How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank

How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank


Maintaining your septic system might not be at the top of your to-do list—but it should be. After over 35 years serving families throughout the region, we’ve seen what happens when folks put off septic tank maintenance. The good news? Taking care of your system doesn’t have to be complicated. So, how often does a septic tank need to be pumped? The straightforward answer is every 3 to 5 years for most homes, but your specific situation might call for a different schedule. Let’s walk through what you need to know to keep your system running smoothly. Understanding Your Septic […]

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How to Replace a Toilet Shut-Off Valve

How to Replace a Toilet Shut-Off Valve


After 35+ years of plumbing work across Northern Pittsburgh, we’ve seen our fair share of toilet shut-off valve problems. It’s one of those small components that you don’t think about until it stops working—and then it becomes a big deal real fast.  In this blog we walk you through everything you need to know about toilet shut-off valves, from spotting problems early to tackling the replacement yourself (or knowing when to give us a call). What Exactly Is a Toilet Shut-Off Valve? Think of your toilet shut-off valve as the gatekeeper for your toilet’s water supply. This small but mighty […]

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Power Flushing: What Homeowners Need to Know About Hydrojetting

Power Flushing: What Homeowners Need to Know About Hydrojetting


After 35+ years of clearing drains throughout Northern Pittsburgh, I’ve seen just about every type of clog you can imagine. From grease buildup in Baldwin to tree roots wreaking havoc in McCandless, we’ve handled it all. And if there’s one method that consistently saves homeowners time, money, and future headaches, it’s power flushing—also known as hydrojetting. Let’s walk through what power flushing is, how it works, and why it might be exactly what your plumbing system needs. What exactly is Power Flushing? Power flushing, or hydrojetting as we call it in the trade, is a drain-cleaning process that uses high-pressure […]

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Plumbing News Roundup: September 2025

Plumbing News Roundup: September 2025


A lot is happening in the plumbing industry in the month of September. Continue reading our news roundup to learn more about what’s happening in the industry this month. Industry Trends & Statistics Key Events & Industry News Contact Super Terry Today! Are you experiencing a plumbing emergency? Make sure to contact us, and Super Terry will be on the way!

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How to Pet-Proof Your Plumbing

How to Pet-Proof Your Plumbing


With over 35 years of experience, Terry’s Plumbing has seen it all—and that includes the creative ways four-legged family members can turn a simple plumbing system into an expensive headache. From curious cats to digging dogs, pets have a knack for finding trouble in places homeowners never expect. While pets bring joy, they can also create unique plumbing challenges. The experienced team at Terry’s Plumbing has crawled under countless homes throughout the North Hills, Ross Township, McCandless, and surrounding areas to fix pet-related plumbing disasters. The good news? A little prevention goes a long way. The Muddy Pittsburgh Reality: Smart […]

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Water Softeners vs. Whole-House Filtration Systems

Water Softeners vs. Whole-House Filtration Systems


After 40 years in the plumbing business here in Pittsburgh, we’ve seen just about every water quality issue you can imagine. From rusty-tasting tap water to stubborn mineral buildup clogging pipes, water problems are more common than most homeowners realize. That’s why we get asked almost daily: “Should I get a water softener or a whole-house filtration system?” The truth is, both can dramatically improve your water quality, but they tackle different problems.  What Exactly Does a Whole-House Filtration System Do? Think of a whole-house filtration system as your home’s bouncer – it stops the bad stuff from getting in. […]

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Deciphering Plumbing Industry Lingo: A Customer's Guide to Speaking "Plumber"

Deciphering Plumbing Industry Lingo: A Customer’s Guide to Speaking “Plumber”


Ever felt lost when your plumber starts talking about “sweating joints,” “snake augers,” or “water hammer”? You’re not alone. The plumbing industry, like many trades, has developed its own specialized vocabulary that can leave homeowners scratching their heads and wondering if they’re being quoted fairly for work they don’t fully understand. Understanding basic plumbing terminology isn’t just about impressing your contractor—it’s about being an informed consumer who can make better decisions, spot potential issues early, and communicate more effectively when problems arise. Let’s decode the most common plumbing terms you’re likely to encounter. The Basics: Your Home’s Plumbing Anatomy Supply […]

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Boost Your Septic System's Performance with Enzymes

Boost Your Septic System’s Performance with Enzymes


Just like you might take probiotics to support your digestive health, your septic system can benefit from a similar boost. Septic system enzymes act as powerful allies in maintaining your system’s efficiency and longevity. At Terry’s Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how this simple addition can make a significant difference in septic system performance. Understanding Your Septic System Your septic system is essentially a sophisticated waste treatment facility right on your property. This underground network captures all wastewater from your home, separates solids from liquids, and safely processes waste before releasing treated water back into the environment. When functioning properly, it […]

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Why Won't My Bathtub Hold Water?

Why Won’t My Bathtub Hold Water?


Nothing ruins the promise of a relaxing soak quite like watching your bathwater slowly disappear down the drain. If you’re dealing with a bathtub that won’t hold water, don’t worry – this frustrating problem usually has a straightforward solution that you can tackle in about an hour. Here’s our step-by-step guide to get your tub holding water again so you can get back to enjoying those well-deserved bubble baths. Step 1: Identify the Culprit When your bathtub won’t hold water, the problem almost always lies with the drain stopper mechanism. This is actually good news because it means you’re dealing […]

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Plumbing News Roundup: June 2025

Plumbing News Roundup: July 2025


A lot is happening in the plumbing industry in the month of July. Continue reading our news roundup to learn more about what’s happening in the industry this month. Onshoring & Reshoring in Plumbing Supply Chains A new wave of U.S.-based manufacturing is hitting plumbing and mechanical supply chains—driven by economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors. Moving production closer to home enhances lead times, pricing stability, and resilience, reshaping how plumbing products are made and distributed. Sustainability Remains a Top Priority Sustainable plumbing continues its strong momentum in 2025. Many homeowners and contractors are opting for greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and […]

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