For questions about the supply and removal of water and liquid waste.
4
votes
2answers
467 views
Is the drain cover in my shower sufficient?
I bought a new house about a month ago. In the apartment that I moved from, I had a cheap rubber drain cover that seemed to work very well at preventing hair from getting into the drain, similar to ...
2
votes
1answer
207 views
Can I move a drain without moving the vent too?
I want to move the kitchen sink to the other side of the kitchen (approx. 10 feet away). Can I just extend the pipe and rely on the existing vent?
1
vote
1answer
106 views
What is involved in fixing a break in a frost-free faucet?
I have an exterior frost-free faucet that has sprung a leak. You can see the hole on the bottom side of the copper pipe in the image below.
I am trying to determine if this is a job I want to take on ...
0
votes
0answers
77 views
What is wrong with my boiler?
The boiler flashes 50 and just makes a clanking noise then fires up and clunks off. I think the flashing 50 means thermostat lock out. I've had loads of problems with it since moving in, mainly ...
2
votes
1answer
127 views
Is it normal for tap water to turn brown/blue when the pipes freeze?
In our old apartment, the pipes would freeze during the winter during the night, and in the morning sometimes the water that came out of the tap was blue at first. We spoke to a plumber, and he ...
2
votes
0answers
327 views
What could cause my tankless water heater to make a knocking sound?
I recently replaced my water heater with a tankless unit (Rheem). After installation I noticed that whenever I turned on the hot water; or when my central heating unit would turn on, the tankless unit ...
-2
votes
1answer
54 views
What type or model of water softener for slightly hard water? [closed]
Looking to buy a water softener but need suggestions and roundabout prices.
2
votes
1answer
156 views
How can I clear out limescale from inside a bath's pipes?
I have a bath which has accumulated limescale inside the piping system; it manifests itself as a very-slow running tap with a weak stream. The tap itself is removable, and I suspect the limescale is ...
1
vote
1answer
178 views
How can I attach an under-sink water filtration system to the water line?
I recently bought an under-the-sink drinking water filter, a model from GE, and I got stuck trying to hook it up to the cold water line.
The package came with a simple plastic tee that had a 1/2 inch ...
1
vote
0answers
80 views
How can I repair my leaky toilet?
Apparently my original toilet valves were cheap because they both had problems and I replaced both with fluidmaster valves some years ago.
Two problems were apparent immediately which I solved:
...
3
votes
1answer
160 views
Why do I have low hot water pressure in my kitchen?
I have very low hot water pressure in the kitchen only. I have disconnected the line and have great pressure from the valve. It is a two handled faucet and the cold water pressure is very good. ...
1
vote
1answer
58 views
How do I measure for a toilet rough-in?
Is my thinking correct - If I measure from the wall to the bolt cap of my current toilet, which is 12", that means I have a 12" rough-in.
1
vote
1answer
150 views
Do I need to add a vent when moving a toilet drain across the bathroom?
In working on finishing our basement, I've come to the bathroom. It was originally plumbed with the plan of having the fixtures share a common wall (vanity, toilet, then tub). so there is already a ...
2
votes
1answer
86 views
Is this water heater drain configuration safe?
I've just replaced my water heater and for the first time my house has a water heater drain pan. The washing machine waste line is nearby and I'd like to connect the water heater drain pan to this ...
1
vote
1answer
91 views
How can house hot water pressure be kept stable if more than one hot tap is open?
We have a Vaillant Ecotec combi boiler in the loft. When showering, hot water pressure is fine. But if someone opens any other hot tap in the house, it massively reduces the hot water coming into the ...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
Why is the water in my toilets orange?
My wife and I just moved in to a brand new house and have started to notice that the water in the toilets is an orange color, and is starting to leave stains in the bowl. After looking online briefly, ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views
How much should replacing septic tank lids cost, and what is involved?
My wife and I may be possibly buying a house with a septic tank. We had it inspected and the report showed that the tank was in good condition however the "tank lids" would need to be replaced.
I'm ...
0
votes
0answers
28 views
What do I do if my expansion tank doesn't have a drain valve?
