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Across the United States, families are increasingly exposed to harmful chemicals whose source few people know. It begins on a street in front of your home, where a worker is repairing a sewer pipe in a manhole. The craftsman inserts a resin-soaked sleeve into the buried pipe and then heats it, turning the resin into a hard plastic pipe. This is one of the cheapest and most common methods of pipe repair, but it carries a serious risk: heating the resin creates harmful fumes that can travel through the sewer lines into surrounding buildings, sometimes several blocks away. These chemicals […]
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The right fittings and fixtures make any interior feel more like a retreat. From colorful stained-glass tiles to sleek faucets and architectural-inspired shapes, these kitchen and bath accents double as conversation starters. Mosaics from New Ravenna The interior designer behind these works of art drew inspiration from his travels to Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. These mosaics are made of honed basalt, natural stones, and marbles; each handmade in Virginia. Tile by Michael Anastassiades for Mutina The latest from the London-based designer are floor and wall tiles in rectified porcelain, engraved with parallel lines that can be filled with matching or […]
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As homeowners, we often don’t think about our pipes until they’re broken. It is very important for homeowners to be aware of what pipes you have in your home so you’re aware of the pros and cons of each pipe type. Here’s a brief overview of popular plumbing pipes found in your residential, commercial and industrial plumbing systems. Clay Pipe Also known as terra cotta pipe. This is still found in older homes in the Pittsburgh area and should be replaced immediately. The clay can be easily penetrated or crushed by roots. It may seem like an expensive endeavor to […]
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There’s nothing like a lot of snow this time of year that lets us enjoy a winter wonderland. But one thing that’s not so wonderful is when pipes in our home freeze and burst. This can turn a happy season into the winter blues. The problem is not uncommon, especially in older homes with antiquated plumbing systems. Water, when it freezes, expands about nine percent, which puts pressure on pipes and can lead to cracking and bursting. A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can gush up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing major damage—not only to your home […]
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Have you ever found yourself in an emergency plumbing situation with no one to turn to? In a panic, you may reach for temporary solutions like a pipe clamp or repair tape to fix the situation temporarily. Unfortunately, some of these solutions don’t last long enough, leaving you with the same issue you started with. This is why we’ve created this post; to teach you which plumbing solutions you can use in a bind, how long they’ll last, and when to call your favorite plumber for help. Read below to learn more! Solutions for Pipe Leaks Leaks are bound to […]
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One of the latest technological advancements in plumbing is a Smart Home Water Shutoff system that can save a lot of heartache and a lot of expense. Excess water continually flowing from broken pipes can cause literally tens of thousands of dollars of expense for damaged walls, floors, carpets, furniture, and any other items it touches. This device measures when there is an unusual flow of water in your home and automatically shuts off the water supply. In this blog, we cover some common FAQs about these new systems so that you can make an informed decision on if one […]
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The plumbing industry and other construction trades use designations to determine the skill level of employees. The titles that we are familiar with today are Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master. Let’s explore the difference between these different classifications of plumbers. Apprentices These are plumbers who are new to the trade and are just starting to learn. In most states, apprentices are part of a program where they are required to put in four years of on-the-job training under the strict supervision of a Master Plumber. Once the apprentice has four years of experience, they can then take a written exam to […]
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You pulled your wedding ring off to wash some dishes and, a second later, it slipped through your fingers and down the drain. This is a pretty terrifying situation for a lot of people, and it’s a situation that often costs hundreds of dollars if you need to hire a plumber to retrieve it – if the plumber can retrieve it at all. In this article, we’re going to tell you the easy way to get your ring out of the drain.
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Nothing can turn heads quite like a beautiful lawn, so do what’s right and give your lawn the hydration it needs to thrive all year. Sprinkler systems will keep your lawn looking great while conserving water, but they do require attention. Here are some tips from Super Terry on what you should be aware of when purchasing and maintaining your sprinkler system. Keeping Up With Sprinkler System Maintenance If you’re looking to purchase a sprinkler system or you already own one, you need to meticulously maintain it, so that it continues to help save you money in the long run. […]
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If you’re not paying close attention, you could be spending way more on your water bill every month than you have to. While most of us don’t add up the dollars and cents while taking a long shower or doing the dishes by hand, little things can add up fast on your water bill. The good news: with a conscious effort and a bit of awareness, you can easily use less water in your day-to-day and cut down on your utility costs. So how do you do it? These 7 easy tips will help you use less water at home—which […]
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