Plumbing in the Home - Home Improvement/Repair - Home/Garden

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About Sharon McCarthy
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can help with most questions about residential plumbing problems including septic systems, and some questions about irrigation. I have no experience with commercial installations or codes.

Experience
I have been a sole-proprietor service plumber in two small towns north of Phoenix Arizona for 26 years.

Publications
I had a monthly column in the United Steelworkers of America, local 1033, newsletter 1978 to 1982. I wrote an article for "The Theosophist" in 1977. I've written dozens of letters to the editor in many newspapers.

Education/Credentials
High school and three years of college. My step-father, having worked 40 years in the plumbing trade in Chicago, taught me for two years. The rest has been hands-on experience.

Past/Present Clients
Many hundreds of good people in Cave Creek and Carefree Arizona

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Plumbing in the Home

Questions Answered By Expert Sharon McCarthy
In Category Plumbing in the Home

Subject	Date Asked

ball type kitchen faucet	11/21/2009
Q: We are trying to repair a PricePfister ball type kitchen faucet. It is leaking from inside the ... A: Is there actually a "ball faucet repair kit"? Made by Price Pfister? There are hundreds of faucets ...
Loose Grohe Ladylux Kitchen Faucet	11/21/2009
Q: We have a fairly new (1.5 year old) Grohe Kitchen faucet that is loose from the base of the sink. ... A: If the whole faucet above is loose on the coutertop, the nut you need to tighten is underneath the ...
water pump pressure	11/21/2009
Q: i starting losing pressure starting having problems flushing when i asked about it i was told that ... A: To be perfectly honest, I should have rejected your question because I have no experience with sewer ...
slow draining toilet	11/21/2009
Q: Our toilet drains slow. I can get a snake through it. I took the toilet off and found a soft scale ... A: The slow draining and the scale build-up may or may not be related. The "soft-scale build-up" you ...
Stuck home water valve	11/20/2009
Q: To drain my water heater, I turned off both the feed valve to water heater and the main water valve ... A: Yes, this could be a problem. I expect you have a "gate valve". With a gate valve, the outside stem ...
leak repair	11/20/2009
Q: Sharon you helped me in the spring. Now I've got a different leak to figure out. In the crawlspace ... A: Mortar would most likely not stop a leak if the leak is on the bottom of the pipe. Can you tell if ...
new construction shower faucet	11/20/2009
Q: okay i am currently building a house and at the plumbing stage. I bought the 3 handle aquasource tub ... A: I haven't seen a new model three handle tub/shower fixture in years! Almost all tub/shower fixtures ...
water tank leak	11/20/2009
Q: I have a duron censible state water heater. There are two spots on the top of the water heater where ... A: This could be one of two things. First, let me tell you about the State Duron tank. It has a ...
flushing toilets in unused bathrooms	11/19/2009
Q: I asked a question previously "Mysterious water pressure Problem" on Sept 9 and you were extremely ... A: Really, the only reason to run water in a toilet from time to time is if the homeowner will be away ...
proper plumbing???	11/19/2009
Q: Sharon, What is the proper way to plumb a double vanity sink? I have plumbed mine and added a ... A: I uderstand your question about "should I have connected the pipes to a tee joint and then added the ...
Shower Problem	11/18/2009
Q: Ms. McCarthy, My wife and I have recently experienced a problem in both of our bathroom showers. ... A: Yikes! You never mentioned you are on a well. I do not service water wells, but I've learned about ...
replumbing from meter to house	11/18/2009
Q: I'm replacing the old galvanized pipes from the meter to the house. It runs from the meter up to ... A: So you had the piping inside the house replaced already! I assume copper. Are you planning to run ...
replumbing from meter to house	11/18/2009
Q: I'm replacing the old galvanized pipes from the meter to the house. It runs from the meter up to ... A: Great idea to eliminate the old galvanized pipe. You said it comes up to the house, elbows up, ...
Shower Problem	11/17/2009
Q: Ms. McCarthy, My wife and I have recently experienced a problem in both of our bathroom showers. ... A: I enjoy learning too, and your problem is pretty baffling, so maybe we can learn together! Do you ...
hi	11/17/2009
Q: how can we know in pipe of water where is the water route without destroy pipe ANSWER: Dear ... A: It's been a while since you wrote the first time. I do remember your question. So you have a water ...
one time toilet clogging	11/16/2009
Q: Due to the failure of the inner toilet workings which are being replaced our toilet is clogged. ... A: Do you have any idea what is causing the blockage? What I always use first is a tool called a ...
Grey water/ Septic	11/16/2009
Q: This question is in reference to a problem that I'm having with grey water that is coming out of my ... A: If you can just let the water run right on the ground outside your house, why bother with the barrel ...
Clanking pipes	11/16/2009
Q: After we put in a new water heater, we periodically get this clanking/grinding noise from near the ... A: OK, I'm going to be picky here, but did you really mean it happens when water is running into the ...
Squeeky faucet & lost of pressure	11/16/2009
Q: Recently we have noticed our kitchen sink and bathroom sink and shower when we use the hotwater the ... A: Since this seems to be affecting the hot water in a number of fixtures, I think you might want to ...
Grey water/ Septic	11/15/2009
Q: This question is in reference to a problem that I'm having with grey water that is coming out of my ... A: I know people in my area who have paid $30,000 to have a well drilled because the driller had to go ...
Mystery water leak	11/15/2009
Q: Sharon, I have a mystery leak originating behind by master bathroom toilet. I have had a plumber ... A: Did the plumber rule out that the toilet is not seeping from under the bowl? Possibly the wax is ...
Moving a washer and dryer to another part of the house.	11/14/2009
Q: We have a double sink on the second level of our house and I would like to remove that and put our ... A: The only thing I can think of that might be a problem is, a washing machine needs a two inch pipe to ...
Pluging tub outlet on shower valve	11/14/2009
Q: I just bought a kohler shower kit which came with shower head, valve and tub oulet. It was the only ... A: Absolutely. If the bottom opening on the valve [where the pipe would go down for the tub spout] is ...
bathroom sink drainage problem	11/14/2009
Q: First of all, the hardware I am working with looks almost exactly like this: ... A: This is so typical of old drain pipes. The crud you found in the U-shaped piece [called a "trap"] ...
Odor from bathroom sink......	11/13/2009
Q: I'm getting foul odor from the bathroom sink after the water is turned on for about ten seconds and ... A: Years ago, the pop-ups were designed to twist out and twist back into the drain hole. Now they have ...
Kohler faucet removal	11/13/2009
Q: Hey, there: I have a Kohler faucet in which I want to replace a diverter. To do so, the faucet must ... A: Is this a kitchen faucet? It could also be a deck-mount tub spout as I think about your question. ...
Master Shower seat chatter	11/13/2009
Q: First, thanks for your help. My master shower has started to make some very loud seat chatter. It ... A: When you removed the old cartridge, you had to remove a little forked part first, right? This part ...
Master Shower seat chatter	11/13/2009
Q: First, thanks for your help. My master shower has started to make some very loud seat chatter. It ... A: If someone called me about this problem, I would have done exactly what you did. Truthfully, I'm ...
Re-lighting Water Heater Pilot	11/12/2009
Q: We recently had a gas fireplace installed, and when it is started, the pilot light on our water ... A: If you can push the button down, then you have it set to "pilot". The red button will not go down on ...
Bathroom Faucets	11/12/2009
Q: Is there a code in California that requires, the left faucet be hot water and the right be cold ... A: First, was any work done on that faucet? There are a few types, mainly a single-handle Moen, in ...
bathroom sink	11/12/2009
Q: i need to pull the plug out of the bathroom sink , i cant get it to pop out . wath do i need to do A: I imagine you are referring to the pop-up plug. The kind that raises and lowers when you pull the ...
hot water heater safety tank	11/12/2009
Q: The pressure relief value on my 40 gal water heater leaks. I've replaced it twice with no luck ... A: I considered rejecting this question because I have had no contact with safety tanks, but I wanted ...
Sewer smell in house	11/11/2009
Q: Two years ago, we had a new drainfield installed. Each fall now as we turn the furnace back on, the ... A: A sewer smell is the most maddening problem to solve! There are many possible causes [including a ...
toliet emptys into bathtub (yuck!!)	11/11/2009
Q: First time homeowner, not very repair savvy. I have a 9 yr old 16x70 mobile home on well/septic tank ... A: Well, I did say MOST septic pump guys will scam and overcharge you, but not all. Luckily the realtor ...
Low waterpressure on dishwasher and kitchen sink	11/11/2009
Q: We recently had our hot water heater replaced. After this we lost some water pressure to our ... A: Does you kitchen faucet have two separate handles for hot and cold, or one single handle? You ...
toliet emptys into bathtub (yuck!!)	11/10/2009
Q: First time homeowner, not very repair savvy. I have a 9 yr old 16x70 mobile home on well/septic tank ... A: Some debris or roots have collected either in the pipe going to the septic tank or at the opening to ...
sink glugging	11/10/2009
Q: I am writing for advice to fix a kitchen sink glug I have had for a while in our 50-some year old ... A: Where the horizontal copper pipe "tees" into the main exit pipe, does it "tee" straight into that ...
Warm water from the cold faucet	11/9/2009
Q: My house is on a slab. Built in 1973. I've just noticed over the past couple of days, a couple of ... A: Your first question came up first, before your follow up question. I read the first sentence and ...
