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A 50-gallon water heater is usually the recommended size for houses with one to three bathrooms and families of three...
Q: There’s a sinkhole starting to form in my yard. My neighbor had a similar issue a few years ago, and it ended up b...
Whether you just purchased your first home or have lived in your house for years, having a few emergency plumbing too...
In some homes, the water from the washing machine drains into a septic system that treats the wastewater. A septic-sa...
Investing in high-quality home services is an important way for customers to take care of their properties. There are...
Online learning is a large and fast-growing industry, and it hasn’t left the trades behind. Would-be apprentices or D...
While I’m anything but a stranger to clearing clogs, I need to be completely honest: I hate snaking drains. It isn’t ...
Whether washing the car, watering the lawn, or giving the potted plants on the back patio a much-needed drink, an out...
Public water systems provide clean, drinkable water to many people across the United States with regulations put in p...
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...
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 ...
Every homeowner will need to call in a plumber at some point. Whether it’s installing a new faucet or handling an eme...
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 ...
Q: I’ve been noticing that some real estate listings mention a “water closet” in the primary suite. What is a water c...
Septic tanks are underground tanks used to treat wastewater from a home, dissolving and consuming waste. To keep a se...
Whether planning to move a hot tub across the yard or pack it up to move across the country, the basic steps remain a...
Hot tubs are often a treasured luxury for when you just want to take some time to rest and relax aching muscles, but ...
Q: I’ve been hearing a lot about how composting toilets can save water, and can be used in places where maybe other t...
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...
The purpose of most water valves is to completely or partially restrict the flow of water through pipes. Water valves...
Water coolers provide fresh filtered drinking water at the press of a button. Since they’re a common fixture in offic...
Kitchen faucets are hardworking pieces of equipment that get frequent, daily use, and people generally take them for ...
Q: My wife and I are looking at homes, and have come across a few in our area that have cesspools instead of municipa...
Q: I have heard that bidets can provide better hygiene, but I’m still not completely clear about what a bidet is and ...
Q: I am remodeling the bathrooms in my home and my understanding is that I should caulk around the toilet bases where...
Hoping to set your space apart from the rest? For a winning kitchen or bath design, consider adding modern brushed gold fixtures.
Looking for a new home is exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially when your ideal home comes with some une...
Typical Range: $175 to $450 National Average: $315Plumbing is a much-appreciated but often forgotten part of a hom...
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...
A French drain can do wonders for a damp basement by keeping water from penetrating the foundation and soaking the sp...
Though a leaky outdoor faucet may not seem like much of a problem, each drip is costing you money. A faucet that drip...
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...
You may be tempted to save money and replace that old toilet yourself. After all, how hard can it be? The truth is th...
Whether on well water or city water, many households struggle with hard water—which can cause scaling and clogged wat...
When a boil water advisory is announced, it can’t be ignored. These advisories mean that your local water source may ...
Hot water is a basic requirement, but the range of tank-based and tankless systems now available can make choosing th...
Insulating expanding foam sealant makes quick work of reducing sound transfer, stabilizing a wobbly showerhead, or ev...
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...
Many people treat washing machine hoses as a “fit and forget” item and are unaware that hoses are subject to wear. Th...
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...
Homes outside of municipal sewer systems rely on septic systems for waste management. A septic system requires the us...
Threads are a remarkably efficient mechanical device, ideal for connecting pipework. Depending on the material, they ...
Whether working on a plumbing pipe fixture under a sink or performing automotive maintenance, connecting a hose to a ...
For as long as I can remember, there’s been a large plastic pitcher taking up valuable real estate in my already over...
Typical Range: $3,109 to $9,677 National Average: $6,361Living in a rural area has its perks, but it also comes wi...
Typical Range: $811 to $1,566 National Average: $1,176A water heater is an important home appliance that is relied...
Water leaks< can be expensive. Not only will they elevate your water bill, but the damage that results can also ca...
For both new construction and remodeling projects, installing a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) water-supply system i...
Hiring the Best Plumber Near MeWhether facing a plumbing emergency or a home bathroom remodel, many homeowners turn t...
Standard wrenches are useful when tackling various jobs around the home and yard, but they’re less helpful for plumbi...
PEX piping is becoming more popular with DIYers and pros alike. Instead of using expensive copper piping, torches, an...
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...
With regular use, the drains in your home can become clogged with clumps of hair, causing drainage issues and unpleas...
It used to be that there weren’t many options when it came to purchasing a hot water heater. The only two choices wer...
A single leaky toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water per month. That’s bad for the environment—and hard on y...
For beginners and seasoned veterans in the garage alike, one tool that frequently comes in handy is the torque wrench...
