You want to check the water pressure at a faucet. But the spout has no hose threads. A standard gauge will not screw on. Good news. You still have several easy options. Quick Q&A Q: How can I measure pressure without faucet threads? A: Use an aerator adapter, a clamp-on faucet gauge, or test pressure… Continue reading No Threads? How to Test Faucet Water Pressure
Tag: water
Water in the Den? Slab Leak or Pipe Above?
You’re looking at a house as a rental. You walk in and find water in the den. The break is “underneath,” but the source is unknown. It could be a supply line under the slab. It could be a drain line in the slab. It could also be a pipe above the slab. Quick Q&A… Continue reading Water in the Den? Slab Leak or Pipe Above?
Hot Water Smells Like Oil After New Heater?
You paid for a brand-new Bradford White water heater. It was recommended by your plumber. Two workers installed it. The unit also needed a fuel conversion. It went from propane to natural gas. Right after the install, the hot water smelled like oil. The smell is now faint. But it is still there. That can… Continue reading Hot Water Smells Like Oil After New Heater?
The 5-Year Anode Check Most Owners Skip
The 5-Year Anode Check Most Owners Skip You flushed your water heater at year one. You flushed it again at year four. You saw no rust or grit. That is a good sign. But it does not tell the whole story. A tank can look clean inside and still be corroding. The anode rod is… Continue reading The 5-Year Anode Check Most Owners Skip
How to Fix a Leaking Reducing Valve with Hard Water Crust
Question:My reducing valve is leaking at the threaded connection, and there’s a lot of hard water crust. Can I just unthread it, apply new Teflon tape, and tighten it, or do I need to replace the fitting and the valve? Answer:You may be able to fix the leak with new Teflon tape, but there are… Continue reading How to Fix a Leaking Reducing Valve with Hard Water Crust
Should I Use Brass Unions for My Water Heater Installation?
Question: I’m installing a new 50-gallon Bradford White gas water heater. The heater has typical dielectric steel nipples with heat savers. I’ve heard of issues with steel and brass dielectric unions. I was thinking about using solid brass non-dielectric pipe unions threaded onto the tank’s steel nipples, then adding a 6-inch brass nipple and stainless… Continue reading Should I Use Brass Unions for My Water Heater Installation?
Why Is My Whirlpool Water Softener Recharging Daily?
Why Is My Whirlpool Water Softener Recharging Daily? If you’ve noticed your Whirlpool WHSE33 water softener is recharging every single day, even though it used to recharge every 10 days, you’re not alone. This issue can happen after plumbing work or a change in water conditions. Here’s what might be going on. Q: Why is… Continue reading Why Is My Whirlpool Water Softener Recharging Daily?
Do You Need That Black Box on Your Water Heater?
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?
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