How to Tell if Your Sewer Line is Clogged


You might think this is a pretty straightforward question. If water is backing up somewhere in your home, the sewer line is probably clogged. While that’s true, there are other ways to diagnose and isolate where the problem is coming from. Specifically, is it just a drain pipe in your kitchen or bathroom that’s clogged, or is the problem with your main sewer line? Recognize the Early Warning Signs The longer you let a problem like a clogged sewer line go, the more expensive and time consuming the repair could be. Furthermore, when left untreated you could potentially expose your […]

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Bathroom Remodel Checklist


So you’ve finally decided to remodel your bathroom, eh? It’s a big undertaking that requires a lot of planning and proper budgeting to keep your project on track. Most importantly, it’s important to know what you should do yourself and when to bring in a professional. DIY: Gather Inspiration and Make a Wish List It’s always easier to start with a plan. Before you even start pricing fixtures and looking for contractors, it’s important to know what vision you’re trying to achieve. Visit home renovation websites or attend home and garden shows. Take notes and save articles with designs you […]

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Easy Ways to Liven Up Your Bathroom


Bathrooms serve a lot of functions in the home, and we spend a lot of time there. From en suits to powder rooms, having a comfortable and inviting space is important in any home. Furthermore, a nice bathroom can be a huge selling point when you’re putting your house on the market. Regardless of your reasons, even if you don’t have time for a full remodel, you can make your bathroom a masterpiece with these simple tips. Add More Storage No one likes a messy bathroom. Having tons of hair care products and makeup strewn about everywhere can make your […]

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Toilets are Literally Exploding in the Midwest


Unless you were on vacation last week, you probably noticed how cold it was in Pittsburgh. With the windchill, outside temperatures felt like -4 degrees or lower in some areas. As freezing as things got around “The Burgh” this week, we’ve got nothing on parts of the Midwest like Minnesota. Last week, temperatures plummeted -9 with a windchill of -45! That’s seriously cold. On top of normal cold weather plumbing issues like frozen pipes, some Minnesotans experienced frozen toilets that literally exploded. Why Are Toilets Freezing? Most of us know that water freezes at 32 degrees. However, it rarely gets […]

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What’s Your Shower Trying to Tell You?


There’s nothing better than a hot shower to start or end your day. It’s the perfect way to unwind, relax and forget about the outside world. Unfortunately, sometimes our plumbing has other plans. There are a number of issues associated with your shower, but we can pinpoint these by listening to what the shower has to say. Low Pressure Low water pressure is never fun. You just don’t feel as clean. But what causes low water pressure from your shower? As it turns out, it could be a number of things. One common problem that’s easy to fix is that […]

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How to Make Your Home Plumbing More Efficient


Winter can be an expensive time of year. There’s all the holiday shopping and expenses to contend with, plus higher utility costs. If you’re reeling from looking at your utility bills, try taking some steps to save money. A great way to do that is by making your plumbing more efficient. While some tips may cost a little up front, they’ll save you money in the long run. Replace Appliances and Fixtures As your appliances age, they become less and less efficient. Older dishwashers and washing machines may not drain properly, or use more water than necessary. Hot water heaters […]

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Common Plumbing Misconceptions


Maybe you’re going off of know-how passed down through the generations. Maybe you saw a social media post and never thought twice about it. Whatever the reason, there are more than a few misconceptions about your home’s plumbing. Not knowing the truth could cost you time, money and aggravation. Read through some of the most common misconceptions. Pipes Have to Be Replaced This is a common upsell technique from less-than-reputable plumbers. While certain situations might require a full or partial replacement, there are plenty of other times when the pipe can simply be fixed. In fact, pipes are able to […]

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Plumbing Pipe Materials and What They’re Used For


In any trade, the materials you use are important. Having the right material for the job assures the right outcome. When it comes to your plumbing and its pipes, materials are key. There are plenty of different materials making up your plumbing, each with a different purpose. PVC PVC, or Poly-Vinyl Chloride, is the workhorse of any plumbing system. Usually white or gray in color, this plastic piping comes in a variety of  diameters and lengths and is extremely easy to work with. It is simple to cut and fit, and it can withstand years of use. PVC is both […]

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Innovations in Your Bathroom


As another new year gets going, we started thinking about all the new innovations we’re excited to see in 2019. Believe it or not, bathrooms are getting smarter, and proving they’re not just a place to shower, but a destination you won’t want to leave! Here are just a few things we’re excited about. Hi-Tech Appliances and Fixtures It seems like every room in the house has gone through a “smart” evolution. Entertainment systems and computers have improved our living spaces, and every kitchen appliance comes with high-tech features. So why not the bathroom? Everything from automated faucets to sensor […]

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Resolutions Your Plumbing Will Thank You For


As you think up your New Year’s Resolutions, your plumbing probably isn’t at the top of your list. However, making a few changes to your daily routine and being aware of certain issues could help save  you time, stress and, most importantly, money in the long run. So, in 2019, keep these tips in mind for healthier plumbing. Watch What You Put Down the Drain There are plenty of objects that make their way down your sink drains that really shouldn’t. Foreign objects can lead to clogs, slower draining and even damage to your home’s pipes. In general, if you’re […]

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