Posts by Brian Wear

A septic system that’s properly installed and maintained correctly should last for years, even decades. However, like any system in your home, your septic tank will occasionally need inspections and possibly repairs. Keeping up with regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent common septic tank problems from becoming costly. 1. Killing Good Bacteria Avoid putting substances like…

Attached to the handle by a chain, the toilet flapper is the rubber piece that lifts when the toilet is flushed, allowing water to flow into the bowl. If you hear the water continuously running in your toilet tank or if it seems to take too long to fill, most likely you need the flapper,…

When it comes to hot water heaters, ensuring you’ve selected the right size and type for your family is important, and part of that process is understanding First Hour Rating. What is First Hour Rating? Your water heater’s First Hour Rating (FHR), is the amount of hot water your water heater will supply per hour, starting…

“Plumber’s tape… isn’t that how you guys hold your pants up?” While this is good for a chuckle, improper use of plumber’s tape is no joke. Plumber’s tape is a stretchy, smooth polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane that seals water and gas pipe fittings. It’s packaged on spools that resemble rolls of surgical tape, and this is…

The summer heat can make outdoor sports and activities a bit of a struggle… unless there’s a pool nearby! Taking a swim is a great way to cool off and get your exercise. Looking to install your first pool this season? Among considering things like pool heaters and thermal covers, you may be overlooking one…

A clogged drain can be a real annoyance, especially if you live with multiple people. Stepping into a tub full of water after someone has just taken a shower is not the most enjoyable experience. Keeping your drains clog-free is important but most chemical drain cleaners can be corrosive and harmful to your pipes and…

It’s easy to assume that if your water is clear and tastes fresh, there are no contaminants. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. The EPA describes water contaminants as “any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water.” It further describes contaminates as “anything other than a water molecule.” While some contaminants are harmless, others…

There are many things to be mindful of when tackling a plumbing project, safety being the most important. The right approach to plumbing safety protects you and the components you are repairing. Learning more about some of the hazards a plumber may face can help you decide if you should DIY or call a professional. From…

Septic system repair can be expensive and invasive. To avoid this costly hassle, keep your septic system healthy with proactive maintenance. Just a few simple precautions can keep your septic system healthy and running well for years. Keep up with inspections. You should have your septic tank inspected every year to get an idea of…

Dripping faucets waste both water and money. If left unrepaired, drips can stain some sink basins, and the sound of a leak can be a constant annoyance. Leaky faucet repair is easy and inexpensive, but you’ll need to know a few things before getting started. What Type of Faucet Do You Have? Compression Faucets: In older homes, compression…