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A French drain is a perforated tube that allows water to enter while keeping soil out. Exterior French drains are buried in the soil and surrounded by gravel. The gravel acts like a filter, allowing water to sift down to the pipe while providing support for the soil. The entry point for a French drain is usually found at the top of a grade, maybe or maybe not connected to a home gutter system downspout. Over time, French drains can be compromised by tree roots, stray soil, gravel and other debris. Regardless of whether or not your French drain has […]
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Dishwashers have many moving parts. If your dishwasher stops filling with water, there are many little things that could potentially be going wrong to cause the problem. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through some of the basic problems your dishwasher could be experiencing. Check The Water Supply and Power Before you start replacing parts, it’s a good idea to confirm that your dishwasher has power and water. You can check that the water is turned at the local valve under your sink. Check that the valve is open. Remember: righty-tighty, lefty-loosy. Next, use a multi-meter to check that the […]
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When you need to put in a new sewer line, there’s no doubt that the work needs to be done. Whether it’s broken fittings or tree roots growing into your lines, restoring proper service is the only way to get your plumbing back into shape. But what about the mess a big trench will make of your yard? Fortunately, there are other options available. Trenchless sewer lines connect your home to the main sewer lines without damaging your landscaping. Here are some details on what a trenchless sewer line is, the benefits and drawbacks and what to expect during installation. What is […]
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Replacing a cracked bathtub can cost thousands of dollars, but repairing a cracked bathtub is an inexpensive DIY project. In this post, we’ll go over the step-by-step process of fixing a bathtub crack, then we’ll help you prevent the problem from happening again. Overview To repair your cracked bathtub, you’ll need to buy a bathtub repair kit. Note: the following tutorial is specifically geared toward repairing a plastic or fiberglass bathtub. If the bathtub you’re trying to repair is made out of cast iron, this isn’t the tutorial for you. There are several different brands of bathtub repair kits available […]
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Everything sweats when temperatures rise in the summer, and cold water pipes are no exception. It may sound trivial, but sweating pipes can cause serious water damage, and can lead to mold and structural rot. Luckily, pipe sweating is a relatively simple fix and can be taken care of by DIYers. What Causes Pipes to Sweat? Pipe sweating occurs because cold air holds less water vapor than warm air. When a cold pipe touches the hot, moist air around it, the temperature around the pipe drops and the air reaches its dew point. This causes the water vapor in the […]
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During long, hot, dry summers, tree roots go searching for water in all the wrong places. Sewer pipes can be very attractive for thirsty trees because they provide everything necessary for survival: oxygen, nutrients and a plentiful source of water. Unfortunately, tree roots can do irreparable damage to old clay pipes. At times like this, many homeowners search for the easiest and least expensive solution to the problem, and that leads many people to try tree root killer. How it Works and What it Does Tree root killer is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: it’s a chemical that […]
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There’s something disquieting about a gurgling drain. You know something’s wrong, but it’s difficult to say exactly what. A gurgling drain can mean a lot of things, but specifically it means that there’s air inside of your drain pipe. This could be due to a leak, a blockage or even an improper installation. When your sink gurgles, you should try to fix it as soon as possible. Leaving it alone could lead to more costly repairs in the future. Was Your Sink Just Installed? If your sink was just installed, it’s very likely that it was simply installed improperly. Either […]
Read more »Installing a basement bathroom is not a project that can be completed by a beginning DIYer. This an advanced, multi-stage project that requires planning, determination and know-how. We’ve written this post as your guide to getting started, because it helps to know what stages lie ahead. You can use this post as your rough plan, but each step involves many mini-steps. Don’t get started on this project until you really understand the full extent of those mini steps. Plumbing the Basement Installing basement plumbing after the house has been built can be challenging. Above grade plumbing relies on gravity to carry […]
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Unless you have X-ray vision, determining whether or not a wall pipe is leaking in your home can be tricky business. There’s some trial and error that goes into it. However, confirming that a leak exists and finding its source is the first critical step to conducting a repair. There’s no getting around it. To find out if you have a wall leak and where, follow the tips below. Recognize the Signs of a Wall Leak These signs should be your first clues that you have a wall leak. Here’s what to look for: Mold Peeling wallpaper or paint Moisture […]
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Does your water heater make a noise? That is, a popping sound, like popcorn in the microwave? Not to worry. This sound is fairly typical of water heaters. Knowing why your water heater is making that noise and how to fix the problem can prolong the life of your water heater and prevent premature water heater failure. It’s the sediment. The noise in your water heater comes from the sediment and minerals naturally found in your home’s water supply. When the sediment sinks in the water heater, it forms a barrier between the heating elements at the bottom of the […]
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