Kitchen sink stub out	11/9/2009
Q: I need to replace the drain stub out under my kitchen sink. The connection is behind sheet rock so ... A: FIRST, is this stub-out galvanized pipe? If it's black plastic [ABS] it is glued into the tee behind ...
Shower Valve Leaking	11/9/2009
Q: I just bought a house and am trying to learn how to do most of the work myself... Two months ago I ... A: OK, I really didn't read your first question carefully enough. I didn't get that water is literally ...
Shower Valve Leaking	11/9/2009
Q: I just bought a house and am trying to learn how to do most of the work myself... Two months ago I ... A: I understand. I'd guess you have a Price Pfister two-handle tub/shower fixture [might be three ...
toilet	11/7/2009
Q: My toilet keeps moving after i tightened the crews is it some kind of cement i can put around it to ... A: When you said the toilet keeps "moving", do you mean it rocks, like side to side or front to back? ...
Tub and Shower 3 handle faucet leak	11/6/2009
Q: We have a 3 handle tub and shower faucet. Replaced all parts in hot and cold -- leak better, but ... A: Isn't it a kick when a plumbing problem just stops all by itself? I loved that! So let me get this ...
hi	11/6/2009
Q: how can we know in pipe of water where is the water route without destroy pipe A: Is this a pipe outside or inside the house? And you don't know where the pipe begins? This is hard ...
Tub and Shower 3 handle faucet leak	11/6/2009
Q: We have a 3 handle tub and shower faucet. Replaced all parts in hot and cold -- leak better, but ... A: I'm glad you posed you answer as a new question, otherwise I can't respond, the way this site is ...
Tub and Shower 3 handle faucet leak	11/6/2009
Q: We have a 3 handle tub and shower faucet. Replaced all parts in hot and cold -- leak better, but ... A: I'd bet you have a trusty old Price Pfister fixture. Virtually indestructable! Too bad all the newer ...
greasy black in hot water	11/5/2009
Q: I saw the question you answered about the black in the sinks. I have black, greasy, thick stuff that ... A: That's a first! I've never seen a water heater hooked up with rubber hoses. If they are hoses like ...
water heater temperature problems	11/5/2009
Q: ..I'm having a problem with controlling my water heater temperature. Over the last few months, I ... A: Sounds like you have two problems, the reset button and a leak. First, your hunch was corrent in ...
Bathroom sink/vanity odor	11/5/2009
Q: Over the past week, I have noticed a foul odor in our first floor bathroom. When I open the cabinet ... A: Is it possibly a mouse that died in the wall? In my area we have a lot of packrats that build nests ...
P-traps	11/3/2009
Q: We are on a slab and the house is 14 years old. How would I know if the drain has a p-trap beneath ... A: The only drain that would need a trap under the slab would be a shower drain. Is that what you are ...
Steam radiator valve	11/3/2009
Q: I'm trying to turn off the supply valve to two (two-pipe) steam radiators, but they won't budge and ... A: I'm sorry, I meant to click on a different response, that I'm not qualified to answer this question. ...
Air in water lines	11/2/2009
Q: When I turn on a water faucet in my house it spits air. The house is about 4 years old and is on ... A: I honestly am stumped. If you were on a well, that could happen. It couldn't be a leak in your ...
Air in water lines	11/1/2009
Q: When I turn on a water faucet in my house it spits air. The house is about 4 years old and is on ... A: I have a question back! Can you tell if this air comes out when you run only the hot water? I know ...
shower	11/1/2009
Q: all the sudden my hot water in shower lost pressure took the deveter apart to see if any thing was ... A: You mentioned taking the diverter apart so I have a hunch your tub/shower is a Price Pfister with a ...
P trap flexible nut sealant.	11/1/2009
Q: I am installing the drain lines for a 5 piece bathroom in the top floor of a 1928 house with 2x6 ... A: Good question! Most P traps have what are called compression fittings, a threaded nut and a ...
Hot Water Tank Pipe Connections	11/1/2009
Q: Can I use braided flexible hoses for the hot and cold water connections? What about the gas ... A: I have recently noticed that there are braided flex hoses made for hot water heater connections. Any ...
P- trap failure	11/1/2009
Q: I replace the kitchen sink and now the water drain out very, very slow. any ideas for a resolution A: I have a few questions for you! I assume your kitchen sink has two bowls. Is the water draining ...
sewage smell- washing machine	10/31/2009
Q: I detect a sewage smell during washing laundry (we have a septic system). I have never detected the ... A: Sewer odors are the most maddening problems to solve! I get several "sewer smell" questions a week, ...
flushing	10/31/2009
Q: is it safe to flush medicated hemorrhoidal wipes down the toilet? We are on the town water system. ... A: Luckily for me I've never had to use these, so I don't know what size they are. If they are fairly ...
low water pressure	10/31/2009
Q: My husband installed a new set of faucets in the kitchen sink. Before installation water pressure ... A: Is this faucet a two-handle, hot and cold, with a side spray attachment? Many times when the pipes ...
Drop in water pressure to taps	10/31/2009
Q: We're on a well system for our water. The pressure gauge by the tank shows we have a 25/50 setting I ... A: If you mean an expert on this website, to tell you the truth I haven't really studied the lists of ...
Moen Extensa lever drop	10/31/2009
Q: I recently replaced the cartridge (1225) on my 8 year old Moen Extensa kitchen faucet. The lever ... A: Moen. Used to be the best. Now it's probably the most troublesome brand on the market. I've ...
Drop in water pressure to taps	10/30/2009
Q: We're on a well system for our water. The pressure gauge by the tank shows we have a 25/50 setting I ... A: Peter, From what you wrote it sounds like everything appears to be working except the water! I ...
winterization	10/29/2009
Q: Its Mike the handy man in VA. I have a question but you living where its warmer not sure if you do ... A: Hey Mike! The "young lady" part made me laugh! I'm 63 and hardly "a lady". I've worked with men ...
hot water pressure	10/28/2009
Q: All our faucets have very little hot water pressure - we assume we may need a new hot water heater - ... A: I don't think this has to do with the tank itself. When your husband drained the water heater, he ...
hot water problem	10/28/2009
Q: I just bought my four year old townhouse a few months ago and was trying to fill up the bathtub in ... A: Dan, I just wrote a long answer and hit the wrong key and deleted it! Also, I couldn't see the ...
hot water tank	10/28/2009
Q: The water comes from a well through an on line filter and then through a conventional electrical hot ... A: I have two thoughts here. It seems clear that the problem is either the pipes to or from the water ...
hot water pressure	10/27/2009
Q: All our faucets have very little hot water pressure - we assume we may need a new hot water heater - ... A: I've had some puzzling questions but this one takes the cake! First, whatever water "pressure" is ...
in sinkerator will not drain when turned on	10/27/2009
Q: I removed the trap to check for a clog. Before reinstalling I ran the water and the water drained ... A: You looked everywhere but the right place! I hand it to you, you tried your best. I'll tell you what ...
Well Water pressure	10/27/2009
Q: I have a private well and it has worked great for the past 14 years. Great water pressure and no ... A: I don't service wells, but I've learned a lot over the years. A range of 20psi to 100psi would not ...
Leaky Kohler Cimarron toilets	10/27/2009
Q: I have two Kohler Cimarron toilets about 3 yrs old. Both of them are now leaking water frequently. ... A: Did someone tell you about my magical powers?? You sound like you know what you're talking about, so ...
glacier bay	10/27/2009
Q: have a shower set no tub the hot water wont turn off i pulled the sleeve and cartridge but no matter ... A: Glacier Bay is a fairly new brand, the Home Depot store brand. I have only worked on a few, but I ...
bradford white hot water tank	10/26/2009
Q: The problem im having with the tank is that it clicks on and off every 5 seconds almost all the time ... A: You are exactly correct. If only the pilot is on and the thermocouple is faulty, the pilot will go ...
Hot water leak	10/26/2009
Q: I live in a mobil home. In my bathroom, the hot water side in the bathtub is leaking a steady stream ... A: It sounds like a Price Pfister. I have a hunch the problem is the seat. You said you used teflon ...
cleaning copper pipes	10/26/2009
Q: My house is over 50 years old, we have copper pipes. When the water is not ran for a couple of days ... A: I have a suspicion about this. You may have to follow the whole line from the well to the house to ...
Stench in Kitchen Cabinet	10/26/2009
Q: Because of the stink on September 29,2009 I removed a broken and leaking 42"L x24"W kitchen ... A: You wouldn't believe how many questions I receive about sewer odors. They are very difficult to ...
Noise coming from main water line	10/25/2009
Q: I have noises coming from the area of my water meter when the water is running. The noise is a ... A: I got from your question that you only hear this noise out by the meter, not in the house. That kind ...
Water pump	10/25/2009
Q: In the last few years we have had an occasional problem with the water pressure from our well into ... A: I had another question today very similar to yours. I don't service wells, but I can sometimes give ...
jackson water heaters	10/25/2009
Q: My house currently has 2 40 gallon Jackson water heaters, both electric. I think they are really ... A: Find the serial number on the label, call the manufacturer and they can tell you when the heaters ...
Water Bladder Tank	10/25/2009
Q: Sharon, We have a deep well and the water comes up through a pipe that has an air fitting on it ... A: I need to get a few things clear. You said the air pressure valve is on a pipe? You also said your ...