What do I do if my boiler expansion tank doesn't have a drain valve? It just has a cap on what I believe is the drain pipe.
1
vote
1answer
76 views
How to resolve a drainage issue with aerator lower than the original outlet
I have an issue with the drainage of a new kitchen sink I installed.
The old sink outlet was higher up (it was a more shallow sink) and more to the right. The same aerator was attached and the ...
1
vote
1answer
127 views
Should I attempt to get to a potentially damaged trap and check it out myself?
I have a back up in my garage drain. I mopped it up and today I returned to see the same, nasty smelling liquid had returned to almost the exact same level and quantity that was previously there. ...
6
votes
1answer
428 views
What is required to relocate a garbage disposal?
I have a garbage disposal in my two well sink, only problem is when it was installed, it was placed on the left side of the sink -- closest to the dishwasher, further from the stove. When I'm cooking, ...
3
votes
3answers
7k views
Why are there bubbles in my bathroom toilet and sink?
I have had a lot of really odd things happen in my bathroom this weekend and I want to make sure it is nothing too serious.
Ok so when I was taking a shower I heard the toilet bubble up. A few ...
7
votes
3answers
318 views
What could be causing a urine smell in our bathrooms?
I live in a home built in 2006. We are a clean family and have no pets. In ALL three of our bathrooms I am smelling an odor of "old urine". I do have a 3-year-old son so at first I thought he was ...
5
votes
4answers
8k views
How to fix stinky bathroom sink?
It smells like really musty water, but the water itself does not smell or taste bad at all. Only happens when I run the water, so it doesn't make the room smell, just when you fill something up or ...
1
vote
0answers
66 views
If I use (2) 3/4“ inlet PEX manifolds (hot/cold), do I need 1” PEX supply from the meter?
I am replacing all the plumbing in my house and to the meter. I will be using PEX. I have manifolds for hot and cold with 3/4" inlets and 1/2" outlets at the valves. Do I need to use 1" PEX tubing ...
0
votes
2answers
121 views
How do I get even water pressure from a bathtub mixer faucet?
I just bought my house and noticed there is a problem in the bathroom tub faucet and that is: the valve starts from the cold toward hot and as it goes toward the hot the water pressure increases and ...
1
vote
2answers
225 views
How can I repair a slow leak in my concrete fountain?
I have a painted concrete fountain whose bottom well slowly leaks over about 2 days.
My area gets to ~-20c (-9ish F) in the winter, so I worry that trapped water is slowly destroying it.
I suspect ...
1
vote
1answer
90 views
Why does my bathroom shower have too much water pressure?
I have the same shower head, nothing has changed except the pressure. It sprays so hard that it hurts, and in 10 minutes the hot water is almost gone.
What can I do to fix this?
13
votes
7answers
4k views
Does Pex tubing have any advantages over copper?
What are the advantages/disadvantages of Pex tubing? How does it compare to copper?
2
votes
2answers
104 views
How can I fix this leaky water heater?
I have an electric Water heater and it is starting to leak from what I believe to be the pressure release valve. I just wanted some tips on how I can fix this before the leak becomes unmanageable. The ...
0
votes
0answers
138 views
How can I determine why there is no water coming from my hot taps?
I'm getting no water from any of the hot taps in my house. The cold water taps are working fine. The central heating is also working. I have a combi-boiler. It's been fairly cold today in London, so ...
2
votes
1answer
150 views
How can I replace cast iron sewer drain that goes through the basement wall?
I have a 4" cast iron sewer drain going through my basement wall. I want to replace all the cast iron drain to PVC pipe. If I would to cut the cast pipe pipe going through the basement wall flush with ...
8
votes
4answers
6k views
How much water do water softeners waste?
I'm considering buying a water softener, but I heard that they waste a lot of water, and I don't really want my water bill to skyrocket.
I haven't been able to find any clear indication of how much ...
3
votes
1answer
194 views
Can I use SharkBite connectors on a copper stub out?
Is it possible to use a SharkBite male adapter on a copper stub out for a bathtub faucet?
I am not well versed in soldering plumbing fittings and I would rather not have to buy the gas, a torch tip, ...
