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?
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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?
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?
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
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
Best Bathroom Faucet Brand for Long Life
Choosing a new bathroom faucet should not feel confusing. Most homeowners want a faucet that lasts. They also want a shower head that works well for years. Style matters, but durability matters more. That is why Moen, Delta, Kohler, Grohe, and American Standard are common choices. Question Which brand is best for replacement bathroom faucets… Continue reading Best Bathroom Faucet Brand for Long Life
Rubber Grommet Drain: Is Putty Needed?
Question: If a drain has a rubber grommet, do I need plumber’s putty? Answer: Usually, no. If the drain uses a rubber grommet, that gasket is meant to make the seal. You pulled the drain apart to clean it. You also found old plumber’s putty there. That can be confusing. Many older drain installs used… Continue reading Rubber Grommet Drain: Is Putty Needed?
Can Freezing Ruin Your Sump Pump?
Cold weather can be hard on any plumbing system. That includes your sump pump, sump pit, and discharge pipe. Many homeowners think an unplugged pump is safe. That is not always true. Question: Can a sump pump still be damaged if it is unplugged? Answer: Yes. If water freezes inside the pump, pipe, or pit,… Continue reading Can Freezing Ruin Your Sump Pump?
How Close Can AUTOCUT Cut Copper Pipe?
Cutting copper pipe under a bathroom vanity can be tight work. This is even harder when the fitting is soldered in place. A torch may not be safe in that small space. That is why many homeowners look at an AUTOCUT-style pipe cutter. Question I need to cut a 1/2-inch copper pipe for a bathroom… Continue reading How Close Can AUTOCUT Cut Copper Pipe?