Are you about to take off for a lengthy vacation? Maybe you have a seasonal home that you want to prepare for your extended absence. In either scenario, it's important you take the proper steps to make sure your plumbing remains in good condition while you're gone. Here's a quick overview of some of the actions you should take to protect your plumbing while you're gone on vacation. Shut the water off While you're away for an extended period of time, turn off the ma...

If you don't take immediate action to fix leaking pipes when you notice them in your home, there's a chance they could cause a significant amount of damage to your property. Depending on the size and type of leak and the kind of pipe or fixture you're working with, there are a variety of methods you can employ to fix the leaking plumbing on your property. Here's a quick overview of some tips to try until they can be repaired properly: Always remember to turn off your plu...

During the home remodeling process, the "rough-in" is the part of the remodel that takes place right after the basic framing is completed. It often features the initial preparations and plumbing installations, before the walls and ceilings get closed up with drywall (or whatever other material will be used). This is also the part of the project in which building inspectors will come in for the first time and make sure everything is up to code. Because the walls and floors have n...

Your sump pump is an important part of your home's plumbing system, and it is imperative you stay on top of preventative maintenance to ensure it works properly when you need it to. Here's a quick overview of some tips that will help you keep your sump pump in good condition for many years to come. Test it often The best way to determine whether or not your sump pump is working as it should is to test it regularly. Pour some water into the sump pit to raise the float that spri...

The home remodeling season is fast approaching. Across the country, homeowners will be starting new renovation projects to upgrade their kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. In many cases, though, people who start these projects will come across unexpected issues during demolition that will add on to the costs and necessities of the job. Plumbing issues are frequently among these unexpected issues that don't get noticed until the demolition process. Here are just a few examples of s...

The quality of the water you have coming out of your home's sinks will depend in large part on where you live and the quality of your municipal water system or groundwater. If you would like to improve your water quality, there are some simple steps you can take as a homeowner to do so. Here are just a few examples of some simple strategies you can employ to improve the water quality in your home. Water filters You can use a water filter at home to remove contaminants from the wat...

Like everyone, I've been following the rapidly evolving concerns about the spread of COVID-19. This worldwide pandemic has forced everyone to rethink how they interact with each other, how they gather, and their work habits. A huge thank you to all the first responders, and in particular to front line health care staff, nurses, doctors and to all those working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our essential services and groceries available. We're doing our part by ensuring our ...

In this second installment on clogs, we'll cover some tips on how to deal with them and avoid them in your home. If you're experiencing a clog in a kitchen or bathroom drain, it's important you act quickly so you can restore normal operation of the drain and avoid potential backups and damage. A lot of people will simply rely on liquid chemical drain cleaners to clear out their drain, but we like most plumbing professionals, will recommend against using these products. They have...

At some point, every homeowner will experience a drain clog, whether it's in a sink, toilet, shower or bathtub. When you notice a clog forming, it's important you take immediate action so you can avoid the clog escalating into a much larger problem. Signs of clogs include slow drainage, flooding and backups. One of the best ways to avoid issues with drain clogs is to know what causes those clogs to happen in the first place. Here are just a few examples of some of the most common ...

It is definitely true that you can save yourself a lot of money by taking on some simple plumbing repairs yourself rather than hiring a plumber to come out and handle the job. However, it is crucial that you are honest with yourself about your capability to get the job done safely and correctly. Even simple plumbing jobs can go horribly wrong with some small mistakes. Here are just a few examples of some of the most common mistakes people make when attempting to perform DIY plumbing jobs ...