Sewer smell	10/24/2009
Q: We have a sewer smell in the house. We have checked all traps. The smell is definitely sewer (not ... A: I have been volunteering since last December and since then I've had hundreds of questions. The only ...
Leaking flushometer	10/24/2009
Q: My flushometer just started leaking from the stop coupling I want to shut off the water immediately, ... A: I just looked up "flushometer" and found it is the Sloane type usually found in commercial rest ...
Stuck Water Supply Shut Off Valve	10/23/2009
Q: How do I free up a stuck water supply shut off valve? ANSWER: Dear Ray, I'm going to ask you to ... A: Ray, OK, that kind of valve is called an angle-stop. As I said, some have metal stems and some ...
Stuck Water Supply Shut Off Valve	10/23/2009
Q: How do I free up a stuck water supply shut off valve? A: I'm going to ask you to write back and give me more information. There are so many different types ...
residential water pump pressure switch	10/21/2009
Q: I replaced a bad 20-40psi pressure switch sq d 2 screw adjustment type, that had a burnt contact ... A: That is so cool that you are an electrician! I can just imagine, being a plumber, how interesting ...
toilet gurgling	10/21/2009
Q: I have a house in the country with a septic tank when the washer drains the toilet gurgles what ... A: All smaller drainlines "tee" into the main line going out to the septic tank or sewer. Generally ...
new efficient water heater	10/20/2009
Q: i have a gas water heater here, and i guess it must be 80 gallons or around that amount. now, i am ... A: If this is your residence, which I assume it is, an 80 gallon gas water heater is WAY oversize! For ...
Smelly Drains again	10/20/2009
Q: me again with the smelly drains. They are making me ask a new question, no more follow ups. Anyway, ... A: You never told me you are also an expert! What field? Maybe I can conjure up a question for you! ...
Sewer smell	10/20/2009
Q: We have a sewer smell in the house. We have checked all traps. The smell is definitely sewer (not ... A: Kris, Puzzling. What plumbing pipes and fixtures do you have in the basement? Is that where the ...
Smelly Drains again	10/20/2009
Q: me again with the smelly drains. They are making me ask a new question, no more follow ups. Anyway, ... A: Diana, Seems like we've gone full circle with this! First you said it was all the drains, then ...
hot water problem	10/20/2009
Q: I just bought my four year old townhouse a few months ago and was trying to fill up the bathtub in ... A: OK, your new information helped. There could be several reasons with this type of fixture. As I ...
roof vent	10/19/2009
Q: can i put a wood stove chimney type cap on my sewer vent to keep snow out alaska A: You're asking a plumber who lives in the desert?? Hate to tell you but it was 100 degrees here ...
turning stop valve on	10/19/2009
Q: Hope you can help me. I have turned my stoop valve back on after replacing a tap and am getting air ... A: It may be that when you removed the tap, a lot of water drained out of your pipes throughout the ...
Smelly Drains	10/19/2009
Q: We have a home on a concrete slab about 7 miles inland in NC. We have public water and sewer and the ... A: Let me light my pipe and think about this. OK, back to the drain; is this happening in one drain or ...
Sewer smell	10/19/2009
Q: We have a sewer smell in the house. We have checked all traps. The smell is definitely sewer (not ... A: You said the washing machine drains to a separate dry well. Just an idea here, is it possible there ...
hot water problem	10/19/2009
Q: I just bought my four year old townhouse a few months ago and was trying to fill up the bathtub in ... A: This is a single handle fixture. I have worked on many of them, Delta, Moen, Valley and others. In ...
Smelly Drains	10/18/2009
Q: We have a home on a concrete slab about 7 miles inland in NC. We have public water and sewer and the ... A: Congratulations Watson! The game is afoot! I am an avid fan of Shelock Holmes. He used the ...
bathroom stool	10/18/2009
Q: Every now and then my bathroom stool runs by itself. Sounds like it is filling up after flushing. ... A: Simple. You'll be happy to hear this! That happens when the "flapper" is old. Possibly it's warped, ...
surging water	10/18/2009
Q: We live in the country and have a well. Recently I hear water surging when you turn on a faucet, ... A: Since you have a pressure tank, I doubt the problem has to do with the pump. The pump kicks on to ...
Recaulking - Corian Undercounter Sink	10/18/2009
Q: Is it possible to recaulk an undercounter sink without removing it? It is a corian countertop with ... A: So the sink is mounted underneath, correct? Is this caulk that is getting moldy around the edge, ...
Smelly Drains	10/18/2009
Q: We have a home on a concrete slab about 7 miles inland in NC. We have public water and sewer and the ... A: If you only flush a toilet, do you smell this odor? I am asking this for a specific reason. In my ...
surging water	10/17/2009
Q: We live in the country and have a well. Recently I hear water surging when you turn on a faucet, ... A: I often reject water well questions because I don't service wells, but I do know some basics about ...
spinning tap	10/17/2009
Q: My kitchen tap is pinning right around. It will turn off, but you just need to find the right spot. ... A: Is this a two-handle faucet? Is it a Delta or Valley? If so, the handles on these faucets have a ...
Slow draining kitchen plumbing	10/17/2009
Q: We recently redid our kitchen new countertops, kitchen sink, appliances etc. The problem is our ... A: So the main sewer line is that close to the kitchen sink, you could hear the cable rattling in the ...
Where to install Pressure regulator	10/17/2009
Q: My future homesite is 2000 feet from the meter location, it was recommended that I use 2" diameter ... A: First let me explain about pressure. The pressure of the water entering your meter will be constant ...
Possibility of lead plumbing	10/16/2009
Q: We are buying a house in salt lake city built in 1937. Should we be worried about lead used in ... A: Lead probably was used, but only on the drainlines, not on the waterlines. Back then cast iron pipe ...
main line vent	10/16/2009
Q: i had a fully blocked cesspool main line. called a large chain plumbing company and got poor results ... A: I did misunderstand! I have never seen such a system which is why your description didn't register. ...
Slow draining kitchen plumbing	10/16/2009
Q: We recently redid our kitchen new countertops, kitchen sink, appliances etc. The problem is our ... A: You must be tearing your hair out by now. Like what else is there? I have a thought. You said you ...
overflow tube "overflows"	10/15/2009
Q: A standard toilet recently has become "weaker" in its flush. I note that the overflow tube can not ... A: The water that goes down the overflow tube is the water that fills the bowl after the flapper has ...
connecting pvc to cast iron	10/15/2009
Q: hey,i just got done breaking up my garage floor with a 20lb sledge,i then cut out about 6 ft of ... A: Hey back! I would recommend you use ABS pipe rather than PVC for this repair. ABS is a thick-walled ...
main line vent	10/15/2009
Q: i had a fully blocked cesspool main line. called a large chain plumbing company and got poor results ... A: In case you need to call another plumber about this, I'll tell you the correct terminology. Plumbers ...
Sloan Flushmate back flush	10/15/2009
Q: Sharon. I have a Gerber Sloan Flushmate series 503 toilet that's only about 1-2 years old. Model # ... A: Phil, I didn't occur to me to mention this because in your first question you said water would ...
Waste Pipe Diameters vs wax ring throat size	10/15/2009
Q: I just replaced 2 toilets this weekend in an old house. The first one had a waste pipe which ... A: I mentioned this very thing in an answer a few weeks ago. I believe the questioner had discovered a ...
Sloan Flushmate back flush	10/14/2009
Q: Sharon. I have a Gerber Sloan Flushmate series 503 toilet that's only about 1-2 years old. Model # ... A: If I'd looked up that model I would have known it has a pressure tank. I have replaced dozens of ...
Waste Pipe Diameters vs wax ring throat size	10/14/2009
Q: I just replaced 2 toilets this weekend in an old house. The first one had a waste pipe which ... A: It's funny, a lot of misunderstanding occurs because a questioner is describing something they are ...
pressure in the taps from over head tank	10/13/2009
Q: i have a small house with an overhead tank, at about 30 feet height.i have 2 bathrooms, one just ... A: To be honest, I'm not familiar with overhead tanks. I decided to answer because I think you might ...
Sloan Flushmate back flush	10/13/2009
Q: Sharon. I have a Gerber Sloan Flushmate series 503 toilet that's only about 1-2 years old. Model # ... A: Just so you and I are on the same page, let me ask you a few questions. I'm not sure about some of ...
Waste Pipe Diameters vs wax ring throat size	10/13/2009
Q: I just replaced 2 toilets this weekend in an old house. The first one had a waste pipe which ... A: You wrote "neither of the wax rings fit into the waste pipe". I assume you know that the wax sets on ...
bathroom sink hot water supply line	10/13/2009
Q: How do I fix my water supply line under the bathroom sink. It's slowly leaking out around the pipe. ... A: You said you turned the hot water off. Did you mean you shut off the hot-side valve under the sink? ...
stinky kitchen drain	10/12/2009
Q: My house is on a slab and 55 years old. The kitchen drains stink real bad. I do not have a garbage ... A: The trap below holds water and prevents any gas odors from coming up, but the pipes that go from ...
bathtub tap rusty water	10/12/2009
Q: Regarding rusty water from taps: I noted your recent response asking the follow-up question 'Is it ... A: I've answered this same question several times. Trouble with the Allexperts system, they don't have ...
hot/cold water	10/12/2009
Q: While someone is taking a shower the cold water from all of the other faucets in the house is ... A: I have a few questions for you! Your problem is out of the ordinary, so to try and figure this out I ...
pipe insulation	10/11/2009
Q: What TYPE of water pipe insulation do you recommend for a crawl space in which I need to solve a ... A: Did the old fiberglass insulation get damp and moldy from condensation from the water pipes? Is this ...
plumbing	10/11/2009
Q: Is there a standard place to cut the main water supply on and off in a mobil home, and if there is ... A: When I read your question, I wasn't sure if you are LOOKING for a shut-off valve somewhere or you ...
