order to prevent further damage.
Plumbing is the one system in our home that requires a fair amount of attention and interaction from homeowners. Many of us can fix day-to-day annoyances, make simple repairs, even upgrade fixtures, but for the big repairs and emergencies we need to establish a trusting relationship with a plumber or plumbing contractor.
In the following series of posts, we look at a variety of plumbing issues — from emergencies, to water leaks and repairs, to unclogging drains, to dealing with pipe and water supply issues, to installing or repairing plumbing appliances like garbage disposers. These are presented to give homeowners a basic understanding of what’s involved and what they can do working alongside a plumber.
There is never a convenient time for any emergency, let alone plumbing. In order to minimize water damage and repair costs, swift and decisive action is needed before the arrival of a plumber. The only way to act quickly and confidently is to be prepared.