PLUMBING

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How Much Does Gas Line Installation Cost?
Highlights The average gas line installation cost is $558, though a typical range is $120 to $1,350. Several factor...
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11 Basic Steps for Building a DIY Dog Wash Station
While we love our furry, four-legged friends, we don’t love it when they smell. Or when they’re tracking in mud. Or, ...
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How to Replace a Toilet Flush Valve Step by Step
Bathrooms are important rooms in the home, providing a convenient place for people to bathe, brush their teeth, shave...
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How Much Does Sewage Backup Cleanup Cost?
Highlights Most homeowners spend between $2,000 and $10,000 on sewage backup cleanup costs. The final cost of sewag...
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16 Home Improvements and Repairs That Are Best Not to DIY
There are plenty of projects that handy DIYers can do without the help of a professional including painting, installi...
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How Much Does Hydro-Jetting Cost?
Highlights Hydro-jetting costs $475 on average, though homeowners can expect to spend between $350 and $600. The co...
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This Is When a Handyman Can Install a Water Heater—And When You Need to Hire Someone Else
Q: I need a new water heater but I don’t know how to put one in myself. Can a handyman install a water heater, or do ...
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11 Ticking Time Bombs in Your House—and What to Do About Them
There are some home maintenance and repair issues that property owners are likely to put off because the tasks are ti...
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How to Be Your Own Plumber
Plumbing is a key component in any modern home, playing an important part in delivering clean water to the property a...
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Kidde Water Leak and Freeze Detector Review: Cool Device, or Is It All Wet?
While we know that water is essential to life, it’s also an incredibly destructive force. Leaking pipes can rot cabin...
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The 30 Smartest Things You Can Do to Prepare for a Frigid Winter
What do frozen pipes, skidding tires, and high heating bills have in common? They’re all winter-weather nuisances tha...
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Boiler vs. Water Heater: What’s the Difference Between These Home Appliances?
The overlap of boiler vs. water heater functionality in a home often leads to these two appliances being confused for...
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Can a Water Heater Explode? Yes—and Learn the 6 Biggest Warning Signs
Q: I recently read a frightening news story about how a water heater exploded in a Pennsylvania home, leading to deva...
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Septic Tank and Drain Field?
Highlights The average cost to replace a septic tank and drain field is $6,000, though homeowners could spend betwee...
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How Much Does Plumbing Insurance Cost?
Highlights Plumbing insurance with general liability coverage costs, on average, $68 per month. The total cost of a...
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How to Install a Bidet Attachment
Toilet paper is a bathroom staple, but paper products aren’t cheap—and anything thicker than one-ply isn’t great for ...
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How Much Does Plumbing School Typically Cost?
Highlights The typical cost for plumbing school ranges from $1,000 to $30,000, with a national average cost of $3,00...
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Living Modern in an Old House
Welcome to Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best reasons to own...
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How to Grow Your Plumbing Business and Boost Your Income in 11 Steps
Plumbing is a growing industry that is essential for the ongoing function of individual residences, businesses, and i...
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How to Promote Yourself and Become a Master Plumber
Starting a career as a plumber contractor is a great option for those looking for a challenging job with a change of ...
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How to Get a Plumbing License: Steps for Every State
Many skilled trades require a specific certification or license as proof that an employee has had official training a...
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Starting a Plumbing Business: 11 Steps to Becoming an Independent Pro
Becoming a plumber is a rewarding career path that can lead to a range of interesting opportunities, such as operatin...
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How to Take the Plunge and Become a Plumber in 6 Steps
Plumbers are one of several popular trade careers that are often in high demand due to the importance of plumbing sys...
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How Much Is the Average Plumber Salary?
Highlights A plumber typically makes between $37,250 and $101,190 per year, and the national average is around $60,0...
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Well Water vs. City Water: What’s the Difference?
Mní wičhóni, as the Lakota say: Water is life. Access to potable water for residential use is essential. Only about 1...
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25 Easy Home Repairs You Should Never Pay Someone Else to Do
Making small repairs from time to time is part and parcel of owning a home. While you can spend hundreds, or even tho...
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How Much Does It Cost to Snake a Drain?
Highlights The typical cost to snake a drain ranges between $145 and $350, with homeowners paying an average of $237...
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What Is a Perc Test?
Q: I want to install a new septic system on my property, but before that can happen, the soil apparently needs to pas...
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How to Replace a Shower Valve
A shower faucet valve controls the flow of water through the shower head, as well as the temperature of the water. Th...
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Safely Unclog Any Drain With These 9 Drano Alternatives
Clogged drains are a common, albeit annoying, occurrence in any home. While it may be tempting to pick up a container...
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How Much Does a Plumbing Inspection Cost?
Highlights A plumbing inspection typically costs between $65 and $4,500, and the national average cost is $200. The...
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How to Replace the Wax Ring on a Toilet
For something you can’t even see, a lot is riding on a toilet’s wax ring. These unsung heroes create a watertight gap...