Shower stopped working	10/11/2009
Q: I have a separate bathtub and shower in the upstairs master bath. The shower suddenly stopped ... A: Did you notice recently that the amount of water from the shower was diminishing at all? My guess is ...
No water pressure in the mornings	10/11/2009
Q: We purchased a home a little over a year ago and noticed as the weather turned cooler we suddenly ... A: Sheesh! This is a new one on me and I've been servicing homes for 26 years. I totally agree with ...
Toilet replacement	10/11/2009
Q: Good evening Sharon, I have just purchased a 1950’s house in Houston, Texas. I want to replace a ... A: I assume you mean that the drainlines are galvanized. I'd love to know who told you that about not ...
No water pressure in the mornings	10/10/2009
Q: We purchased a home a little over a year ago and noticed as the weather turned cooler we suddenly ... A: I need to know whether you are on a city water system or a well. With a metered water system, water ...
Unable to remove dome of Delta shower faucet	10/10/2009
Q: I read your instructions for replacing the internal workings of a Delta shower faucet. My problem ... A: That can be a problem, especially in areas with hard water like where I live in the Southwest. ...
hi	10/10/2009
Q: i went under my sisters house and see if i can take apart the pipe to get something out of the pipe ... A: I do recall that you wrote last week about the slow hose bibb. I receive five and sometimes more ...
Plumming problem	10/9/2009
Q: I live in Hawaii and I am a renter of my property. This house is like a duplex with on on top the ... A: Just to clarify, you said one side of the tee went into the wall of the house, and the other side of ...
Plumbing under a slab	10/9/2009
Q: Sharon, I need to rough in the ground work plumbing in preparation for the monolithic slab. Basic ... A: I had to read your question several times to get that you are referring to your drainline. Sleeving ...
Toilet Hiss	10/9/2009
Q: We have a hissing sound near the toilet, but the hiss has nothing to do with a flush, instead is ... A: Hissing can have so many explanations! What I suggest you do first is shut off the valve under the ...
Water from shower into light fixture	10/8/2009
Q: We found water from our shower coming into our light fixture in the kitchen below the bathroom. ... A: I'm glad you wrote back and clarified. As far as I understand, a shower should have what's called a ...
Some Parts Required	10/8/2009
Q: Sir I have required the Some parts of following detail. these parts are availabilty and prise ... A: I am really sorry to say that I don't understand your question. I believe the problem has to do with ...
Water from shower into light fixture	10/7/2009
Q: We found water from our shower coming into our light fixture in the kitchen below the bathroom. ... A: There are two common reasons for water to leak down from a shower. This happens moreso with ...
Warm water from the cold faucet	10/7/2009
Q: My house is on a slab. Built in 1973. I've just noticed over the past couple of days, a couple of ... A: The only reason I can think of is this: hot and cold pipes often run side by side under the floor ...
Toilet tank lid won't fit after fill valve installed	10/7/2009
Q: I recently replaced a float style toilet fill valve with a Fluidmaster 400A valve. The instructions ... A: I just love it when a person writes such a clear detailed description as you did! I have run into ...
kitchen faucet handle moves	10/7/2009
Q: We just moved into a house where the kitchen faucet has only one rate of flow - super strong. You ... A: I'm trying to visualize what brand of faucet would have a handle that might do this. Is the faucet a ...
gas pipe leak at T	10/6/2009
Q: In my attic, I have a one inch incoming gas pipe, a T fitting, and two outgoing pipes to a water ... A: You may have to get a plumber on this one, a plumber who does gasline work and has a threading ...
there's a leak from the top unit into my walls and a leak from my slab roof	10/6/2009
Q: i live in a complex in the ground floor unit and there's a unit on top of mine. there's a leak ... A: I have a hunch, if the upstairs bathroom has a tub/shower unit, that the caulk around the top edge ...
Warm water from the cold faucet	10/6/2009
Q: My house is on a slab. Built in 1973. I've just noticed over the past couple of days, a couple of ... A: That does sound ominous. I presume you checked inside the cabinet for any sign of water leaking. If ...
Drain Clogged	10/6/2009
Q: My problem is same as Corey's but the bathtub is upstairs in a townhome. The plumber has snaked ... A: A tub clog is usually not too far from the drain. Most tub drains run into the closest toilet drain ...
Shut Off Valve	10/5/2009
Q: I had a leaky shut off valve and the handle fell off when I tried to turn it. It is a chrome sleeve ... A: I imagine you had the valve open when you heated it. If you are certain there is no water in the ...
parts	10/5/2009
Q: we have a 30 year old moen tap the kind you pull out and turn we need to replace the tap insert and ... A: I'm amazed! I did not know that Moen made two different lengths of cartridges! I guess you had it ...
parts	10/5/2009
Q: we have a 30 year old moen tap the kind you pull out and turn we need to replace the tap insert and ... A: Wow, were you waiting for my answer? I just went back to my e-mail and up came your second ...
Slow tub drain	10/5/2009
Q: I live in an old house, circa 1940's. The original tub/ drain are still in place/ use. My two ... A: When you said you removed the flip-style drain stopper, do you mean the overflow plate on the tub ...
Brown hot water	10/5/2009
Q: We have flushed our hot water heater (ran cold water through it untill it ran out clear) but the ... A: I'm going to ask you a few questions, and I'd like it if you wrote me back. Do you see this rusty ...
parts	10/4/2009
Q: we have a 30 year old moen tap the kind you pull out and turn we need to replace the tap insert and ... A: This is hard for me to believe! Moen cartridges are hanging from hooks at every Home Depot, Lowe's ...
No water in bathrooms	10/4/2009
Q: I had my water heater removed and now there is no water in the bathroom showers. There is water in ... A: Glen, You didn't write back in the form of a new question, Allexperts could arrange this better for ...
tank not filling back & making a hissing sound	10/4/2009
Q: Our toilet has been hissing for about two days now! Now the toilet will not flush because the tank ... A: You can do this. The problem is in the fill valve, or in plumber-speak, the "ballcock". The part on ...
bathtub faucet	10/4/2009
Q: Very little water comes out of tub faucet. But shower works fine good pressure. ANSWER: Dear Carol, ... A: I may have sounded abrupt in my last answer, and I apologize. A lot of people send me questions with ...
bathtub faucet	10/4/2009
Q: Very little water comes out of tub faucet. But shower works fine good pressure. ANSWER: Dear Carol, ... A: OK, if you don't have a diverter on the spout, you must have a three handle fixture or a diverter ...
sewer vents	10/3/2009
Q: Should the cap on a sewer vent between the house and the street be vented or solid? I have 2 vents ... A: John, If those caps were vented you'd be getting a lovely methane gas odor emanating from them. ...
garbage disposal	10/3/2009
Q: hope your week was good..Its mike and Ive been busier than a three horned billy goat in VA.. My ... A: That's a new one! I usually say I'm busier than a one-armed paperhanger. If a disposal jams, the ...
No hot water to the shower	10/3/2009
Q: We have hot water to all other faucets in the house including the sink in the bathroom nest to the ... A: Very good that you tested it and found that no hot water at all is coming through the pipe. This ...
bathtub faucet	10/2/2009
Q: Very little water comes out of tub faucet. But shower works fine good pressure. A: Do you have a diverter on your tub spout? A diverter is a lift rod with a round flat disc on top ...
pipe build up	10/2/2009
Q: I live in an older home with a mixed plumbing system of cast iron, copper & PVC. Our municipal ... A: I've always understood that liquid soaps are preferable to powdered soaps. I will tell you, though, ...
Ice make T-valve	10/1/2009
Q: After crawling under the house and finding the T-valve for my ice maker I can't figure out how to ... A: Regarding the hose bibb you replaced, it almost sounds like something might be stuck in the pipe ...
Ice make T-valve	9/30/2009
Q: After crawling under the house and finding the T-valve for my ice maker I can't figure out how to ... A: I'm guessing this is a brass 1/4" compression valve. There are two types of T handles on this type ...
sediment	9/30/2009
Q: its just in the tubs. what could be causing this and how would we fix it A: I've run across this same problem so many times in my 26 years of service work, and I've had a ...
water softener drain	9/29/2009
Q: I just installed a water softener, can I run the drain into my water heater's PRV drain pipe? ... A: There are other ways. I wish I had asked you where the softener is located. Usually they are in a ...
water softener drain	9/29/2009
Q: I just installed a water softener, can I run the drain into my water heater's PRV drain pipe? ... A: Edward, A relief line is either directed down into a floor drain if there is one under the water ...
