Posts by Brian Wear

Clogged drains are not only a real annoyance, they can also have adverse effects on your maintenance expenses. The truth is that whether a drain is mildly or severely clogged, it is preventable and the first step to prevent it is by knowing its cause. Below are some of the common causes of clogged drains…

Losing a small piece of jewelry or other object in the toilet can be a very harrowing experience. However, the chances of retrieving it are usually pretty good. First of all, don’t panic! Start by taking a deep breath. It’s possible that it hasn’t fully escaped the bowl yet. Step 1 To reach into the…

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think much about your sump pump – until something goes wrong. The worst time to discover your sump pump needs work is when your basement or home is filling with water. Learning more about how your sump pump works will allow you to spot the signs of…

When exposed to too much oxygen, pipes are vulnerable to corrosion and the development of rust. All metal pipes, including copper, cast iron, and galvanized steel, are vulnerable to corrosion, and hot water pipes are even more susceptible than their cold water counterparts. If you’re worried about rusty plumbing, consider these three precautions. 1. Check…

Are you planning to remodel a bathroom or the kitchen of your home? Maybe you’re looking forward to brand new construction. In either case, now is the perfect time to consider investing in energy efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances. Modern, efficient plumbing can save you money on both your water and energy bills. Why Invest in Energy…

Pipe fittings may seem like a very insignificant part of the plumbing system, but they play a rather huge role. Fittings are used to join pipes together to regulate or measure water flow. Finding the right fitting is important, but it is equally important that you install them properly. Fittings that are improperly installed can…

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…