Copper pipes have been used as water supply lines in homes for decades, and you’ve probably seen them under your cabi...
Septic tanks bring wastewater from your home into a tank, where active bacteria dissolves and consumes waste, effecti...
Water softener units prevent common problems with your water, including chalky films, mineral deposits and scale buil...
Those who do any sort of plumbing repairs already know how difficult it can be to remove twist-on connectors that hav...
“Don’t go looking for trouble” is an adage most homeowners can relate to, particularly when it comes to plumbing. Aft...
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe is a type of plastic tubing commonly used for drains. These are the white pipes with pu...
Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. While certain repairs require a professional, many maintenance jobs can be handled on your own. Learn these ba...
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...
Cut down on wasted water by eliminating these 12 drains on your wallet—and the planet.
Q: I have always had good water pressure throughout my home, but recently I noticed that the water pressure has dropp...
The phrase “septic system” in a home listing is notorious for scaring away potential buyers. Some home buyers may see...
To do a thorough job of spring home maintenance and cleaning, follow these easy and smart routines.
Think twice before sending anything down your garbage disposal.
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...
Our homes rely on water—as long as its safely contained in a pipe, sink, tub, or appropriate appliance, like a dishwa...
Q: When the water reaches the fill level in my washing machine and the agitation cycle starts, I always hear a loud s...
Q: Help! My hot water heater is leaking. After mopping up, I see more water starting to puddle but I can’t tell wher...
In some cities across America, children and adults are exposed to a dangerous contaminant with every glass of water t...
This content has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Plumbing has c...
Q: I thought the washing machine at our new house was on the fritz because the laundry still came out with dirt and s...
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 ...
This content has been brought you by SupplyHouse. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Q: This is our fi...
Once the top choice for all water supply pipes, copper has been nudged a bit to the side by flexible pipes made from ...
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...
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...
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...
From time to time, homeowners forget to shut off the water supply to an outdoor faucet when they're winter-proofing t...
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...
Wondering why your water smells funny, tastes bad, or stains your plumbing fixtures, cookware, dishes and laundry? Read on!
Chances are there’ll come a time when you’ll have to turn off the water supply in your home. You may need to do so fo...
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...
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...
While the pleasures of homeownership are great, there will invariably be repairs along the way, especially when it co...
Q: My bathroom sink isn’t draining very well, and it’s driving me crazy. While the water does eventually drain out, i...
Today, with the help of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, plumbing work has become more efficient for professiona...
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a type of flexible plastic, is currently replacing traditional copper and galvanized...
Stopped-up drain? Overflowing toilet? For these and many more plumbing repairs, homeowners reach for the plunger—a tr...
Q: Recently, my toilet started gurgling for no apparent reason. Not during a flush; just at random times. While nothi...
If there's one household fixture we really rely on and hate to have to fix, it's the toilet. But while these fixtures...
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “the United States enjoys one of the world's most reliable and safest supplies of drinking water.” Occasionally,...
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...
Got a leaky toilet? Believe it or not, it's a common problem. Continue reading to find out the likeliest causes and t...
Before you can build functional, stylish furniture for your home, you need a truckload of power tools and a craftsman...
The big freeze has many homeowners scrambling for insulation and space heaters, but some of the most important areas ...
It's one thing to leave your home unattended for a few hours. But when you're preparing to go away for a period of da...
Your home represents your single greatest investment, and you treat it accordingly by taking precautions to safeguard...
In cities and suburbs, folks enjoy virtually uninterrupted access to clean, potable water. But if you live in one of ...
Let's face it: Owning a home isn't cheap. You're on the hook for mortgage payments and property taxes, of course, as well as maintenance and repair expenses. Unde...
Q: I recently noticed some water stains on the ceiling of my living room. I'm not sure where they came from, but the ...
Americans enjoy easy, take-it-for-granted access to some of the cleanest, clearest water in the world. Still, even wa...
When you take glasses out of the dishwasher, do you notice hazy white polka dots? What about your faucets—are they co...
Homeowners rarely do their own plumbing, right? Wrong. Nowadays, intrepid do-it-yourselfers rely on their own skills ...
These quick upgrades don't require expert-level skills (or a big bankroll) to complete, but they can make a big impact on your home's potential—and your quality o...
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. For much ...
It's almost second nature: You turn on the shower and go off to do something else, knowing full well that it will tak...
Low water pressure: It's a real nuisance, not least because of regrettable situations like having to slow dance in yo...
Let’s face it: Dealing with a clogged toilet is about as much fun—but, unfortunately, just as necessary—as a root can...
Q. When I fill a glass of water from my faucet, it looks cloudy. What's with all the the murkiness? More importantly...
Most homeowners never think about maintaining their sinks—at least, not until it starts to drain agonizingly slow and...