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What’s So Great About a Gooseneck Faucet? I Tested the Moen Arbor Kitchen Faucet to Find Out
Sometimes a leak precipitates the change; other times it's simply a matter of style. No matter the reason, it’s likel...
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What Type of Water Filtration Do I Need for My Home?
We all know you’re supposed to drink eight glasses of water a day, but that’s easier said than done. Luckily, there’s...
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How to Replace a Toilet Flapper
One of the most important plumbing fixtures for any home is the toilet. It’s used frequently by residents of the home...
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How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House?
Highlights The typical cost to repipe a house falls between $1,500 and $15,000, and the national average cost is $7,...
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The Best Plumbing Software of 2023
Running a successful plumbing business requires knowing how to use tools properly. That’s not just pipe wrenches, aug...
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How to Unclog a Sink Drain
When you’re faced with a clogged sink drain, your first instinct might be to reach for the phone to call a plumber. R...
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How Much Does a Perc Test Cost?
Highlights A percolation (perc) test has a typical cost range of $750 to $1,850, with customers nationally paying an...
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Mr. Rooter vs. Roto-Rooter: Which Plumbing Service Should You Choose in 2023?
Whether a homeowner is planning on upgrading their bathroom fixtures or suffering from an unexpected burst pipe, it’s...
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Solved! This Is Who to Call for Water in a Crawl Space
Q: Is water in crawl space after heavy rain normal? I recently noticed water buildup in my crawl space following a st...
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This One Repair Can Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
A water heater is an essential part of most homes, providing hot water for cooking, cleaning, and personal care. With...
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Solved! Who Fixes Garbage Disposals?
Q: Help—my garbage disposal stopped working unexpectedly today, and I still have a sink full of dirty dishes to wash!...
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Solved! What Is a Cistern?
Q: A house I’m considering buying has a cistern. I know cisterns are used for water collection, but I don’t fully und...
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Solved! Who Installs Gas Lines for Stoves?
Q: I just moved into a new house and want to convert my electric appliances to gas. Who installs gas lines for stoves...
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Roto-Rooter Is One Of the Best Plumbing Companies—But Is the Same True About the Plumbers?
At some point, every homeowner will likely need to hire a plumber, whether it’s to stop a leaking pipe or fix a washi...
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How Much Does Sewer Line Replacement Cost?
Typical Range: $1,253 to $4,701 National Average: $2,914Repairing or replacing a sewer line isn’t usually at the t...
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The Best PVC Pipe Cutters
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is a common material in drains, vents, water mains, and irrigation systems because it’s...
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The Best Root Killers for Sewer Lines
Slowly draining bathtubs and sinks, gurgling noises coming from the drain, toilets that regularly back up—though thes...
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How Much Does Garbage Disposal Installation Cost?
Typical Range: $150 to $950 National Average: $400Garbage disposals make it simple to dispose of food waste so it ...
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50 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do
While certain home repairs require a professional, many maintenance tasks can be handled on your own. Learning these basic skills will help you become a more self...
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Undermount vs. Drop-in Sink: Which is Best for Your Reno?
There may be a wide variety of sink styles for kitchens and bathrooms, but there are just two main ways to mount a si...
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The Best 50-Gallon Gas Water Heaters
A 50-gallon water heater is usually the recommended size for houses with one to three bathrooms and families of three...
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Everything to Know About Tackling Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
What You Need to Know Tree roots naturally grow into sewer lines as they are a source of additional water and nutrie...
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10 Emergency Plumbing Tools All Homeowners Should Have on Hand
Whether you just purchased your first home or have lived in your house for years, having a few emergency plumbing too...
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The Best Laundry Detergents for Septic Systems
In some homes, the water from the washing machine drains into a septic system that treats the wastewater. A septic-sa...
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The Best Home Services of 2024
Investing in high-quality home services is an important way for customers to take care of their properties. There are...
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The Best Online Plumbing Courses
Online learning is a large and fast-growing industry, and it hasn’t left the trades behind. Would-be apprentices or D...
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I Tried the DeWalt Cordless Drain Snake in a Pinch: Here's What Happened
While I’m anything but a stranger to clearing clogs, I need to be completely honest: I hate snaking drains. It isn’t ...
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The Best Outdoor Faucets
Whether washing the car, watering the lawn, or giving the potted plants on the back patio a much-needed drink, an out...
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Well Testing and What it Means For Your Home’s Water Supply
Public water systems provide clean, drinkable water to many people across the United States with regulations put in p...
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Solved! How to Find Your Septic Tank
Q: When I bought my home, I was told the house’s septic system needs to be cleaned out every three to five years. I r...
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How to Dispose of Bacon Grease: 4 Solutions That’ll Save Your Plumbing
Q: I have a pan full of bacon grease. Is it OK to just wash it down the drain with a little soap?A: Unless you enjoy ...
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The 4 Best Plumbing Services of 2024
Most homeowners will need to call in a plumber at some point. Whether it’s installing a new faucet or handling an eme...
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Solved! How Long Do Septic Tanks Last?