New P-trap does not fit	9/29/2009
Q: I had to replace the P-trap pipe in my bathroom sink. I bought a new 1/4" trap and went to install ... A: I'll tell you exactly what I would do in your case, either for a customer or in my own house. I'd ...
water softener drain	9/29/2009
Q: I just installed a water softener, can I run the drain into my water heater's PRV drain pipe? A: When you said the PRV [relief valve] drain pipe, do you mean a floor drain? Or are you just talking ...
mysterious water pressure problem	9/29/2009
Q: We have a 3 storey house and all is fine except the extremely erratic water pressure on the 3rd ... A: Delores, This is so interesting! And I love it when a woman gets so involved [and so informed!] ...
bathroom drain odor	9/28/2009
Q: The home is new construction, 6 months old and we have an odor coming from the main bathroom sink ... A: I read your question several times, and found myself frowning. Problems like this should not be ...
mysterious water pressure problem	9/28/2009
Q: We have a 3 storey house and all is fine except the extremely erratic water pressure on the 3rd ... A: I considered rejecting your question, then wondered if this pressure booster is either a pump or a ...
seat washers in a pack	9/27/2009
Q: I hope the weather is a lot better your way than here..its been a miserable three days but thats VA ... A: Great question, and only a repairman would ask this since you do a lot of various plumbing jobs. Ace ...
hot water heater installation costs	9/27/2009
Q: I was wondering how much it might cost to have a new gas hot water heater installed in my home and ... A: Generally I would discourage anyone with a ten-year-old water heater from replacing it. I live in an ...
Low Pressure in Several Faucets After Chlorinating	9/27/2009
Q: I recently chlorinated my well and plumbing system due o sulphur odor. That solved the odor issue, ... A: I considered rejecting this question because I have no idea how a well and plumbing system are ...
bathroom sink	9/26/2009
Q: I'm trying to plumb a bathroom sink. Coming out of the floor is 2" pvc. The drain for the sink is 1 ... A: Sorry I didn't answer yesterday, I try to keep up but I had a lot of family business this weekend. ...
Problem installing a p-trap	9/26/2009
Q: I'm in the process of renovating my (manufactured) house to prepare it for resale. Much of this ... A: That was the most precise and clear question I have received in eight months! I have worked on a lot ...
water leak	9/26/2009
Q: I have a water leak somewhere around a sliding glass door. It is bad enough or been there long ... A: Doug, Your second sentence was a bit confusing, do you mean this happens only when it rains? If ...
No hot water	9/26/2009
Q: We do not have any water coming out of the hot water side of the faucets throughout the house. We ... A: Patrick, Sorry, I usually answer the same day, but had a lot of family things going on. You may ...
Noise in pipes	9/26/2009
Q: I have an Apollo ball value that turns on/off the water flow to our irrigation system. Lately, ... A: Backflow preventers, like the one on your irrigation system [often called PVB valves, the "P" is for ...
ancient plumbing!	9/25/2009
Q: My daughter lives in an old terraced house>For the past 3 months the one and only toilet is ... A: An overflowing toilet can have a number of causes. There could be something caught in the trap. ...
Controlling water to tub spout and shower head	9/25/2009
Q: I just installed a new tub/shower combination. My problem is when I turn the water on for the tub ... A: Have you ever heard of Rube Goldberg? That's pretty far in the past, so if you're young maybe not. ...
Slow draining kitchen sink	9/24/2009
Q: We have a double kitchen sink (two sides to it) that drains VERY slowly. We do not have a garbage ... A: I had a call from an old customer last March that her kitchen sink wasn't draining. Both sides. Same ...
vent	9/24/2009
Q: Recently we have developed a problem with our toilets. After taking a shower (we hardly ever take ... A: That was very clear about the fact that your showers run to a grey water line. I do have a question ...
Water Supply Line	9/23/2009
Q: I need to run a water supply line from the water meter up a 45 degree incline about 230feet to my ... A: Glad to help! The brass fitting coming from the meter nut has normal pipe threads, just like copper ...
Toilet Bubbling	9/23/2009
Q: The other night I noticed the toilet bubbling after using the washing machine and the bathtub. ... A: My guess is what you said, the rain has saturated the soil around the mound [the leach bed] to the ...
Constrolling water to tub spout and shower head	9/23/2009
Q: I just installed a new tub/shower combination. My problem is when I turn the water on for the tub ... A: This is puzzling! Hard to believe that three brand new spouts have faulty diverter mechanisms. When ...
Second story toilet gurgles and sometimes over flows?	9/22/2009
Q: Family moved into a home that was bulit in 1912. I fixed a gurgaling sound in the kitchen sink with ... A: So glad you wrote back so I could reply. Allexperts could be improved in a number of ways but so far ...
Second story toilet gurgles and sometimes over flows?	9/22/2009
Q: Family moved into a home that was bulit in 1912. I fixed a gurgaling sound in the kitchen sink with ... A: Bryan, I'm still writing, 10:30 pm! Not all plumbing questions, but there were a lot today. I've ...
leach beds	9/22/2009
Q: how much does it cost to get a leach bed removed, since it is no longer in use. A: The leach bed, if this is what I think you mean, is a broad shallow pit with perforated pipes ...
Second story toilet gurgles and sometimes over flows?	9/22/2009
Q: Family moved into a home that was bulit in 1912. I fixed a gurgaling sound in the kitchen sink with ... A: I need some clarification, so please write back, OK? You mentioned the toilet gurgles and sometimes ...
Unfinished Basement - bathroom setup question	9/21/2009
Q: I have attached an image of the roughed in bathroom in the house we just signed a contract on. The ... A: That is pretty "rough"! It looks like there is a black pipe coming up through the hole, correct? I'm ...
the ole diverter issue	9/20/2009
Q: Yea its me Mike and im working my weekend away..ha ha..Anyways I did what we discussed and changed ... A: OK, you got me thinking. I've never had a three handle tub/shower so now I'm trying to remember how ...
dishwasher	9/19/2009
Q: I hope youre weekend is better than your friday was for you..lol..Its Mike in Va. have a question ... A: Mike, "Master" Plumbers. Hah! Masters at creating big jobs and charging big fees! If the ...
Kitchen Sink draining into Bathroom Sink	9/19/2009
Q: For the past few days we've been having a problem, our kitchen sink takes a while to drain and when ... A: The small drainlines in older homes build up a lot of debris over the years that stick to the inside ...
Vent pipe	9/19/2009
Q: I have a two story house. No basement. Kitchen and two bathrooms are on the second floor. One ... A: I hope this works! After reading over you first question again, I almost suspect you may have roots ...
diverter issue	9/18/2009
Q: .lol. Its been about a month since I was able to convert a 3 handle tub/shower to 3 levers thanks to ... A: Mike, No job done fast is done well. Keep up the good work, and the attitude! Regarding those ...
diverter issue	9/18/2009
Q: .lol. Its been about a month since I was able to convert a 3 handle tub/shower to 3 levers thanks to ... A: Were you sitting at your computer waiting for my answer? LOL back! Your response came within ...
Water Supply Line	9/18/2009
Q: I need to run a water supply line from the water meter up a 45 degree incline about 230feet to my ... A: Allexperts doesn't have a good system for responding again to questioners after a rating so this is ...
diverter issue	9/18/2009
Q: .lol. Its been about a month since I was able to convert a 3 handle tub/shower to 3 levers thanks to ... A: You have no idea how welcome all that buttering up is today! It's been a shitty day so far and it's ...
Vent pipe	9/17/2009
Q: I have a two story house. No basement. Kitchen and two bathrooms are on the second floor. One ... A: This has nothing to do with the vent, you have a blockage in your main line. Go outside the house ...
Kohler k4590 tank toilet	9/16/2009
Q: I have no problem flushing. Yet, at the time of refill, I hear like a knock in the pipe and no ... A: This is caused by a fault in the fill valve, or "ballcock". The unit on the left in the tank that ...
No hot water from one faucet	9/16/2009
Q: Our kitchen faucet is 8 months old. It's the type with a flexible pot-filler hose/nozzle and a ... A: I have a hunch the problem is right in the faucet, or if not, it may be in the hot-side valve below ...
Outside sill cock	9/15/2009
Q: Howdy , I am also an expert here in the auto section! I have an outdoor sill cock that has suddenly ... A: OK, you made me go outside and check MY hose bibbs! The type I described, and which has been pretty ...
Outside sill cock	9/14/2009
Q: Howdy , I am also an expert here in the auto section! I have an outdoor sill cock that has suddenly ... A: Greetings fellow volunteer! The nut you removed was most likely the "packing nut". Every faucet that ...
toilet back up	9/14/2009
Q: My laundry room is just off the kitchen and recently when I wash dishes by hand, the water in the ... A: I'm assuming this is the only toilet backing up in the house? Even when you flush other toilets you ...
new bathroom	9/14/2009
Q: We are making a new bathroom and putting in a new toilet to the house septic system. What is the ... A: There is a set minimum down-pitch in my area, and I believe it is true everywhere. Any drain pipe ...
Moen Extensa kitchen faucet issue	9/13/2009
Q: I've found and printed the illustrated Moen exploded parts diagram and list, which I'm using for ... A: On the front of the handle, down near the base, there is a hole. Most likely the hole has a little ...
Moen Extensa kitchen faucet issue	9/12/2009
Q: I've found and printed the illustrated Moen exploded parts diagram and list, which I'm using for ... A: I just spent the last twenty minutes on the Moen website, about as difficult to deal with as their ...
Moen Extensa kitchen faucet issue	9/11/2009
Q: I've found and printed the illustrated Moen exploded parts diagram and list, which I'm using for ... A: First let me express my opinion of Moen. Moen fixtures used to be rated among the top quality ...
Washer Drain clogged.	9/11/2009
Q: Sharon, I have a washer drain that appears to be clogged. It's your basic 21 year old house with 1 ... A: First, I'd love to hear the explanation for your name! I love it! If you, in fact, went all the way, ...