To state the obvious, hot water plays a vitally important role in daily life, making it possible for households to en...
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...
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...
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...
Maybe you dream of upgrading to a modern jetted model, or simply want to switch to a stall shower to gain square foot...
Here’s an unpleasant thought: Our household drains see all sorts of horrors on a daily basis—hair, dirt, grime, and f...
Have you ever been spooked by strange banging, clanking, or thumping sounds coming from your water pipes whenever you...
We don’t give tub drains much thought until they give us trouble. Over time, tub drains clog and sometimes even corro...
Homeowners are accustomed to dealing with all types of uncertainties, but there are at least two things you can consi...
If everything you try to clean somehow ends up coated in a soapy film, there's likely a rational explanation—hard wat...
You're standing over the kitchen sink or next to the shower, all the while waiting, waiting, and waiting for the hot ...
If it looks like a snake and moves like a snake, it probably is a snake, right? Or, perhaps, its toolbox doppelgänger...
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Homeowners w...
Of all the challenges encountered in a severe winter, a frozen pipe may be the one that strikes the most fear into th...
Starting or ending a long day with a weak shower is deeply unsatisfying. Still, when other around-the-house fixes ran...
You know that little knob on top of the bathtub spout? It's tiny but not insignificant, as it performs the vital role...
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...
When your toilet is stopped up and you don't have a plunger, it's time to get creative. Here's how you can unclog a toilet using materials you already have in you...
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. With a singl...
If you’ve ever tried using nothing but a hacksaw to cut through PVC pipe, you know it can be challenging. Often, part...
Just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean you should. Attempting to DIY some home projects could lead to trouble.
Sure, there may be calm before the storm, but afterward, once the dark clouds have given way to sunshine, there's oft...
Does the water coming out of your faucet look a bit like the Mississippi River after a rainstorm? There are at least ...
Protect your home with a little added insurance—insurance that doesn't cost a nickel—by making sure everyone in your ...
Quick-connect, push-fit plumbing has been taking a bite out of local plumbing trades, as homeowners discover the ease...
The joys of homeownership are many—as are the little everyday challenges. The occasional leak or break is bound to happen, but there's no reason why these minor ...
In the United States, we are fortunate not to have to think much about water quality. Most of us simply turn on the t...
Adding a toilet to your basement not only adds convenience, but it can also boost the value of your home. But before ...
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 ...
If a plumbing pipe ruptures inside your home, it's likely going to be a disaster. But properly installed pipe insulat...
Chances are that, somewhere along the line, you've had to deal with a clog in your kitchen drain. Even if you make a ...
If you know anything at all about pipe insulation, you know that it goes a long way toward preventing frozen pipes. T...
If you want to make sure you'll have hot water whenever you need it, it's a good idea to flush your water heater ever...
On chilly mornings, do you get impatient waiting for water from the faucet to get hot? If so, maybe you should think ...
Colder temperatures mean one thing: Winter looms on the horizon, so the time has come to make sure that your heating ...
This is a sponsored post on behalf of SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. If you're b...
Scalding injuries are one of the top reasons people show up at emergency rooms with burns. Listen to BOB VILA ON PREV...
Ever hear a banging noise when you shut off faucets in the house? The problem could be what plumbers call "water hamm...
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...
This post has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Homeowners l...
Here's how to install a hot or cold water shut-off valve under your sink. Apply plumbing sealant to the shut-off th...
Here's a great device for keeping your home energy dollars from going down the drain. A drain water heat recovery de...
If hard water is a problem in your house, you might want to look into getting a water softener. The scale in your wa...
Homes often make strange noises. They’re built of many different materials—glass, concrete, wood—that expand and co...
I just drained my water heater for the first time since it was installed back in '89. . . 24 years ago! The water cam...
The water heater is the home’s unsung hero, reliably operating behind the scenes to make possible many of the modern ...
Here is the best way of joining copper pipe yourself. First, use fine sandpaper to clean the inside of the fittings ...
Stop—don't panic! You, too, can unclog that drain with these easy steps for banishing the backed-up sink and toilet.
Everyone is talking about “on demand” these days, but the buzz has moved well beyond movies and videos and into the w...
Low water pressure in the house can be a real annoyance—the shower subsides to a trickle, the washing machine takes e...
Plumbing makes possible the cleanliness we know today. Yet solving some kinds of plumbing problems involves sink trap...
Connections are made between sections of iron pipe using threaded fittings. The walls of copper pipe, however, are to...
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins should take roughly two to three weeks. The insulation will happen in a day ...
Efficient ProductsManaging the country’s water supply is a rising concern, yet many Americans are unaware of how much...
