Do You Need That Black Box on Your Water Heater? (plumbing101.i234.me) — If you’re replacing an old electric water heater in a mobile home and notice a small black box wired in with it, you’re not alone. Many older systems include extra electrical devices that can look mysterious if you’ve never seen one before. Question:… Continue reading Do You Need That Black Box on Your Water Heater?
Month: October 2025
3/4″ Poly Pipe Run: How Far Can You Go at 60 PSI?
3/4″ Poly Pipe Run: How Far Can You Go at 60 PSI? (plumbing101.i234.me) — Running long stretches of 3/4″ SIDR polyflex pipe for garden irrigation can work well — as long as you plan for pressure loss, elevation, and flow rate. Here’s how to estimate what “reasonable” pressure looks like at the end of your… Continue reading 3/4″ Poly Pipe Run: How Far Can You Go at 60 PSI?
Mobile Home Park Water Leak Fix: Gate Valve Problem
Mobile Home Park Water Leak Fix: Gate Valve Problem (plumbing101.i234.me) — Managing a mobile home park means facing some unique plumbing challenges. Recently, one property manager found water bubbling up from the ground near his shop. After digging up the line, he realized an old gate valve was the culprit. Question: “I tried to shut… Continue reading Mobile Home Park Water Leak Fix: Gate Valve Problem
Weak Water Heater Draft? Here’s How to Fix It
Weak Water Heater Draft? Here’s How to Fix It (plumbing101.i234.me) — If your propane water heater “puffs” occasionally and shows weak draft pull even after a flue extension, you’re not alone. Many homeowners run into similar venting issues, especially in attached garages with poor airflow. Question: “My propane water heater was replaced 4 years ago… Continue reading Weak Water Heater Draft? Here’s How to Fix It
How to Identify a 6-in Frost-Free Outdoor Faucet
How to Identify a 6-in Frost-Free Outdoor Faucet(plumbing101.i234.me) — You have a frost-free faucet (a sillcock or wall hydrant) about 6 in long, and you’re trying to find the brand and model. That helps you get the right replacement parts or stem kit. Here’s how to go about it. Q: What features help identify the… Continue reading How to Identify a 6-in Frost-Free Outdoor Faucet
How to Remove PVC Pipe from a 90° Elbow
How to Remove PVC Pipe from a 90° Elbow(plumbing101.i234.me) — If you’re replacing a pump or rerouting plumbing, you may need to remove an old PVC pipe from an elbow fitting. The challenge? PVC is solvent-welded, meaning it’s chemically fused together. Here’s how to safely clear that connection without cracking the fitting. Q: Can I… Continue reading How to Remove PVC Pipe from a 90° Elbow
White & Green Buildup on Plumbing Valves Explained
White & Green Buildup on Plumbing Valves Explained(plumbing101.i234.me) — You remodeled your home and added a hot water recirculation system to get faster hot water at the kitchen and master bathroom. But now, a few years later, you notice white and green buildup on the shut-off valves and the recirculation pump. What’s going on, and… Continue reading White & Green Buildup on Plumbing Valves Explained
Identify Your Shower Valve Brand Easily
Identify Your Shower Valve Brand Easily (plumbing101.i234.me) — You installed your shower nearly 20 years ago, and now the valve or cartridge needs replacing. The problem? You don’t remember the brand. If you bought it from Home Depot, it could be Moen, Glacier Bay, Price Pfister, or American Standard. Here’s how to identify which one… Continue reading Identify Your Shower Valve Brand Easily
Best Touch Kitchen Faucets: Delta, Moen & More
Best Touch Kitchen Faucets: Delta, Moen & More (plumbing101.i234.me) — Touch and touchless kitchen faucets make everyday tasks cleaner and easier. But which brands are best, and how are they powered? Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one for your home. Q: Which brands make the best touch kitchen faucets? A:… Continue reading Best Touch Kitchen Faucets: Delta, Moen & More
How to Neutralize Condensate with Limited Space
How to Neutralize Condensate with Limited Space(plumbing101.i234.me) — Condensate from high-efficiency boilers like the Alpine series is acidic and must be neutralized before entering a pump or drain. But what if your boiler sits low to the ground and there’s no room for a standard neutralizer kit? Here’s how to handle the issue safely and… Continue reading How to Neutralize Condensate with Limited Space