For questions about the supply and removal of water and liquid waste.
4
votes
2answers
197 views
What can soak up moisture from a closed space
I have a really weird problem. I have a bedroom wall where the paint kept bubbling and peeling off. I have re-textured and painted it several times. I finally ripped all the drywall off and ...
4
votes
2answers
169 views
How can I join two lengths of flexible 1/4" copper pipe?
I have found a leak coming from under my refrigerator, after pulling it out to get behind it I found the 1/4" copper pipe that supplies the water for the ice maker and water in the door was severed ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
What are the standard sizes/clearances for bathroom elements?
I expect to be asking several more questions about this project; but I'm starting with a general one, and will get more refined as things develop.
We are working on finishing our basement, which ...
4
votes
2answers
114 views
Can I use primer for multiple purposes?
I want to join some PVC pipes. I've got primer (from a store that only sells paint) and on the back it says it's suitable for PVC. I doesn't say anything about paint or joining. Can I use this kind of ...
4
votes
4answers
2k views
How do I install this wall mount bathroom sink?
I'm replacing a sink that was on a vanity cabinet and hoping to do as little busting through the perfectly good tile as possible. I heard a rumor that I need to make very sure that the sink is ...
4
votes
2answers
478 views
Water level gets lower and lower in toilet
The water level in the bowl of our toilet has slowly and steadily gotten lower over the last year or so. I replaced the flapper last year, could changing anything in the tank affect this? Or would ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
Should I bond a water softener's in/out pipes?
Our house was built in 1997. The pipes are copper (including the city water supply pipe). Some time after the house was built, the previous owners installed a water softener. The softener parts are ...
4
votes
2answers
291 views
Why does pressure relief valve state 'Not for Use with Water Heaters'?
So I replaced my 6.5 year old electric hot water (installed with house built in 06') heater and used an identical plumbing setup as my previous install. My previous (and now current) install has a ...
4
votes
1answer
329 views
How do I repair this broken pipe?
We just bought a house and while digging in the yard using a pick axe, I broke a pipe. Per my research, I need to put a joint there. The broken part is right next to the joint, so not sure how can I ...
4
votes
3answers
126 views
What's a good entry-level text/video on residential plumbing?
Anything for the near-absolute beginner? I've removed the 180-degree angle dirt trap under my sink and cleaned a pipe with a motorized snake, but that's about it. Any book recommendations would be ...
4
votes
2answers
390 views
How do I remove this shower fixture?
I'm a little desperate here. When we moved into this home, we inherited this shower fixture. Now it's leaking. But, I can't figure out how to remove it!?
I've tried to back it all the way off ...
4
votes
4answers
3k views
How do I unclog my dishwasher?
Our dishwasher, which is only about 5 years old, has been finishing its cycle with quite a bit of water in the bottom that doesn't drain. The water stays that way for several days or more. Is there ...
4
votes
3answers
7k views
Why do our baseboard heating pipes make a loud banging noise after a new furnace was installed?
We had a new furnace installed about a month ago. The heating in our house is hot water baseboards. Ever since the new furnace was installed, when the heat comes on or turns off, there is a loud ...
4
votes
2answers
446 views
Is it wrong to connect multiple J-bends (traps) together?
My tenants recently told me that they have constant clogging problems with their bathroom sink and had me come take a look at it. I found the following 3-trap configuration:
This was done because ...
4
votes
3answers
377 views
Are hot water returns worth putting in?
Once I saw on an episode of This Old House that they were putting in hot water return lines: pipes that recirculate idle hot water back to the heater so you get hot water right away, instead of ...
4
votes
1answer
789 views
How to reduce heating of cold water pipes in the ceiling space?
On a hot day our kitchen cold tap, if it hasn't been run for a while, will produce water at a temperature up to around 50-55 degrees C shortly after it is turned on. We haven't measured the exact ...
4
votes
2answers
423 views
What do you call this old pipe to bath tap join and how do I remove it?
I'm trying to replace the bath taps. I'm at the point where i've removed one, but can't get the 2nd one off. They are connected differently (go figure).
See attached image:
As i'm new to plumbing i ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
What is this clunking noise in my water pipe?
Earlier today, I noticed a strange, repetitive clunking noise from the vicinity of my water heater. After some investigation, it seems to come from the cold water supply to the water heater.
Here's ...
4
votes
3answers
408 views
Calculate savings from/cost-effectiveness of installing a tankless hot water heater?
Following up on "Which water heater types do you recommend?" and "Are tankless water heaters worth it in cold climates", is there a way to calculate the point at which installing a tankless water ...
4
votes
1answer
92 views
How do I replace a drain stack?
So I had just had a shower upstairs this past weekend and went downstairs to do the laundry and I discovered that the floor near the pipes was wet. See photo
I immediately went and bought some GOOP ...
4
votes
2answers
492 views
Did I just ruin the flange on our toilet?
The point where the elbow joint from our flushometer meets the toilet bowl has begun leaking (dripping, really) whenever we flush (so, whenever water passes through it). I jiggled it a bit and 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, ...
4
votes
1answer
217 views
How can I remove this dried drain cleaner from a kitchen sideboard?
I recently spent a week or so trying to unclog a seriously blocked kitchen sink drain. I tried various things, including One Shot Instant Drain Cleaner (a hardware-store 91% sulphuric acid drain ...
4
votes
2answers
334 views
How can I prevent mineral build-up from my water?
I'm not sure whether my house receives really hard water, or water that has a lot of junk or sediment in it, but I am constantly having to soak my faucet spreaders and shower heads. Recently, I ...
4
votes
2answers
468 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
6k views
How to stop fridge water line without stopping everything else?
So. My old fridge finally went and I will be getting a new one delivered. The company that I am buying the new fridge from is going to haul away my old one. I noticed that I don't have any type of ...