Q: The home I’m purchasing has an old concrete septic tank, but I’m not exactly sure of its age. I’ve never lived in ...
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Solved! What Is a Water Closet?
Q: I’ve been noticing that some real estate listings mention a “water closet” in the primary suite. What is a water c...
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The Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services
Septic tanks are underground tanks used to treat wastewater from a home, dissolving and consuming waste. To keep a se...
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How to Move a Hot Tub
Whether planning to move a hot tub across the yard or pack it up to move across the country, the basic steps remain a...
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How to Drain a Hot Tub
Hot tubs are often a treasured luxury for when you just want to take some time to rest and relax aching muscles, but ...
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Solved! What Is a Composting Toilet?
Q: I’ve been hearing a lot about how composting toilets can save water, and can be used in places where maybe other t...
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Solved! Do You Tip a Plumber?
Q: I recently hired a plumber to fix a leak in my home. When the job was finished I tried to offer a tip, but the plu...
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8 Different Types of Water Valves Used in Home Plumbing 
The purpose of most water valves is to completely or partially restrict the flow of water through pipes. Water valves...
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How to Clean a Water Cooler in 7 Easy Steps
Water coolers provide fresh filtered drinking water at the press of a button. Since they’re a common fixture in offic...
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The 15 Best Kitchen Faucet Brands of 2024
Kitchen faucets are hardworking pieces of equipment that get daily use, and people generally take them for granted. T...
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What is a Cesspool, and Should I Buy a House That has One?
Q: My wife and I are looking at homes, and have come across a few in our area that have cesspools instead of municipa...
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How Much Does a Water Softener System Cost to Install?
Highlights The typical cost to install a water softener ranges from $200 to $6,000, with a national average of $1,50...
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Solved! What is a Bidet?
Q: I have heard that bidets can provide better hygiene, but I’m still not completely clear about what a bidet is and ...
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Solved! The Great Debate on Caulking Around the Toilet
Q: I am remodeling the bathrooms in my home and my understanding is that I should caulk around the toilet bases where...
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Go for (Brushed) Gold: 10 Gold Fixtures for Your Kitchen or Bath Reno
Hoping to set your space apart from the rest? For a winning kitchen or bath design, consider adding modern brushed gold fixtures.
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5 Things to Know When Buying a House with Well Water
Looking for a new home is exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially when your ideal home comes with some une...
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How Much Does a Plumber Cost?
Highlights The typical cost range to hire a plumber is between $180 and $489, with a national average of $331. The ...
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Solved! Why Is My Toilet Tank Sweating?
Q: For a few days now, I’ve noticed my toilet tank is sweating, and it’s starting to drip and discolor the wall behin...
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The Dos and Don'ts of French Drain Cleaning
A French drain can do wonders for a damp basement by keeping water from penetrating the foundation and soaking the sp...
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How To: Replace an Outdoor Faucet
Though a leaky outdoor faucet may not seem like much of a problem, each drip is costing you money. A faucet that drip...
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Solved! What is CPVC and What is it Used For?
Q: I often see CPVC when I’m shopping for products for my home, but I don’t know what it is. What is CPVC and what is...
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Toilet Installation: DIY or Hire a Professional?
You may be tempted to save money and replace that old toilet yourself. After all, how hard can it be? The truth is th...
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The Best Salt-Free Water Softeners
Whether on well water or city water, many households struggle with hard water—which can cause scaling and clogged wat...
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Boil Water Advisory 101: How to Safely Sanitize Water at Home During an Emergency
When a boil water advisory is announced, it can’t be ignored. These advisories mean that your local water source may ...
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The Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters of 2023
Hot water is a basic requirement, but the range of tank-based and tankless systems now available can make choosing th...
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The Dos and Don'ts of Using Expanding Foam Insulation Around the House
Insulating expanding foam sealant makes quick work of reducing sound transfer, stabilizing a wobbly showerhead, or ev...
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These Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades Offer the Best ROI
Eco-friendly home upgrades won’t just make your home more comfortable, they can also help you save money over time. These 10 upgrades offer the best return on you...
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The Best Washing Machine Hoses of 2023
Many people treat washing machine hoses as a “fit and forget” item and are unaware that washer hoses are subject to w...
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The Best Shallow Well Pumps of 2023
Though it typically sits in the crawl space under a home, out of sight and out of mind, a shallow well pump is one of...
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The Best Sewage Pump
Homes outside of municipal sewer systems rely on septic systems for waste management. A septic system requires the us...
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The Best Pipe Thread Sealant
Threads are a remarkably efficient mechanical device, ideal for connecting pipework. Depending on the material, they ...
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The Best Hose Clamps to Secure Pipes and Hoses
Whether working on a plumbing pipe fixture under a sink or performing automotive maintenance, connecting a hose to a ...
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Bye-Bye, Bulky Pitchers! My Under-Sink Water Filter is Here to Stay
For as long as I can remember, there’s been a large plastic pitcher taking up valuable real estate in my already over...
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How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost?
Typical Range: $3,109 to $9,677 National Average: $6,361Living in a rural area has its perks, but it also comes wi...