Plumbers work with three basic categories of supplies. There are the supply pipes, that deliver the clean water into ...
A faucet—whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or behind the bar—acts like a mini dam, holding back a pressurized st...
This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse. com. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Polyethyl...
For anything from small plumbing repairs to running lines for a whole house, there are lots of reasons PEX tubing bea...
If you’re paying through the nose for hot water in your house, you’ve probably already thought about replacing your c...
Frozen pipes that burst and cause water damage in your home can happen in all but the warmest areas, and often when y...
'Tis the season for freezing pipes, and that's not just for folks in colder climates. Listen to BOB VILA ON FREEZING ...
As you ready your house for the colder months ahead, don’t forget about your water system. When water freezes, it exp...
If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to give your kitchen a pick-me-up, replacing the sink faucet might ...
If your home is like most in the U. S. , you’re spending a fifth of your energy dollars heating your water. If your w...
Showers account for more than a fifth of the water Americans use every day. You can conserve more of this precious re...
If you hear banging or knocking when you turn the tap on and off in your home, you could be straining pipes and coppe...
We all know that life would be very different without that wonder of modern science: the toilet. But when it acts up,...
What Causes the Clanging?Water hammer is a common cause of banging pipes. In plumbing where water pressure is high, s...
Grace tweets, “The bathroom sink in my 1890s Victorian is draining really slowly. What’s the best way to get things f...
Be Gentle on Old Drains A partial clog can be cleared by cleaning out the drainpipe. Older plumbing can be damaged by...
Whether you are building a new home or retrofiiting an older one (like me), take time to evaluate the hot water syste...
Some friends of mine moved into a new house and had a couple of issues with their bathroom. The sink drain was a litt...
Put the phone down! There's no need to call the plumber. In only six simple steps, you can unclog a drain that no longer flows as freely as it once did.
Plastic pipe (commonly referred to as PVC) requires a minimum of tools and experience. If you can use a tape measure...
Depending on what part of the world you're from you may have heard sink disposals referred to as "garbage disposals,"...
If “replace kitchen faucet” is on your to-do list, it may be comforting to know that changing or installing a new fau...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
Bob meets with HVAC and plumbing contractor Frank Iadarola to review the HVAC and plumbing systems and discuss how to begin the remodeling process.
Bob and plumbing and heating contractor Frank Iadarola review the air handler and bathroom in-floor radiant heat.
Bob tours the showroom with the founder’s great-granddaughter, and then visits the factory to see how the vitreous china is manufactured.
Bob meets with the installer of the new HVAC system to discuss how it filters air and reduces energy costs.
Bob reviews the work done on the existing plumbing in the basement and the replacement of obsolete brass water pipes.
Bob reviews how keeping water out of the basement is a central concern in any basement remodeling project.
Bob discusses the best ways to discard debris and unwanted items before starting a renovation.
Bob revisits the techniques and products used to keep the basement dry.
Bob discusses the installation of a basement half-bathroom, including wiring, plumbing, and radiant heating.
Bob joins Dan Gerry to install a jetted soaking tub in the master bath.
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.
Bill Jasper joins Bob for the installation of a removable Baby Barrier pool fence.
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...
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...
Bob reviews the site preparation process with the on-site contractor, Michael Sheils.
Ron Boffoli from Cape Cod Vacuum Supply installs the components for a central vacuum system.
Bob tours the master bath with an eye towards the luxury appointments, including the double vanity fixtures, granite countertop, and Wellborn cabinets.
Plumbing and heating contractor Doug Buchanan is ready to install the Kenmore Elite dishwasher and the Kohler Dickinson sink (with garbage disposal).
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.
The developer and the plumber guide Bob through the equipment-laden boiler room.
The final connections are made to the new kitchen appliances, including a garbage disposal and a gas stove.
Bob meets with plumbing contractor, who demonstrates how all the waste lines come together in a residence and how they exit the house.
Bob meets with plumbing contractor Craig Rinaldi and Mary Moffroid (from Controlled Energy), who are installing a tankless hot water heater.
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...
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...
Bob joins Jack O'Leary to review the rough-in plumbing and electrical work, and, together, they install a roof vent.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
The plumber Steve Bowton shows Bob how to sweat a joint in copper plumbing.
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...
Bob observes plumbing contractor Steve Bottazzi install a lavatory (faucet and sink) in a bathroom vanity.
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 ...
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 ...
Bob goes over some of the rough plumbing work that needs to be done in the Cape Cod house.
Plumber Tom Higham demonstrates how to join copper plumbing for the bathroom lavatory.
Plumber Don McPoland shows how the new water service is connected to the house.
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...
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 ...
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.
