What to Know When Problems Bubble Up

Knowing some plumbing basics when problems arise can keep you out of hot water. Take a look at our Tip Archive for a list of subjects we're asked about most frequently.

Some routine attention to plumbing fixtures can assure that a small problem doesn't become a major disaster.

Flowing water can cause severe damage to your home and its contents. Individual water shutoffs are located under...

 Water enters your house through a pipe that connects either to a municipal water line or a private well. If your bill changes according to...

Straight reading meters display a number on a white background below the words "cubic feet" under the dial.

The water meter is the dividing line when it comes to assuming responsibility for plumbing repairs.

Water escaping from a pipe can wreak havoc in your house. Even a tiny leak that is left to drip day and night will soon rot away everything in its vicinity.

Plumbers get more calls to open clogged drains than for any other service. Many such calls could be prevented by greater care in the use of...

Shower heads often spray unevenly because the tiny holes have gotten clogged with mineral deposits.

To avoid maintenance problems, use the following guidelines when using your garbage disposal.

If a fork, bottle cap, or any other solid object drops down through the splash guard, it can cause the disposal to jam.

 A leaky faucet that drips one drip per second wastes 8.64 gal./day, so eliminating the problem promptly can help save you money and the environment.

Pipe noises range from loud hammering sounds to high-pitched squeaks. The causes may be loose pipes, water-logged air chambers or water pressure that's too high.

 You don't have to install the newest energy saving water heater to get it into better energy shape. You can start by bundling your water heater in an insulating...

 Toilets are the leading cause of household water leaks. Yet they are easy to detect, and relatively easy to repair. 

Regular maintenance of drains will help reduce the risk of clogging. Flush drains bi-weekly with hot tap water, especially those drains that are