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How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost?
Highlights The typical cost to replace a water heater runs from $874 to $1,765, with a national average of $1,293. ...
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The Best Shower Heads for Low Water Pressure of 2023
Few things in life are as relaxing and rejuvenating as a hot shower, just as few things in life are as disappointing ...
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The Best Water-Leak Detectors Tested in 2023
Water leaks are incredibly common, with over 2. 5 million homeowners experiencing one yearly. Not only do water leaks...
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The One Drawback of PEX Pipe Even Plumbers Didn't See Coming
For both new construction and remodeling projects, installing a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) water-supply system i...
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The Best Plumber Near Me: How to Hire the Best Plumber Near Me Based on Cost, Issue, and Other Considerations
Hiring the Best Plumber Near MeWhether facing a plumbing emergency or a home bathroom remodel, many homeowners turn t...
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The Best Pipe Wrenches for Your Plumbing Repairs
Standard wrenches are useful when tackling various jobs around the home and yard, but they’re less helpful for plumbi...
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The Best Toilets to Meet Your Comfort and Style Needs
Modern toilets come in different shapes, sizes, and levels of complexity with various seat shapes and height options ...
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The Best PEX Crimp Tools of 2023
PEX piping is becoming more popular with DIYers and pros alike. Instead of using expensive copper piping, torches, an...
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The Best Heated Toilet Seats for the Bathroom
Heated toilet seats look like standard toilet seats but include a heating element that warms the seat to the desired ...
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The Best Shower Drain Hair Catchers of 2023
Hair in the shower drain can cause bad smells, clogs, and serious blockages. The best shower drain hair catcher snags...
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The Best Thermal Cameras to Identify Issues and Avoid Drilling Holes
Thermal cameras can help detect potential issues in your home, such as a termite nest in the wall or a leak from a pi...
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The 9 Best Rain Shower Heads for a Spa-Like Bathroom, Tested
Oversize shower heads—also referred to as rain shower heads—offer a feeling of standing in a gentle rain. They are de...
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20 Cheap Home Repairs That Could Save You Thousands
If your house could talk, it would tell you that spending a little money now on small repairs could save you big bucks down the road. We’ve put together 20 of the...
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The Best Drain Cleaners for Hair and Grime
With regular use, the drains in your home can become clogged with clumps of hair, causing drainage issues and unpleas...
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The 9 Best Water Heaters of 2023
It used to be that there weren’t many options when it came to purchasing a residential water heater. The only two cho...
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The Best Toilet Repair Kits of 2023
A single leaky toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water per month. That’s bad for the environment—and hard on t...
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The Best High-Pressure Shower Heads to Upgrade Your Bathroom, Tested
High-pressure shower heads reliably deliver one of the main elements of a pleasant shower experience: a steady, invig...
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8 Types of Torque Wrenches for Your Tool Collection
For beginners and seasoned veterans in the garage alike, one tool that frequently comes in handy is the torque wrench...
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The Best Tankless Water Heaters for the Home
Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than standard water heater storage tanks that heat up and store gall...
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The Differences Between Copper Pipe Types, Explained
Copper pipes have been used as water supply lines in homes for decades, and you’ve probably seen them under your cabi...
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The Best Tankless Gas Water Heaters for Your Home
Traditional water heaters can be huge energy guzzlers because of the large storage tank of piping hot water they must...
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The Best Septic Tank Treatments of 2023
Septic tanks bring wastewater from the home into a tank, where active bacteria dissolves and consumes waste, effectiv...
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The Best Water Softeners of 2023
Water softening systems prevent common problems with water, including chalky deposits of calcium carbonate, called li...
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The Best Strap Wrenches
Those who do any sort of plumbing repairs already know how difficult it can be to remove twist-on connectors that hav...
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The High Cost of a Small Leak—and How to Prevent It
“Don’t go looking for trouble” is an adage most homeowners can relate to, particularly when it comes to plumbing. Aft...
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3 Ways to Cut PVC Pipe
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe is a type of plastic tubing commonly used for drains. These are the white pipes with pu...
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Yes, You Can Reuse Water at Home—Here's How
We waste water every day—for example, when we let the water run while we brush our teeth or wait for the shower to hit the perfect temperature. It's fairly easy t...
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The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Throne Tested and Approved
Upholding basic sanitary practices to ensure the health of your home calls for regular toilet bowl cleaning. While th...
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12 Ways You’re Wasting Water at Home
Cut down on wasted water by eliminating these 12 drains on your wallet—and the planet.
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Solved! What Causes Low Water Pressure—and How to Fix It
Q: I have always had good water pressure throughout my home, but recently I noticed that the water pressure has dropp...
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8 Questions Home Buyers Have About Septic Systems
The phrase “septic system” in a home listing is notorious for scaring away potential buyers. Some home buyers may see...
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15 Spring Home Maintenance Musts
To do a thorough job of spring home maintenance and cleaning, follow these easy and smart routines.
