So, you've decided to finally remodel your kitchen? Update your bathroom? Build out that wet bar in your basement? Whatever home upgrade you've diving into, it's sure to improve your quality of life and add value to your home. But it's also not as straightforward as it might seem. For one thing, there are likely plumbing considerations you need to take before any work can actually begin. Plumbing is one of the most important things to consider before starting a remodel bec...

A garbage disposal is a great convenience in any kitchen. Rather than filling your garbage with scraps that'll start to smell in a few days, you can send them down the disposal and shred them! The problem is, garbage disposals can be fickle and troublesome - especially if you're too liberal with what you put down them. If you've got a stuck garbage disposal or one that's clearly clogged, there are a few things you can and should do to get it working again. Here's how: ...

Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, there's something special about being able to get away to your very own private cottage during the spring, summer and even fall months of the year. Few people make the trek to their cabin during winter - snow, ice and subzero temperatures make it more difficult. That's why it's so important to winterize your cabin during your last visit of the summer or fall season. Winterizing your cottage or cabin doesn't take all that much wo...

Your septic system is one of the most important infrastructural components of your home. It is important that you take care of it, and stay up to date with any necessary preventative maintenance. Here is a quick overview of what you need to do to take care of your system and maximize its lifespan. Inspections As a general rule, you should have your tank and system inspected once a year, whether you do it yourself or have a technician do it for you. This will help you make sure there a...

While it's completely normal for the primary infrastructure of your home (HVAC and plumbing) to make some noises, there are certain noises that can indicate problems that require professional attention. With your pipes, that includes strange knocking or hammering noises. Have you heard sudden knocking hammering sounds coming from your pipes that you have not heard before? Here are a few of the potential causes of this problem and the steps that can help you resolve it. Water pressur...

Have you been dealing with a leaky faucet in your kitchen or bathroom? The constant dripping is more than just a mere nuisance - it will also waste a lot of water and rack up your water bills. The good news is most leaky faucets are easily repaired by homeowners, even if you do not have much experience with plumbing jobs. Here's a quick overview of some of the steps you should take when troubleshooting a leaky faucet. Shut off the water Before you start doing any work on the fauce...

Most of the time when you call a plumber, you do so because of problems with your plumbing systems that need repairs, or to replace an old fixture. However, plumbers provide benefits far beyond just repairs and replacements. Their services can help you better conserve water in your home. By using less water, you'll save a significant amount of money over a long period of time. Here are just a few examples of some of the ways professional plumbing services can help you decrease your wa...

In general, it's a good idea to hire a professional plumber if you are at all uncomfortable with doing DIY plumbing work. If you're unsure of the steps you need to take or aren't good with a set of tools, you risk making matters much worse, and creating more expensive repairs. However, if you are comfortable performing some minor repairs yourself and know your way around basic tools, then it can be beneficial for you to keep your home stocked with some basic tools and supplies...

If you're redoing some of the piping in your home or working on a new construction project, you'll need to choose the material you're using for that piping. Copper remains a popular option, but in recent years, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) has exploded in popularity, particularly in the world of remodeling and renovating. There are pros and cons to using each one of these kinds of materials. Let's take a closer look at some of the most important factors to consider in y...

Having issues with a well pump frequently cycling on and off, or even doing so nonstop? This is generally an indication that there is a problem with the pump that you must resolve. It is in your best interest to get a plumbing professional out to your property to investigate the problem, as a failure to correct it could result in significant and expensive damage to the equipment. Here are just a few examples of some of the most common causes of well pump short cycling and actions you can ...