Should You Replace a Rusty Zurn PRV?

Should You Replace a Rusty Zurn PRV?

Should You Replace a Rusty Zurn PRV? A pressure-reducing valve keeps home water pressure at a safe level. When it fails, the whole plumbing system can feel the strain. This is common with older Zurn Wilkins pressure-reducing valves. One example is the Zurn Wilkins Model 1-NR3XL. This valve is often used on the main water… Continue reading Should You Replace a Rusty Zurn PRV?

Yellow Tap Water? Your Sink Is Warning You

Yellow Tap Water? Your Sink Is Warning You

Yellow Tap Water? Your Sink Is Warning You A guest bathroom can hide plumbing trouble for a long time. This is common when the sink is only used once or twice a month. One homeowner noticed dark yellow water from the bathroom faucet. It showed up from both the hot and cold sides. The water… Continue reading Yellow Tap Water? Your Sink Is Warning You

Can You Cap an Abandoned Shower Drain?

Can You Cap an Abandoned Shower Drain?

Can You Cap an Abandoned Shower Drain? An abandoned shower drain can seem simple to close. You may see a 2-inch PVC standpipe and think a cap will fix it. In many cases, a glued PVC cap can stop odors and pests. But the best repair depends on where the cap is placed. A shower… Continue reading Can You Cap an Abandoned Shower Drain?

PEX-A Repipe Red Flags Before You Close Walls

PEX-A Repipe Red Flags Before You Close Walls

A renovation is the best time to fix old plumbing. Open walls make pipe work easier. They also let you improve the layout before the drywall returns. This homeowner is replacing old copper with PEX-A. The plan uses 3/4 inch lines as the main trunk. It also uses 1/2 inch branches for smaller fixture runs.… Continue reading PEX-A Repipe Red Flags Before You Close Walls

Can You Add a Dishwasher Shutoff Valve?

Can You Add a Dishwasher Shutoff Valve?

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 You Replace a Mobile Home Shower Faucet?

Can You Replace a Mobile Home Shower Faucet

Question: Can I change my mobile home shower faucet from the front? Answer: Yes, sometimes you can replace it from the front. But it depends on the faucet style and wall opening. Mobile home shower faucets can be tricky. Many are installed before the wall panels are finished. That means there may be no access… Continue reading Can You Replace a Mobile Home Shower Faucet?

Should You Caulk Your Toilet Base?

Should You Caulk Your Toilet Base?

A new toilet should feel solid, clean, and safe. But many homeowners get stuck on one final step. Should the toilet base be caulked to the floor? This question comes up often after a toilet install. It is even more common on tile floors. Porcelain tile can make caulk lines stand out. A messy bead… Continue reading Should You Caulk Your Toilet Base?

NaviCirc Setup: Do You Need an Extra Pump?

NaviCirc Setup: Do You Need an Extra Pump?

You have a Navien tankless water heater. You want to add a NaviCirc recirculation valve. You also want faster hot water at the tap. Your home is new and single-level. It is about 100 feet from end to end. The heater is about 30 feet from one end. The kitchen and laundry sit near the… Continue reading NaviCirc Setup: Do You Need an Extra Pump?

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?

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?