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10 Things That Are Ruining Your Home's Plumbing
Plumbing is one of those things that we don’t really think about—until, of course, it starts to fail. Although some plumbing mishaps are out of our control, other...
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How To: Find a Plumbing Leak
Our homes rely on water—as long as its safely contained in a pipe, sink, tub, or appropriate appliance, like a dishwa...
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Solved! What is Water Hammer, and How Can I Fix It? 
Q: When the water reaches the fill level in my washing machine and the agitation cycle starts, I always hear a loud s...
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Solved! How to Fix a Leaking Water Heater and Prevent Future Woes
Q: Help! My hot water heater is leaking.  After mopping up, I see more water starting to puddle but I can’t tell wher...
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How to Know If You're Dealing with Lead Pipes—and What to Do About Them
In some cities across America, children and adults are exposed to a dangerous contaminant with every glass of water t...
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5 Types of Plumbing Pipes You'll Find in Homes
This content has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Plumbing has c...
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Solved! How to Tell if You Have Hard Water
Q: I thought the washing machine at our new house was on the fritz because the laundry still came out with dirt and s...
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The 6 Best Things You Can Do for Your Plumbing
If you take these steps to safeguard your plumbing system now, you could reduce the risk of future plumbing problems and even increase the useful life of some of ...
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Here's Why Your Plumbing Sweats in the Summer
This content has been brought you by SupplyHouse. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Q: This is our fi...
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PEX vs. Copper: Which Pipes are Right for My Home?
Once the top choice for all water supply pipes, copper has been nudged a bit to the side by flexible pipes made from ...
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6 Smart Ways to Prevent a Soggy Yard with Every Rain Shower
Ward off water woes in your front, back, or side yard with a few improvements to your landscaping.</p> The following article is paid advertising created in p...
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5 Signs You Need to Start Filtering Your Home's Water
Bad-tasting drinking water and dingy clothes are just two indications that your home could benefit from a water filtration system. Here are some other signs to lo...
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10 Ways Your Home Is Telling You to Call a Plumber
Plumbing problems can run the gamut from very minor and fixable to major and costly, and at times it can be tough to tell the difference. Sometimes you may not ev...
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How a Frost-Free Faucet Can Save Homeowners Thousands of Dollars
From time to time, homeowners forget to shut off the water supply to an outdoor faucet when they're winter-proofing t...
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7 Signs Your Home Needs a Water Softener
Most Americans think of water as basically “wet” and don’t consider its other attributes. But many residential water users have had to confront one of water's les...
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7 Common Water Problems—and Their Cures
Wondering why your water smells funny, tastes bad, or stains your plumbing fixtures, cookware, dishes and laundry? Read on!
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How to Turn Off Water to Your House
Chances are, there will come a time when you’ll have to turn off the water supply to your home: You may need to do so...
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10 Plumbing Tips Everyone Needs to Know
Are you dealing with a dripping faucet, low water pressure, or clogged pipe? You’re probably tempted to call a professional plumber, and with good reason. Homeown...
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9 Cool Projects You Can Make with Pipe and Fittings
Create hip, functional home goods out of flanges, elbows, and other basic fittings. This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse.com. Its facts and op...
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5 Plumbing Repairs Every Homeowner Should Know
While the pleasures of homeownership are great, there will invariably be repairs along the way, especially when it co...
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Solved! How to Fix a Slow Sink Drain
Q: My bathroom sink isn’t draining very well, and it’s driving me crazy. While the water does eventually drain out, i...
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How To: Connect PEX to Copper or PVC
Today, with the help of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, plumbing work has become more efficient for professiona...
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All You Need to Know About PEX Pipe
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a type of flexible plastic, is currently replacing traditional copper and galvanized...
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Solved! Why Is My Toilet Bubbling, and How Can I Fix It?
Q: Sometimes, my toilet makes a gurgling noise for no apparent reason—not when I flush it, but rather at random inter...
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DIY Toilet Repair: 5 Common Commode Problems and How to Fix Them
If there's one household fixture we really rely on and hate to have to fix, it's the toilet. But while these fixtures...
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9 Signs Your Tap Water Might Be Contaminated
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “the United States enjoys one of the world's most reliable and safest supplies of drinking water.” Occasionally,...
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The Worst Money Mistakes Homeowners Ever Make
While homeownership undeniably comes with plenty of expenses, there’s no reason to spend more than you have to. If your home seems more like a money pit than an a...
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How to Keep Pipes From Freezing and Bursting
When severe winter weather threatens your home, one of the most important preventative measures you need to familiari...
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How To: Choose a Well Pump
In cities and suburbs, folks enjoy virtually uninterrupted access to clean, potable water. But if you live in one of ...
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Water Stains on the Ceiling? Here's How to Fix Them
Q: I recently noticed some water stains on the ceiling of my living room. I’m not sure where they came from, but the ...
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Which Is the Right Type of Water Filter for You?
Americans enjoy easy, take-it-for-granted access to some of the cleanest, clearest water in the world. Still, even wa...
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What Tools Do You Need for PEX Plumbing Projects?