Clogged sink	9/11/2009
Q: My kitchen sink and bathtub drain very slowly. The tub is ok, but when the kitchen sink fills, once ... A: Very good question! I just had a question last week, a woman told me she ran a snake into her ...
Water Leak In Garage	9/10/2009
Q: I have water coming up from below the garage floor/corner by the garage door track out by the ... A: Let me get this straight. Is the water coming up inside the garage in the corner or just outside the ...
Clogged sink	9/10/2009
Q: My kitchen sink and bathtub drain very slowly. The tub is ok, but when the kitchen sink fills, once ... A: Your main problem is a clogged kitchen drain. First let me tell you why the water is backing into ...
water from well	9/10/2009
Q: I need to run water to my pole barn my well is located between the house and barn the barn is ... A: If you live in Michigan, I'd assume the pipe going from the well to the house is underground? Where ...
can't get shower to stop leaking	9/10/2009
Q: Background: I recently bought a 40 year old house. Prior to us moving in the master shower hadn't ... A: I'm impressed! For someone who never tried this before you did everything right. Sadly the seats ...
kitchin sink	9/8/2009
Q: how do i gat a basin nut off ? i am putting in a new flacets in my kitchin, but the nuts are glued ... A: Are you talking about the nut or nuts that hold the old faucet onto the sink UNDERNEATH? I'd like it ...
handles to levers	9/8/2009
Q: You have been so darn helpful and knowledgeable in the past I am here to pick your brain again. I am ... A: I see your question is still on my list. I sent you an answer this morning, did you receive it? This ...
water backup	9/7/2009
Q: .at home, the washing machine water and kitchen sink water drain out the same drain, which goes all ... A: If that is the clean-out for your main line, it won't help with that side line from the laundry pipe ...
water backup	9/7/2009
Q: .at home, the washing machine water and kitchen sink water drain out the same drain, which goes all ... A: I just read this after I sent an answer to you a few minutes ago. I imagine if you had a cleanout ...
water backup	9/7/2009
Q: .at home, the washing machine water and kitchen sink water drain out the same drain, which goes all ... A: How long ago did the plumber run the snake down? Just curious about that. The reason the laundry ...
water backup	9/6/2009
Q: .at home, the washing machine water and kitchen sink water drain out the same drain, which goes all ... A: You said this pipe goes all the way down the driveway? Is this like a grey water line? Going to ...
Ceiling Leak	9/5/2009
Q: When my daughter turns on the water to her upstairs bathtub, water drips from downstairs ceiling and ... A: You know, I wondered about that, and at the end of my first answer I began writing about loose or ...
Water softener	9/5/2009
Q: My water softener is not working properly and sent salt sludge through my pipes, toilet tanks, etc. ... A: Have you found little amber-colored balls in the aerators? If so, the tank has cracked and must be ...
septic smell	9/4/2009
Q: I ahve a septic tank. There is no water on the ground anywhere near the septic(none bubbling up ... A: First I'll give you my brief opinion about pumping tanks. Most pumping is unnecessary unless the ...
Ceiling Leak	9/4/2009
Q: When my daughter turns on the water to her upstairs bathtub, water drips from downstairs ceiling and ... A: If this is happening only when the tub [not the shower] is running, the most likely explanantion is ...
shower diverter leak	9/4/2009
Q: I have a price pfister 3 handle shower faucet. The hot stem was causing leaking into the tub. So I ... A: That is odd. It sounds like you did everything right. Most people don't even know there are "seats" ...
No water, sewage smell	9/4/2009
Q: Please help me! I have no man of the house anymore and Im an old fat lady that knows nothing. I ... A: What a great introduction! Obviously something is wrong regarding the well. It could be any number ...
shower diverter leak	9/3/2009
Q: I have a price pfister 3 handle shower faucet. The hot stem was causing leaking into the tub. So I ... A: You said it leaks only in the shower position, but did you run the tub as long as you ran the ...
Sulfer smell in shower stall	9/2/2009
Q: I live in a pre-war apartment building in new york city and have noticed over the past month a ... A: I have a question. You mentioned a shower stall and you mentioned a tub. Is the shower stall ...
supply versus drain lines	9/1/2009
Q: i am writing a brochure to send to insurance companies. i am an insurance adjuster, and have many ... A: I advise you not to make any absolute statements. There are hundreds of variables, especially with ...
Plumbing Check valve	9/1/2009
Q: I recently paid a plumber $200 to install a check flow valve. This was to stop the constant flow of ... A: I do not deal with systems exactly like yours, but I think I understand your question. You are ...
pipe vibration after recovery from well outage	9/1/2009
Q: Our well accidentally ran dry overnight with a valve left open at our veggie garden. As we continue ... A: I don't have on my bio that I am experienced with well systems, though I do know the basics. I can ...
Water surging, excessive air noise.......	8/31/2009
Q: Our situation sounds similar to another recent post but to elaborate a little further.... recently ... A: I really should have suggested you also ask some other experts about your situation first before you ...
Water surging, excessive air noise.......	8/31/2009
Q: Our situation sounds similar to another recent post but to elaborate a little further.... recently ... A: It's not likely these symptoms would be due to a break in the pipe from the pressure tank to the ...
Fould basement smell after drain repair	8/31/2009
Q: The drain pipe from our kitchen sink to the main line had cracked and was leaking for sometime ... A: Have you already had that hole filled up with fresh concrete? Or is it still open and you want to ...
Break in Sewer Line	8/30/2009
Q: I recently had my sewer line cleaned of roots and had another backup occur a month later. This is ... A: You are correct, I have never come across transit pipe. Probably common in more populated areas with ...
Break in Sewer Line	8/30/2009
Q: I recently had my sewer line cleaned of roots and had another backup occur a month later. This is ... A: Very well stated scenario. I have a few questions that might help you make a decision about your two ...
bathroom sink - clog	8/30/2009
Q: My bathroom sink has been clogged for a week. I tried plunging with not luck. Today, I finally had ... A: It is the occasional very gratifying follow-up responses from people like you that gives me so much ...
water level in toitel bowl	8/30/2009
Q: My house is on septic tank. What could the problem when the water level in the toilet bowl slowly ... A: Generally that is an indication that there is a partial clog somewhere, either in the trap of the ...
main sewer line back up	8/30/2009
Q: my drain in my laundry room and the drain next to the hot water heater are flooding. it seem to ... A: A few questions, and a few comments. To give the best information I can I need to know a few more ...
bathroom sink - clog	8/29/2009
Q: My bathroom sink has been clogged for a week. I tried plunging with not luck. Today, I finally had ... A: Jacqui, AHA, we need Sherlock Holmes! This is my favorite, doing the Holmes routine of using the ...
Removing a bonnet packing nut	8/29/2009
Q: I need to know how to remove a bonnet packing nut that is rusted and the threads are stripped from ... A: I am trying to pictute this. I'm sure you can understand that it's often difficult to visualize ...
copper water connection leaking	8/29/2009
Q: I have recently replaced the faucet on the kitchen sink. After doing this I noticed a rather ... A: There's no doubt this had already leaked and mineral deposit sealed it up temporarily. There are two ...
bathroom sink - clog	8/29/2009
Q: My bathroom sink has been clogged for a week. I tried plunging with not luck. Today, I finally had ... A: You'll probably kick yourself when you read this. In 26 years I've found that about 90% of bathroom ...
water leak	8/28/2009
Q: When I put my shower on there's a water leak on the other back side of the shower.I have another ... A: Is the other bathroom getting wet on the floor?? If so, this is probably happening because the ...
Water surging, excessive air noise.......	8/28/2009
Q: Our situation sounds similar to another recent post but to elaborate a little further.... recently ... A: I've never looked to see how far back my answers go. I started as a volunteer in December, and I had ...
obstructed pipe	8/26/2009
Q: I have a downstairs shower that was running low pressure but usable. Now the flow is down to a ... A: So it was the hose that was plugged up. At least you won't be facing a big plumbing project! As for ...
hot water everywhere but bedroom	8/26/2009
Q: Last week my hot water was lukewarm in my bedroom. I checked all the other facets in the house. ... A: This really puzzles me that your hot water is tepid in two sinks, but fine in the rest of the house. ...
cyclical changes in pressure	8/25/2009
Q: A couple of years ago my husband replaced the pump in our well, and since then all the faucets, ... A: You said that at one point you had a holding tank and the pressure was higher. Do you mean to say ...
obstructed pipe	8/25/2009
Q: I have a downstairs shower that was running low pressure but usable. Now the flow is down to a ... A: I expect when you removed the shower head to check the screen you opened the valve to see if more ...
bathroom sink drain to wall.	8/24/2009
Q: I recently installed new faucets in both my sinks in the bathroom. The old drain pipes were ... A: You have encountered the never-ending battle with old galvanized drain pipes. I recently helped a ...
Air trapped in sink drain	8/24/2009
Q: Sharon, I see on March 2nd you responded to a question about a slow running drain with a mesh ... A: One thing you might check, some pop-ups have an adjustment on the stem that allows you to extend the ...
Hot water heater problem-Water coming out from a pipe	8/23/2009
Q: Hot water heater problem-Water coming out from a pipe: Out hot water heater has a problem: there is ... A: That made me feel good too! I'm not positive what that "stuff" was, but I have a hunch. As tight as ...
