A stuck dishwasher shut-off valve is a common plumbing problem. Hard water can build up inside the valve body. Over time, the handle may stop turning. Sometimes the valve gets stuck open. That can make dishwasher service harder and less safe. In this case, the hot dishwasher feed valve under the sink is stuck open.… Continue reading Can You Add a Dishwasher Shutoff Valve?
Can a Compression Valve Leak Fix Itself?
Redoing a guest bathroom often uncovers old plumbing problems. One common issue is a shut-off valve that will not fully close. That was the problem under this bathroom sink. The old valves were sweated onto copper pipe. They were removed and replaced with new compression shut-off valves. At first, everything looked simple. The new valve… Continue reading Can a Compression Valve Leak Fix Itself?
Will Flushing Toilets Burst Sewer Pipes?
A broken sewer line can cause many questions. This is even more true in an HOA community. One homeowner in central Oregon had a main water leak. A plumber came out to repair the water pipe. During the work, the main septic or sewer pipe was damaged. Now the plumber plans to repair both systems.… Continue reading Will Flushing Toilets Burst Sewer Pipes?
Can a 9-Inch Sink Fit a Vent Loop?
A deeper kitchen sink can create a tight plumbing problem fast. This is very true with a 30-inch by 19-inch by 9-inch undermount sink. In a 33-inch cabinet, every inch matters. The main issue is the 45-degree offset in the vent loop. That offset may block the new sink bowl. The pipes also cannot move… Continue reading Can a 9-Inch Sink Fit a Vent Loop?
Shower Waterproofing Mistakes That Cause Leaks
Shower waterproofing can get confusing fast. This is especially true with cement board. It gets harder with a multi-function shower system. Every valve, fitting, and pipe needs a clean layout. It also needs a safe way to block water. The big mistake is trusting tile alone. Tile and grout are not the waterproof layer. The… Continue reading Shower Waterproofing Mistakes That Cause Leaks
Well Pump Runs But No Water? Read This First
A well pump problem can start as a small mystery. One day, the pump runs, but no water comes out. Then you shut the power off. You wait 20 to 30 seconds. After that, the pump starts working again. Pressure returns, and the tank climbs to 60 psi. At first, this may happen once a… Continue reading Well Pump Runs But No Water? Read This First
Tankless Heater Roaring? Check This First
A new tankless water heater should not cause immediate concern. But loud intake noise, high gas consumption, and fluctuating water temperature can occur after a poor setup. One homeowner had a new A. O. Smith 95% efficient tankless water heater installed. A licensed plumber did the work. Right after the install, problems started. When a… Continue reading Tankless Heater Roaring? Check This First
Best Shutoff Valves for Sinks and Toilets
Replacing old shutoff valves is a smart plumbing update. Many older homes still have multi-turn stop valves. Those valves can get stiff, leak, or fail over time. A quarter-turn ball valve is usually the better choice. It opens and closes with one simple turn. That makes it faster during a leak or repair. For sinks… Continue reading Best Shutoff Valves for Sinks and Toilets
Why Pipes Thump After Sprinkler Startup
Did your pipes start thumping after your sprinkler system was turned on? That sound can be scary. It may sound like a faraway helicopter. It may happen after flushing a toilet. It may also start after using a sink, shower, or hose. In this case, the timing matters. The noise started right after the lawn… Continue reading Why Pipes Thump After Sprinkler Startup
Sweating Shut-Off Valve? Don’t Patch It Yet
A main water shut-off valve is one of the most important parts in your home. It lets you stop water during repairs, leaks, or emergencies. So when that valve starts leaking, even a small leak matters. In this case, the solder joints are holding fine. The problem is different. The valve body is leaking at… Continue reading Sweating Shut-Off Valve? Don’t Patch It Yet