Homeowners rarely do their own plumbing, right? Wrong. Nowadays, intrepid do-it-yourselfers rely on their own skills ...
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How To: Shop for PEX Tubing
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. For much ...
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How to Replace a Toilet Flange
If you’ve got a pool of water around the base of your toilet, you may need to do a toilet flange replacement of a loo...
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How To: Snake a Toilet
Let’s face it: Dealing with a clogged toilet is about as much fun—but, unfortunately, just as necessary—as a root can...
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Solved! What to Do About Cloudy Water
Q. When I fill a glass of water from my faucet, it looks cloudy. What's with all the the murkiness?  More importantly...
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The Dos and Don'ts of Clearing a Clogged Sink
Most homeowners never think about maintaining their sinks—at least, not until it starts to drain agonizingly slow and...
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Solved! What to Do About a Sewage Smell in the Bathroom
Q: I’ve noticed a rotten smell coming from my bathroom lately and can’t figure out the source. Do you have any idea w...
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9 Energy-Saving Home Upgrades That Pay for Themselves
You want to save money on utility costs and do your part to conserve energy, but some energy upgrades are so expensive that you may never see a payback in this li...
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12 Things Your Plumber Wishes You Knew
Why does it seem like the times you really need a plumber are late at night, early in the morning, or on weekends, when fees can cost twice as much as normal. Cha...
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How To: Remove a Bathtub
Maybe you dream of upgrading to a modern jetted model, or simply want to switch to a stall shower to gain square foot...
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Clanking Pipes? Restore Quiet with a Water Hammer Arrester
Have you ever been spooked by strange banging, clanking, or thumping sounds coming from your water pipes whenever you...
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How to Remove a Tub Drain
We don’t give tub drains much thought until they give us trouble. Over time, tub drains clog and sometimes even corro...
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So, You Want to... Install a Water Softener
If everything you try to clean somehow ends up coated in a soapy film, there's likely a rational explanation—hard wat...
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One System to Save You Time and Money—and Water
You're standing over the kitchen sink or next to the shower, all the while waiting, waiting, and waiting for the hot ...
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How to Snake a Drain
Though convenient, liquid drain cleaners aren't always the right solution to clearing clogs in your sinks, tubs, and ...
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Heat Tape: A Fast and Low-Cost Way to Prevent Frozen Pipes
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Homeowners w...
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How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Few problems around the house strike fear into the heart of a homeowner like a frozen pipe: The pressure created by f...
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8 Ways to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home
Starting or ending a long day with a weak shower is pretty unsatisfying, if not downright frustrating. When other aro...
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Bob Vila Radio: Replacing a Shower Diverter
You know that little knob on top of the bathtub spout? It's tiny but not insignificant, as it performs the vital role...
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Time's Up: 9 Things to Repair in Your Home Before It's Too Late
Time never seems to be on our side, and it can especially work against us in the case of certain home repairs. A suspicious water spot on the ceiling, a slight cr...
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A Cheap and Easy Way to Slash Your Water Bill
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. With a singl...
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All-Purpose Transfer Pumps Move Water with Ease
Sure, there may be calm before the storm, but afterward, once the dark clouds have given way to sunshine, there's oft...
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Bob Vila Radio: Why Is the Tap Water Brown?
Does the water coming out of your faucet look a bit like the Mississippi River after a rainstorm? There are at least ...
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7 House Sounds You Never Want to Ignore
Homes make strange noises on a regular basis, from groaning and creaking to popping and scratching. As a homeowner, you should be able to tell whether that noise ...
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The Little-Known Benefits of Pipe Insulation
If you know anything at all about pipe insulation, you know that it goes a long way toward preventing frozen pipes. T...
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This Fall, Tune Up the Engine That Drives Your Hydronic Heating
Colder temperatures mean one thing: Winter looms on the horizon, so the time has come to make sure that your heating ...
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Want Hot Water Fast? Switch to a ManaBloc Plumbing System
This is a sponsored post on behalf of SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. If you're b...
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How To: Choose a Water Heater
While we often take a hot shower or bath for granted, it's important to note that up to 20% of a household's annual e...
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Expansion Tanks: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Homeowners l...
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Quick Tip: Drain Water Heat Recovery
 Here's a great device for keeping your home energy dollars from going down the drain. A drain water heat recovery de...
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Creaks, Groans, and Squeaks: 11 Spooky House Sounds That Could Spell Trouble for Homeowners
  Homes often make strange noises. They’re built of many different materials—glass, concrete, wood—that expand and co...
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What Would Bob Do? Draining a Water Heater
I just drained my water heater for the first time since it was installed back in '89. . . 24 years ago! The water cam...
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Which Type of Water Heater Is Best for Your Home?
The water heater is the home’s unsung hero, reliably operating behind the scenes to make possible many of the modern ...
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The Complete Illustrated Guide to Unclogging a Drain
Stop—don't panic! You, too, can unclog that drain with these easy steps for banishing the backed-up sink and toilet.
