What is Dye Testing?


If you’re a homeowner in Pittsburgh, you’ve probably had some experience with a plumbing dye test. If you’re just now thinking about buying your first home in Pittsburgh, you may not be familiar with the dye test yet. The dye test is an escapable part of selling a home in Pittsburgh. Without a dye test, you cannot sell your home within the city limits. Homes In Pittsburgh May Be Connected to One of Two Types of Sewers Within the boundaries of the City of Pittsburgh there are two types of sewers: sanitary and combined sewers. Sanitary sewers are designed to accept wastewater […]

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Removing Annoying Hard Water Stains


Hard water stains are among the most difficult types of stains to eliminate. If your home has hard water, very likely hard water stains have appeared on your dishes, windows, in your bathtub, on your faucets and on your shower heads. Given enough time, scale from hard water can fill the holes in your faucets and clog your plumbing, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Getting rid of hard water scale can help you protect your home from damage. Dishes Hard water can make dishes look cloudy and dull. Vinegar is the perfect cleaning product to get rid […]

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Choosing the Right Utility Sink


So, you’re thinking about installing a utility sink. There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right utility sink for your laundry room. Knowing the options and giving thought to your particular needs can help you choose a sink that you’ll be happy with for many years. Think About Your Needs The type of sink you choose will most likely be determined by your budget, the size of your utility room and the type of cleaning that you’ll be doing in your utility sink. Is your utility room very small, or do you have a lot of space to dedicate […]

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Latest Plumbing Trends in 2016


As we reach the end of September, now is a good time to reflect upon the plumbing trends of the year so far. At Terry’s Plumbing, we see a lot of changes in bathroom designs as homeowner tastes and priorities change. In this post, we’ll explore some of the common bathroom trends we’re seeing in homes in Pittsburgh. Water-Efficient Fixtures Environmentally-friendly fixtures are popular for multiple reasons. To begin, it’s very personally satisfying to be eco-friendly. It’s also financially smart, because low-flow fixtures help reduce utility bills. If you’re specifically looking for eco-friendly water fixtures in your home, look for […]

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Tips To Prepare Your Plumbing For Autumn


Weather changes in autumn can bring about changes in your home’s plumbing system. Preparing for these changes can prevent damage to the pipes and protect your home from leaks. The following tips will help you get ready for the coming cold weather. Insulate Pipes Pipes that freeze overnight can burst, causing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage to your home and property. While there are many tricks that homeowners use to prevent their pipes from freezing (like leaving the tap running overnight), installation of pipe insulation is one of the best methods that you can use to help […]

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10 Tips For A Pittsburgh Home Inspection


Performing a home inspection is an efficient way to identify problems with your property, so you can make necessary repairs and boost your home’s property value. The following tips will help you inspect some of the most complex and major systems in your home, so you can keep your property in good repair. 1. Inspect Your Attic Joists for Rotten Wood Wood that is rotten is generally soft, stained and cracked. Once you find a piece of wood that looks damaged, you can find out for sure if the wood is truly rotten by performing the screwdriver test. Poke the […]

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Cover A Water Stained Ceiling


Ceiling leaks are inconvenient for a variety of reasons. Not only do they ruin possessions and cost money to repair, but the stains from plumbing leaks can be difficult to cover up with standard paint. Knowing how to cover stains from ceiling leaks so that the stains will stay gone is an important part of the clean up process when a leak is repaired. The following tips will help you get the job done. Gather Your Materials Stain-sealing primer Ceiling paint Paint scraper Sand paper Rags Paint brushes Paint tray Stir stick Tarps Paint Over the Stain Allow the stain […]

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Why Should You Install a French Drain


If you have water drainage problems on your property, a French drain is an effective and straightforward drainage system that can help rid your property of excess water. Knowing what a French drain is and how it works can help you decide whether or not this type of drainage system is right for your home. What is a French drain? A French drain is a pipe placed in the ground to collect rain water. French drains are often used in yards and in basements that have drainage problems. French drains are used to transport excess water to low lying areas […]

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How To Make A Homemade Flood Alarm


This is an interesting idea for homeowners who have basements that flood: make your own flood alarm. This device, first invented by a trio of high school students in Penang, was created to warn people who need to know about the rise of flood waters on a property. When the water level reaches 3 or 4 inches in height, an alarm sounds to warn people nearby. Making The Alarm Making your homemade flood alarm is going to require some ingenuity, because unfortunately, the inventors of the original model have not provided the world with very clear step-by-step instructions. In this […]

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What To Do If Water Comes In Through Back Door


Spring is upon us, bringing with it spring showers and spring leaks. Exterior door leaks are a common source of water intrusion at this time of year. These leaks, while troubling, are usually more of an annoyance than a danger. Knowing what causes this problem and how to solve it can help you find peace of mind and enjoy life in your home just a little bit more at this wet time of year. Find the Source of the Leak When it’s possible, finding the source of the leak can help you get the situation under control. To do this, […]

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