4
votes
2answers
932 views
How can I install the drain for my reverse osmosis water filter?
I have purchased a Whirpool Reverse Osmosis Water Filter which installs under the sink. I am trying to install it and have run into an issue with the drain: the revers osmosis filter has a red tube ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
What are some tips for soldering brass fittings to a copper pipe?
Over the years I've soldered several remodels worth of copper pipe (water and hydronic heat). I'm not great, but I get the job done, until I have to add a brass fitting. For some reason, I can't get ...
4
votes
4answers
1k views
Can I run a dehumidifier pump to a washer stand pipe?
I have a very humid basement, in which I run a dehumidifier often. To allow for a more constant run, I purchased a dehumidifier pump. It says to run the pump out through a window or to a sink. I ...
4
votes
1answer
347 views
Faucet spout perlator: worth it?
I've seen the following perlator and similars (also plastic ones) on some shopping sites. They claim it can decrease water consumption up to 40%. Is it possible? Is it worth to try?
4
votes
3answers
168 views
How can I make these bath valves easier to use?
I'm looking for a way to make the valves in the pictures below easier for my mother to use. She has a bad case of arthritis in here hands, so this was suggested by a nurse.
I would really prefer any ...
4
votes
2answers
101 views
DIYer to skilled tradesperson
What is the process a DIYer has to go through to become a skilled tradesperson? Are the only options apprenticeships, or are there other paths to follow to learn a trade/become licensed?
What type ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Why is it taking so long for my house to heat up?
Firstly, I should probably mention that I'm in the UK...
My wife and I bought a house new from a builder over 9 years ago and have had no problems whatsoever with our central heating system in that ...
4
votes
2answers
505 views
Is this shower trap better than a P-Trap?
Here in Brazil almost all shower and floor drains are made using a device that translate as "siphoned box" and work as a trap collecting water from the sink, tub and shower.
Is that any better ...
4
votes
1answer
109 views
What's this top part of this faucet used for?
This is a faucet coming out of a wall in my backyard. What is that top white round part used for? What tool is used to screw/unscrew it?
4
votes
1answer
718 views
Why is my hot water tank randomly emptying through the overflow pipe?
The other night I woke up thinking it was raining really heavily. I looked out the window to see clear skies, so I popped outside to investigate. Along the side of our house I found a stream of water ...
4
votes
1answer
270 views
Is plumber's putty or tape ok?
I have a brass spigot connected to a PVC pipe near the pump of my saltwater pool. There is a small leak and I was wondering if I can redo the connection using plumber's putty or tape. Would either ...
4
votes
1answer
620 views
How can I fix a sink drain stop which won't hold water?
I have a bathroom sink & fixture which are about a year old. The drain has worked fine, until about a month ago. Recently, any water I try to hold in the sink slowly leaks out. This is mildly ...
4
votes
2answers
545 views
Do I need to replace my hot water tank's pressure release valve?
Recently we had an extended water outage. When water came back, pressure in the lines was much higher. The hot water heater started leaking from the pressure release valve and after flipping it a ...
4
votes
1answer
86 views
Questions concerning dual flush converters
I'm considering purchasing dual-flush converters for our toilets and was curious if anyone had thoughts on them. Specifically, I'd like to know:
Are there any major disadvantages to using them?
...
4
votes
3answers
196 views
Where do I begin finding estimates for problems with my potential first home?
I'm looking at purchasing an older home as a primary dwelling. On going through the house with an experienced Realtor and several experienced DIY people for reference (but not a home inspector or ...
4
votes
2answers
285 views
Any difference for a pressure-assisted toilet?
Can a gravity flush toilet be swapped out for a pressure-assisted toilet? Are there any differences in plumbing, mounting, etc.?
4
votes
2answers
879 views
How do I install a water line to my refrigerator?
Recently bought a new refrigerator that has an ice maker and now I want to run a water line to the refrigerator (there is not one there right now). The cold water line is pretty much right below the ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
What are the advantages and disadvantage of using “pushfit” pipe fittings?
There are many makes of pushfit pipe fittings that make it a lot easer to join pipes, incluing copper pipes, e,g:
John Guest Speedfit
Cuprofit®- copper push fit
Hepworth-HEP20
(please expand the ...
4
votes
1answer
587 views
How do I cap off an unused refrigerator water line?
I am installing a new refrigerator. The new one doesn't have an ice maker in it and the old one did. I need to turn off the water, and when I do it will shut off all of my water. This is a rental ...
4
votes
2answers
112 views
What could cause poor drainage in the kitchen and baths?
After having my septic system (tank) cleaned about a month ago, I've noticed a foul odor in the bathroom of the master bedroom. I've also noticed the smell outside near the master bedroom. It's not ...
4
votes
1answer
145 views
Does a dishwasher require a disposal?
I'm thinking of installing a dishwasher. Unfortunately, my kitchen layout would not allow me to install it beside the sink (without moving the whole sink & cabinet). So, I'd like to install it ...
4
votes
1answer
474 views
How can I install a J-Trap for a bathroom sink with limited space?
Well, it was my first difficult handman project and I got this far...
Below is a photo of my installation right now. Every single diagram I've seen has the J-Trap facing down. Is there any way ...
4
votes
3answers
217 views
How do I connect to a dishwasher bushing?
I just bought a new dishwasher for a newly renovated house that I just bought.
I am trying to install it myself.
My sink drain pipe has one of these sticking out the side above the U pipe thingy like ...
4
votes
2answers
374 views
How can I remove this old tub drain stopper?
My girlfriend recently moved into a house that was built in the early 1940s. Most of the house is in great condition, but, of course, there are a few items here and there that need fixing. The tub ...