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Low Water Pressure in the House? Here's What's Wrong and How to Fix It
Low water pressure in the house can be a real annoyance—the shower subsides to a trickle, the washing machine takes e...
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Plumbing Tools
Plumbing makes possible the cleanliness we know today. Yet solving some kinds of plumbing problems involves sink trap...
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How To: Solder Copper Pipe Fittings
Connections are made between sections of iron pipe using threaded fittings. The walls of copper pipe, however, are to...
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The Plumbing Rough-In
Plumbers work with three basic categories of supplies. There are the supply pipes, that deliver the clean water into ...
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How To: Fix a Leaky Faucet
A faucet—whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or behind the bar—acts like a mini dam, holding back a pressurized st...
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Which PEX Is Best? Choosing the Right Type of Tubing for Any Job
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Polyethyl...
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Everything You Need to Know About Winterizing Pipes
As you ready your house for the colder months ahead, don’t forget about your water system. When water freezes, it exp...
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Bob Vila Radio: Fixing a Slow Drain
Grace tweets, “The bathroom sink in my 1890s Victorian is draining really slowly. What’s the best way to get things f...
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Quick Tip: Fixing a Clogged Drain
Be Gentle on Old Drains A partial clog can be cleared by cleaning out the drainpipe. Older plumbing can be damaged by...
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Tankless Hot Water Heaters: Should I or Shouldn't I?
Whether you are building a new home or retrofiiting an older one (like me), take time to evaluate the hot water syste...
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How To: Work with Plastic Pipe
Plastic pipe (commonly referred to as PVC) requires a mini­mum of tools and experience. If you can use a tape measure...
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How to Install a Garbage Disposal
When your garbage disposal starts making odd noises or stops working altogether, it probably means it’s time to repla...
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How to Install a Faucet
If “replace kitchen faucet” is on your to-do list, you’ll be glad to know that changing or installing a new faucet is...
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Constructing the Porch and Reviewing the Mechanical Systems
A big farmer's porch will run the whole width of the house. Bob discusses the boiler, which will heat the domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, and hydro-air...
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Installing Fiber-Cement Siding and Cellular PVC Trim
While the house is being dried out, fiber-cement siding is put in place, as well as a cellular PVC trim that has the look of wood boards without any of the hassles.
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Building a First-Floor Slab and Walls with Concrete
The home's concrete-slab floor is constructed with foam decking and connected to PEX tubing that will heat the home. The ReddiForm foam blocks enable a single con...
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Master Bathroom Tub, Tile, and Low-Flow Toilet Installation
In the master bath, Bob reviews the appropriate design choices made by homeowner and contractor Nick Beasley for this period home. A new low-flush toilet is insta...
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Finishing Touch: Installing a Vintage Tub in a Child's Bathroom
The unusually shaped room with original beadboard that sits under the roof’s eaves will be adapted from its prior use as a home office to be a child’s bathroom wi...
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Evaluating the HVAC and Plumbing System
Bob meets with HVAC and plumbing contractor Frank Iadarola to review the HVAC and plumbing systems and discuss how to begin the remodeling process.
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Reviewing the Boiler Pipes and Bathroom In-Floor Radiant Heat
Bob and plumbing and heating contractor Frank Iadarola review the air handler and bathroom in-floor radiant heat.
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Touring the Kohler Showroom and Factory in Kohler, WI
Bob tours the showroom with the founder’s great-granddaughter, and then visits the factory to see how the vitreous china is manufactured.
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Installing and Explaining a Basement HVAC System
Bob meets with the installer of the new HVAC system to discuss how it filters air and reduces energy costs.
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Reworking the Existing Plumbing and Replacing Brass Water Pipes with PEX Tubing
Bob reviews the work done on the existing plumbing in the basement and the replacement of obsolete brass water pipes.
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Fixing the Home's Gutter System
Bob reviews how keeping water out of the basement is a central concern in any basement remodeling project.
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Removing Unwanted Junk and Debris
Bob discusses the best ways to discard debris and unwanted items before starting a renovation.
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Eliminating Basement Moisture
Bob revisits the techniques and products used to keep the basement dry.
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Installing a Basement Half-Bathroom
Bob discusses the installation of a basement half-bathroom, including wiring, plumbing, and radiant heating.
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Installing the Dishwasher
Mike Goodrich show Bob how to install a dishwasher
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Installing a Soaking Tub With Jets
Bob joins Dan Gerry to install a jetted soaking tub in the master bath.
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Plumbing Fittings and Faucets, Energy Star, Whole-House Surge Protection
Bob works with Bob and Dan Gerry to install kitchen sink fixtures. Then the ceiling fan is put in and a Square D All House Surge Arrester is installed.
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Removable Swimming Pool Safety Fencing
Bill Jasper joins Bob for the installation of a removable Baby Barrier pool fence.
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Ultra Low-Flow Toilet Installed
Lenora Campos shows Bob a Toto energy-efficient toilet.
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Installing Bathroom Fixtures
Bob meets with Lenora Campos of Toto USA, the largest toilet manufacturer in the world. Campos introduces Toto's Mercer line of residential fixtures, giving speci...
