Plumbing System

All the information you need about your home’s plumbing system including toilets, water heaters, softeners and conditioners.

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How to Fix a Water Heater Pilot Light

If your hot water heater suddenly stops working, chances are a bad thermocouple has shut off the gas to the pilot light. Replacement is an easy DIY repair.

DIY Water Heater Testing and Repair

Heating elements on electric hot water heaters sometimes fail long before the water heater, but replacing them in a hot...


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What To Know About Grey Water

Conserve water and save money while helping your landscaping thrive. Here's what to know about grey water systems.


Best Tankless Water Heater for On-Demand Hot Water

If you want a constant supply of hot water while saving money on your energy bill, the best tankless water...


I Tried This Viral Shower Head Filter, and It Made My Hair Bouncier

A shower filter could improve your skin and hair texture immediately. Let's put this affordable (and popular) option...

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How To Keep Above-Ground Water Systems from Freezing

If your home or cabin has an above-ground water system, freezing is a serious risk. Here's how I keep my...


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How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Water heaters don't last as long as most people think. Learn the telltale signs that you're due for a new...

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How To Install a Sump Pump

Flooding can ruin your basement and everything in it, but there's a solution. Learn how to install a sump pump...


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How To Clean a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are great, but mineral buildup can kill their efficiency fast. Here's how to clean a tankless water...


How Long Do Sump Pumps Last?

Sump pumps reliably last from seven to 10 years, but often much longer with maintenance. Be sure to monitor your...


How To Test Sump Pumps

Don't be surprised by a sump pump failure. Here's an easy tutorial on how to test your sump pump to...

How Much Is a Sump Pump?

By itself, a sump pump isn't a major investment, costing about as much as a good juicer. The bulk of...


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A Guide To Pipe Fittings and How To Use Them

If you're doing a plumbing installation or repair, you'll need to buy pipe and pipe fittings. Here's some help figuring...


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Here’s How to Keep Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Preventing frozen pipes is easy. Repairing the damage from frozen pipes that burst is not.


Guide To Under Sink Water Heaters

Tired of wasting water while you're waiting for it to get hot? Waste no more by installing a tank-style or...


Guide To Water Storage Tanks

Water storage tanks are the backbone of a well pump system. They can be metal or plastic, pressurized or not,...

What to Know About Replacing Gas Appliances in Your Home

From heat pumps to induction stoves, here are the appliances you can install to switch away from gas — and...


Homeowner’s Guide To Well Water Testing

How to initiate well water testing, what contaminants to test for and other safety tips.


Homeowner’s Guide To Irrigation Systems

You can irrigate your lawn or garden with an automated sprinkler or drip system. Sprinklers irrigate more widely, but they...


What Is a Cistern Water System?

Has your interest in alternative water systems made you ask, what is a cistern? Read on to learn about this...


8 Best Well Water Testing Kits

A DIY well water test kit helps ensure your home's water is safe. Here are our favorites.


6 Best Well Water Filtration Systems

When your water source is a well, it's up to you to determine if you need a well water filtration...


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What Is a P-Trap?

Curious about P-traps, how they function and what to look for when you buy one? Here's what you need to...


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What To Know About Rerouting a Water Shutoff Valve

Where's that water shutoff valve when you need it? Avoid flooding disasters and make repairs easier by putting it where...


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What To Know About Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

To better protect your home and family from the devastation of a fire, consider investing in a residential fire sprinkler...

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We Tried It: Flo By Moen Smart Water Valve

Ready to learn about your water usage and save money? The Flo by Moen smart water valve might be just...


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What Is a Sump Pump?

Standing water in your home can lead to structural problems and health hazards. One solution is a sump pump.


New Homeowner’s Guide To Water Heaters

A water heater accounts for almost 20 percent of a home's energy use! Keep energy efficiency and your hot water...


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Hot Water Recirculating Pump: What To Know Before You Buy

Say goodbye to waiting for hot water. A hot water recirculating pump provides a warm shower on demand.


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How to Unclog a Drain Without Harsh Chemicals

Need to clear up a clog but don't want to mess with any chemicals? Here's how.


9 Best Water Heaters of 2022

From dishes to laundry to showers, so many household tasks depend on a water heater. We selected nine reliable options...