4
votes
3answers
8k views
How high can I stretch my washing machine drain hose?
The waste hose through which the water is removed from my washing machine is inserted into a vertical pipe extending from the floor with a U shape at its end.
The problem is that there is foam coming ...
3
votes
1answer
114 views
Can you identify this seal?
I have a slow-filling cistern and, having disassembled all the pipes inside I've identified a ripped seal. Assuming that I didn't cause that myself just a moment ago, I'm hopeful that replacing it ...
1
vote
0answers
50 views
How can I fix a shower faucet valve that is sticky?
I have two bathrooms that have been completed in the last year. Both have the same Price Pfister rough-in valve. One is sticky and requires a bit of force to turn on the water (turns on by pulling). ...
1
vote
1answer
177 views
What could cause bubbling in the downstairs toilet of an urban condo?
About 2 weeks ago, I noticed that the toilet would bubble and, eventually, the water would back up into the shower in the basement of my duplex down condo. What started out as about 12-15 minutes of ...
6
votes
3answers
6k views
How can I fix a Moen faucet that is still leaking after replacing cartridge?
I had a leaky Moen faucet (Moen 4600) so I removed the old cartridge and replaced it with a new brass replacement cartridge (model 1200.) Since replacing the cartridge I now have a leak from the valve ...
0
votes
0answers
326 views
What is that dripping noise I hear in the wall whenever cold water is used after sitting awhile?
I live in a condo...upstairs with another unit behind me with the plumbing in the shared wall between us. Whenever it's been awhile (say 45 minutes to an hour) since any cold water has been used, if ...
2
votes
2answers
205 views
Is it worth replacing globe valve with ball valve for my main shutoff?
I live in a small two story house (row home) with water service entering through the basement. The bathroom is on the second floor. Whoever did the main service line used 1/2 inch copper instead of ...
3
votes
2answers
189 views
What causes hammering from a new diverter when other faucets are quickly turned on and off?
We're doing a minor remodel of our master bathroom, and I have replaced the 30+ year old diverter and nearby pipe with a new one from Delta. Now when any faucet in the house is turned on and off ...
2
votes
1answer
169 views
How can I attach a sink drain to a drain that is higher than the sink?
My home is pre-plumbed for a water softener -- whole house water filter. Meaning I have a main water pipe that comes out of the wall, makes a u-turn, and goes back into the wall. Just below the ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Is it safe to use heat tape on a drain line (p-trap)?
Background/Problem:
The p-trap for a drainage line (PVC) from one of my showers happens to be outside the house in an area that isn't protected from the cold/wind (yeah, I know) so when it freezes ...
-1
votes
1answer
78 views
What are some easy to do DIY money saving projects? [closed]
I am always looking for ways to improve efficiency and save money around the house. Some of the things I have done are
Install energy efficient light bulbs all throughout the house
Replaced all ...
4
votes
2answers
378 views
Should we install an overhead tank or cistern tank?
We are building our home (a 2-storey house) and a cistern tank was suggested by our architect for aesthetics. We asked around the neighborhood and one person has a cistern and an overhead tank but ...
2
votes
1answer
405 views
Why is my main water supply shut off valve leaking even while closed?
While prepping to install a new kitchen faucet, I went to shut off the water supply to the house since there were no valves under the sink. I mistakenly chose to turn the city-side (gate valve) supply ...
8
votes
5answers
4k views
How do I eliminate the “whooshing” sound of water running though pipes?
At every faucet and toilet in our house, when water is running, it creates a loud wooshing noise in the walls. I'm not sure how else to describe it, but it's like the normal "oh I can hear the sink or ...
1
vote
1answer
54 views
How can I fix this broken connector piece on my Symmons shower Knob?
I was trying to get the knob off so I could potentially increase the amount of hot water getting mixed and it seemed to be coming off nicely but then snapped. By nicely, I mean it was a steady ...
2
votes
1answer
357 views
Can't get threaded connector all the way into shower faucet. Do they need to go all the way?
We're installing a small corner shower in one of our washrooms, and I'm having an issue with the threaded inlet/outlet connections on the faucet.
I'm using Sharkbite, and bought some ...