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Demolition Review and Shower Installation
With much of the demolition having been completed, Bob walks through an open, loft-like space, which was dark and cramped feeling pre-demolition. Carlos Leuchtman...
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Preparing the Site for Modular Home Delivery
Bob reviews the site preparation process with the on-site contractor, Michael Sheils.
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Installing a Central Vacuum System
Ron Boffoli from Cape Cod Vacuum Supply installs the components for a central vacuum system.
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Installing Plumbing Loop and Fixtures for Multiple-Head Shower
Bob tours the master bath with an eye towards the luxury appointments, including the double vanity fixtures, granite countertop, and Wellborn cabinets.
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Installing the Dishwasher, Sink, and Garbage Disposal
Plumbing and heating contractor Doug Buchanan is ready to install the Kenmore Elite dishwasher and the Kohler Dickinson sink (with garbage disposal).
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Reviewing the Wood Burning Boiler Features
Back at the Cobb Hill co-housing community, Bob meets with builder Kevin O'Hara, who shows Bob the enormous Gard wood gasifying boiler that's just arrived.
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Reviewing the Plumbing and Heating
The developer and the plumber guide Bob through the equipment-laden boiler room.
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Kitchen Plumbing Installed
The final connections are made to the new kitchen appliances, including a garbage disposal and a gas stove.
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Plumbing With PVC Piping
Bob meets with plumbing contractor, who demonstrates how all the waste lines come together in a residence and how they exit the house.
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Installing a Tankless Hot Water Heater
Bob meets with plumbing contractor Craig Rinaldi and Mary Moffroid (from Controlled Energy), who are installing a tankless hot water heater.
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Flooring, Plumbing, and Plastering
The old flooring in the Gothic Carpenter-style home in Elmwood has been removed. Bob outlines the process of installing the new floor and discusses the new suppor...
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Plumbing in the Bathroom and Wiring in the Kitchen
Plumber Kevin Hanley reviews the installation process for a pedestal sink and antique toilet in the new half-bath. And electrical wiring is pulled through the wal...
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Plumbing and Electrical Work in the Home Addition
Bob joins Jack O'Leary to review the rough-in plumbing and electrical work, and, together, they install a roof vent.
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Innovative Septic System Installation
Bob meets with Tom Florence, who's installing the Flo-Well septic system. The tank is much lighter than with concrete systems, costs about 20% less, and will last...
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Exterior Tour and Plumbing
Bob and contractor Bob Ryley tour the exterior of the cabin, whose exposed wood surfaces will pose some problems for the builders. The plumber installs a drain li...
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Installing PVC Pipe
Bob checks in with plumbing contractor Jim Timino, who is running PVC pipe for the rough plumbing. Along the way, Jim demonstrates how to properly cement, or glue...
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Vent Pipe Installation
A vent pipe is installed in the ranch's roof. A hole is cut and a shield is added to create a weather-tight seal around the pipe and roof shingles. Down in the ba...
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Shower Stall Installation
Bob joins the plumber as he installs a shower stall in the kids' bathroom. After drilling the drain hole, the plumber demonstrates how to properly attach a metal ...
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Sweating a Joint in Copper Plumbing
The plumber Steve Bowton shows Bob how to sweat a joint in copper plumbing.
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Hot Water Boiler Installation
Bob looks on as plumbing contractor Steve Bottazzi removes the old boiler and installs a new state-of-the-art system. At 280,000 BTUs, it is three times as strong...
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Installing the Lavatory
Bob observes plumbing contractor Steve Bottazzi install a lavatory (faucet and sink) in a bathroom vanity.
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Replacing the Septic System
Bob must handle an overloaded septic system by replacing the clogged tank as well as the old leach field. Also, carpenter Bob Ryley demonstrates how to install a ...
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Installing a New Plumbing Trap
Bob joins plumber Bob Hubbard, who is replacing the cast-iron drain lines with PVC pipe. Hubbard demonstrates how to glue or cement PVC fittings together, before ...
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Rough Plumbing Work
Bob goes over some of the rough plumbing work that needs to be done in the Cape Cod house.
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Joining Copper Plumbing
Plumber Tom Higham demonstrates how to join copper plumbing for the bathroom lavatory.
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Installing the Septic System
John Aalto talks Bob through the installation of the septic system.
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New Water Service Connected
Plumber Don McPoland shows how the new water service is connected to the house.
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Radiant Floor Heating System Installed
John Martin (from WarmZone) is on-hand to show Bob how the medium density fiberboard (MDF) faced with reflective aluminum shielding, and precut channels for the h...
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White Oak Hardwood Flooring Installation
General contractor Tim Berky installs the white oak, tongue-and-groove floor. Since the flooring will be nailed over the hyrdronic heat system, it is critical to ...
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Plans for the Multi-Level Backyard Deck
The extensive new deck will have multiple levels and various sections. General contractor Tim Berky digs holes for the footings before setting them in concrete.
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