Air trapped in sink drain	8/23/2009
Q: Sharon, I see on March 2nd you responded to a question about a slow running drain with a mesh ... A: Plugging those holes wouldn't do much good. Without the vent hole, those gaps in the drain pipe are ...
septic	8/23/2009
Q: I have a septic tank and both my toilets are stopped up and backing up into the bathtub. I've tried ... A: You have a solid blockage in your main line going out of the house. Either in the pipe, or often ...
noise	8/23/2009
Q: When toilet is fillng there is a noise of air or shakeing inside. Not sure what it may be . Can you ... A: Most likely it's caused by the ballcock, also called the fill valve. The part coming up in the tank ...
Hot water heater problem-Water coming out from a pipe	8/23/2009
Q: Hot water heater problem-Water coming out from a pipe: Out hot water heater has a problem: there is ... A: OK, when you place the pipe wrench on that galvanized vertical pipe, place the open jaws of the ...
hot & cold mixing valve leaks in shower	8/21/2009
Q: I recently noticed that the bathtub nozzle in one of my bathrooms has a steady drip. I turned off ... A: That plumber must have gotten his training from The BS Plumbing School. The cartridge you described ...
Bathtub water	8/21/2009
Q: How do I turn the water off to a bathtub? Where is the turn on/off valve located? A: You didn't mention why you neded to shut the water off, and I hate to tell you this, but with a ...
Hot water heater problem-Water coming out from a pipe	8/21/2009
Q: Hot water heater problem-Water coming out from a pipe: Out hot water heater has a problem: there is ... A: The brass part you see coming out of the water heater, that the vertical pipe is screwed into it, is ...
toilet	8/21/2009
Q: my toilet shoots a small amount of water out of the over flow tube when i flush it. it does flush ... A: Are you referring to the center tube inside the tank? That tube is part of the "flush valve ...
my toilets	8/21/2009
Q: I rent a house that was prob. built in the 70's, so not sure what kind of pipes we have, but since ... A: Since the waste goes down OK after you plunge, it doesn't sound like there is a blockage farther ...
Why does water streams out of holes near the top of my toilet fill valve?	8/20/2009
Q: My toilet has a Fluidmaster 400A fill valve. When I flush it, water streams out of the row of ... A: That IS an interesting question. The Fluidmaster has a "check valve" system built into it, which is ...
hot water pressure	8/19/2009
Q: We have a large (4 bathrooms with showers) home that is 20 years old. The original hot water system ... A: Tony, There are tanks that have a pressure booster, but only with tanks that take in well water. ...
hot water pressure	8/19/2009
Q: We have a large (4 bathrooms with showers) home that is 20 years old. The original hot water system ... A: I read through your question three times, trying to get everything lined up in my head. I was ...
Kitchen faucet with not hot water.	8/19/2009
Q: I have a kohler 10412 "valve type" kitchen faucet. Recently noticed no or little hot water coming ... A: I just looked at this model on the Kohler website. One thing in your letter I didn't understand, you ...
Sewer smell outside of house	8/19/2009
Q: We noticed this morning that the front porch smells like a sewer. Also, my husband could hear ... A: This is puzzling. Even if there is some blockage in the line, which could cause the gurgling sound ...
Plumbing materials	8/18/2009
Q: When did house plumbing go from galvanized pipe to copper pipe? Just curious. ANSWER: Dear Mike, ... A: Mike, I can't imagine what that grey plastic was. Especially a different size! I know there is ...
Plumbing materials	8/18/2009
Q: When did house plumbing go from galvanized pipe to copper pipe? Just curious. A: I'm a curious person too, I love to know these odd facts. Usually only useful in Trivial Pursuit and ...
sealed system	8/18/2009
Q: I am about to change my bathroom fixtures but just wanted to check in respect of the sealed system I ... A: I see you are writing from the UK! I'm not sure our "plumbing" is the same. I've been doing service ...
drainage	8/16/2009
Q: After I get out of the shower if i flush the toilet, the water in the toilet gurgles. Right outside ... A: Camera tech?? Good grief! Wait before you call that guy back! OK, I have some questions and some ...
shower/rub slector pin rusted off	8/15/2009
Q: On our shower control unit, the pin that lets you pull for tub or push for shower as fallen off ... A: I doubt you'd find a replacement part for this at a hardware store. You'd probably have to find it ...
very low water pressure in kitchen sink and sink sprayer	8/14/2009
Q: I replaced the tubing for my refrigerator water and ice maker supply three (3) days ago. The first ... A: The valve that is clamped to the copper tubing is called a "saddle valve". You didn't say if the ...
kitchen sink/ dishwasher leak?	8/14/2009
Q: I am following up with a question dee asked you a few months ago. I have major wet and now warping ... A: I would love to help you! I have met a lot of women who are handy and their husbands don't know ...
teflon tape	8/13/2009
Q: This is probably a stupid question, but I have to ask it anyway. I use teflon tape when joining ... A: This is a valid question. There are basically two types of connections in plumbing parts, ...
clogged piping	8/13/2009
Q: My in-laws have rented a single-family for 24 years. About 5 years ago, the water heater went & ... A: Great description! What kind of snake did you use when you tried to go through the holes in the ...
Installing P/Trap	8/11/2009
Q: When you put a P/Trap on a washing machine drainage pipe, does it matter where the P/Trap goes? I ... A: There is no specific "number" whatsoever. What you have to consider is where the pipe, AFTER the ...
pop up vent on sink-	8/11/2009
Q: During the cycle on my dishwasher the pop up vent is draining water. This happens every time the ... A: We could be neighbors! Those vents that sit on top of a sink are rarely used anymore. They are ...
Brown water	8/10/2009
Q: Only the water in the bathtub turns brown. House has 3 baths, but mostly we use the master bath ... A: Very simple explanation. Before a house is completed, plumbing inspections take place at various ...
toilet problem	8/9/2009
Q: Toilet on the first floor drains completely at times, meaning there is no standing water. I don't ... A: Well, you got me googling! I just spent about 30 minutes hunting for some other explanation. I came ...
water bladder	8/9/2009
Q: how do i fix my water pressure? the pressure varries, not steady and it will stop all together when ... A: I have to assume by the word "bladder" in your subject line that you are on a well. I have on my bio ...
Hot water pressure very low	8/9/2009
Q: A couple of years ago the hot water side of our kitchen sink dropped down to a trickle. A little ... A: As with all invisible plumbing problems, you'll need to do the Sherlock Holmes routine and use the ...
mansfield toilet tank	8/8/2009
Q: I just installed a new mansfield toilet. It flushes great, but after a day I noticed that the tank ... A: OK. I imagine you turned the valve off under the toilet. And you removed the supply tube from the ...
mansfield toilet tank	8/8/2009
Q: I just installed a new mansfield toilet. It flushes great, but after a day I noticed that the tank ... A: So no matter how you set the float the water still goes over? To tell you the truth, despite the ...
toilet problem	8/8/2009
Q: Toilet on the first floor drains completely at times, meaning there is no standing water. I don't ... A: I've seen this happen, and it seems to occur when there is a partial blockage or some water is ...
spinning handles	8/7/2009
Q: My neighbor had a "repair friend" come in to help her replace the handles on her bathroom faucet as ... A: My hunch is that these are Delta handles. If not, a similar style. All the handles for this type ...
Squeaky noise during shower	8/6/2009
Q: we hear high-pitched squeaky noise coming from the pipe behind the wall when the shower is turned ... A: That is odd! All I can figure is that the shower head is not allowing the full amount of water ...
TUBS AND TOILETS	8/6/2009
Q: I have seen on a few occasions that when the toilet in bathroom #1 overflows, there is soiled water ... A: All waste lines are connected under the slab or the floor. You can picture it like a tree, but going ...
Kohler shower faucet	8/5/2009
Q: I have installed new parts GP500520 body @ GP77886 cap. Water flows even when the valve is off. I ... A: I just looked up the part and the assembly instructions on the Kohler parts website. I imagine you ...
humming sound in hot water	8/4/2009
Q: when I turn on the hot water in the kitchen sink as the water gets hot it starts to make a humming ... A: In almost all cases, any humming, honking, drumming, chattering [I could go on] sounds when water ...
plumbing smell	8/4/2009
Q: We have just built a new home by a lake. We have a well and a septic field as there are no municpal ... A: My first suggestion would have been to extend the vent pipes 3 feet higher, but you did this ...
Relocating an electric hot water heater	8/4/2009
Q: I just purchased a second floor 1 bed, 1 bath shore condo in North Wildwood NJ. It is to be used as ... A: First, regarding tankless water heaters, my understanding from talking to other plumbers and ...
Convert a single bathroom vanity to a double	8/4/2009
Q: Is it legal to do this? I don't want to have a problem when I sell my house. What is the hookup ... A: That should be no problem! As long as the sinks are side by side in the same cabinet. You can ...
Foul smelling water	8/3/2009
Q: A couple of months ago we noticed a foul smell (kinda like rotten eggs, dead animal,soiled diapers) ... A: Michelle, Do you smell this at the kitchen sink all the time, or only when you run the water? ...
Foul smelling water	8/3/2009
Q: A couple of months ago we noticed a foul smell (kinda like rotten eggs, dead animal,soiled diapers) ... A: So you notice the smell right away when you turn the water on? Usually odors like that come from ...
HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!	8/3/2009
Q: ok where do i begin..... i live in a mobile home that was made back in the seventies (don't know the ... A: I'm assuming you are on a septic system? You said you tried to snake the pipe. Did you use a large ...
basement pipe	8/3/2009
Q: My Maryland home is abut 20 years old. There is a white plastic pipe going through the poured ... A: Seeing a photo like you sent is really helpful! It looks like that pipe goes down, then right into ...
Wasting water to get Hot Water	8/2/2009
Q: Too much water is wasted before getting hot water to my kitchen sink. When shutting off the water ... A: I agree, the points you made about the piping sound odd. In two instances, in 26 years, I discovered ...
Rattling noise	8/2/2009
Q: My half bath is near the kitchen. When the 1/2 bath toilet tank fills up, and the water stops ... A: I still think the problem is in the ballcock. Even with a new one, if some little particle came ...
sewage smell	8/2/2009
Q: We live in a kind of old 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home and every time we use water ie taking ... A: Excellent description! I wish all questioners were so clear! I'm wondering if those vents are at ...
toilet reservoir refill regulator	8/1/2009
Q: just recently when i flush the toilet the water continues to run after the reservoir is full. there ... A: There are a few fill valves [ballcocks] that don't appear to have a float, but there is some device ...
Rattling noise	8/1/2009
Q: My half bath is near the kitchen. When the 1/2 bath toilet tank fills up, and the water stops ... A: The fill valve in the toilet is causing this noise. Sometimes a particle or tiny pebble comes ...
noisy bathtub faucet	7/31/2009
Q: The single valve faucet makes a loud foghorn noise when the cold water runs into the tub. What are ... A: I've heard odd water sounds described as "chattering" "banging" "whistling" "screeching" and more, ...
leaky bathroon sink	7/29/2009
Q: We have a delta bathroon sink faucet and it's leaking how can we fix this? A: There are single handle and two handle bathroom faucets made by Delta. Each one has a method for ...
plumbing	7/29/2009
Q: what type water line do i use going under the footing of the house in rogers Arkansas A: All homes in my area are built on slabs. The soil here in Arizona is riddled with a hard clay ...
hose bibb	7/28/2009
Q: there is no water coming from it, I check the shut off valve inside, it seem to be okay, it is frost ... A: Does the handle turn off and on like normal? The only thing I can figure is maybe the washer came ...
septic alarm	7/28/2009
Q: After heavy use yesterday(laundry, dish washer, showers, baths) with our company visiting, the alarm ... A: In my area all leach fields are downhill from septic tanks, so I'm not familiar with pumps sending ...
ice maker line installation	7/27/2009
Q: First off Im a pretty good handy man and have been able to fix/install most plumbing where needed. ... A: Sorry, I made that sound pretty confusing. The line to an ice maker is always 1/4" tubing. But ...
ice maker line installation	7/27/2009
Q: First off Im a pretty good handy man and have been able to fix/install most plumbing where needed. ... A: You mentioned a 3/4 supply line. Generally I've seen saddle valves on 1/2" or even 3/8" copper ...
water to hot.reset button and warm water	7/27/2009
Q: Then 2 days later no hot water ice cold the reset button on electric water heater that's 5 yrs old ... A: Did you use a tester to check for voltage? A simple voltage tester costs about $10 at a hardware ...
Kitchen faucet	7/26/2009
Q: I live in a home built in 1939, I believe the kitchen was remodeled between now and today. Anyhow, ... A: So after it coughed and choked, you discovered water is leaking UNDER the faucet at the connections? ...
water to hot.reset button and warm water	7/25/2009
Q: Then 2 days later no hot water ice cold the reset button on electric water heater that's 5 yrs old ... A: Let me confirm what you wrote the first time, that you found the water much hotter than normal ...
Swirl-Way tub	7/25/2009
Q: We just bought a house that has a Swirl-Way jacuzzi tub but we cannot find how to turn it on. We can ... A: That's amazing! I'd think there would be buttons somewhere! I really don't have any idea, but maybe ...
ABS drain pipes	7/24/2009
Q: Is it Ok to use ABS drain pipes for residential home, I live in Northern CA A: I can't imagine using anything else! I'm wondering why you ask this. Did someone tell you it wasn't ...
drain clog	7/24/2009
Q: I used a drain cleaner to open slow drains. Immediately after my whole house smells like a cess ... A: Did you use the drain cleaner in a lot of different drains? Was it a Drano-type product, or ...
Water Pressure	7/23/2009
Q: I bought a home last year that was built in 1978. The water pressure is terrible. There can only ... A: Do you know where your incoming waterline is? In colder climates, the pipe is usually fed through ...
Kitchen inlet pipes leaking	7/22/2009
Q: I don't believe in coincidences, so perhaps this is a two-part question. BOTH feeder pipes to my ... A: Just to absolutely sure I understood your first question correctly, were the leaks you told me about ...
Gas Water Heater Problems	7/21/2009
Q: I have a Rheemglas Fury 4140S-40 water heater (9yrs old-original). It is making a hissing noise; ... A: Glad you got my add-on message! I'm presuming that you have nothing obstructing the water heater ...
Kitchen inlet pipes leaking	7/21/2009
Q: I don't believe in coincidences, so perhaps this is a two-part question. BOTH feeder pipes to my ... A: When you pick up a new bottle of wine, also stop at the hardware store and pick up two "supplies", ...
Gas Water Heater Problems	7/21/2009
Q: I have a Rheemglas Fury 4140S-40 water heater (9yrs old-original). It is making a hissing noise; ... A: When you said "catch basin" do you mean a pan that the water heater sits in? You said the water in ...
rust in the water	7/21/2009
Q: THE VACATION HOUSE OUR SON-IN-LAW JUST BOUGHT HAS GALVANIZED PIPE FROM THE METER AND THROUGH OUT THE ... A: Very surprising that any plumber was still using galvanized pipes in 1996! In my area, I only find ...
water to hot.reset button and warm water	7/20/2009
Q: Then 2 days later no hot water ice cold the reset button on electric water heater that's 5 yrs old ... A: This happens when one of the thermostats is faulty. Because it's often difficult to determine which ...
Bathroom Leaks	7/20/2009
Q: The other morning I was taking a shower in the second floor master bathroom. My step son shouted ... A: Sounds like it's quite a bit of water coming down. There are two things I can think of right now ...
Clogged Pipes from Water softner	7/19/2009
Q: I was reading about Christine,s question regarding the hard resin left in her pipes from the water ... A: Absolutely not, this is simply a defect in the inner tank. Probably nothing you can do about this ...
Hot Water to Faucet	7/19/2009
Q: My husband replaced our electric hot water heater last summer. Since then, we've had to run the ... A: There is only one reason I can think of. Go out and take a look at the area around the water heater. ...
Low shower water volume	7/18/2009
Q: My son just bought an older home that had been rehabbed. The only shower is on the second floor. It ... A: Nice that you are looking out for your son! I have three of them! This might be really simple. I'll ...
Toilet bowl not refiling	7/18/2009
Q: I have a kohler one piece toilet that is about 5 years old. My problem is as follows: When ... A: This sounds like the ballcock [the fill valve you are referring to with the float] float is ...
Screaming Toilet	7/18/2009
Q: Sharon! I hope you can help. We are on a septic system. My toilet is a 5 years old Briggs – ... A: It sounds to me like you might have a problem with the fill valve, also called a "ballcock". The ...
old clogged lines	7/18/2009
Q: Is their anything that you can buy at stores to soften the ground around drain lines? A: Are you asking this because you plan to dig up the old lines? It's the only reason I could figure. ...
NO COLD WATER	7/18/2009
Q: IT IS HOT IN ARIZONA. I HAVE NO COLD WATER AT ALL. I JUST WANT TO TAKE A COLD SHOWER AND NEED ADVICE ... A: I first suspected your question was sent by one of my friends as a joke. Evidently you are fairly ...
stinky bathroom	7/17/2009
Q: Ever since we put a new toilet and sink in our ourself we have been smelling a terribly bad smell in ... A: I have a question for you! Did you simply replace an old toilet and sink, or did you install the two ...
Delta 1300/1400 shower valve	7/17/2009
Q: I recently replace the cartridge due to decreasing flow from faucet. It was hardly flowing. This ... A: Let me see if I have this straight. You said when you removed the cartridge and just put the cap on ...
toilet having problems	7/17/2009
Q: i have replaced the inside gut to my toilet, drano d it and snaked it 4 times and the bowl still ... A: In almost all cases, the plumbing in a bathroom goes like this: The 1-1/2" sink drain pipe and the ...
toilet having problems	7/17/2009
Q: i have replaced the inside gut to my toilet, drano d it and snaked it 4 times and the bowl still ... A: Let's slow down and take this one at a time. Are you sure that was a "cigarette" butt? Never mind, ...
Delta 1300/1400 shower valve	7/16/2009
Q: I recently replace the cartridge due to decreasing flow from faucet. It was hardly flowing. This ... A: I read over you question several times. Your description was good and I'm impressed that you did as ...
mobil home tub and shower fixture	7/15/2009
Q: my water poors out and i was told i need to replace the whose thing a 3 valve tub shower fixture. ... A: I understand, and I'd really like to try to help you. There are not too many old fixtures that have ...
Tub/shower diverter	7/15/2009
Q: I am in the process of renovating my bathroom. I have a 3 valve tub/shower diverter and I have a ... A: Sounds like an old-style Price-Pfister. If so, you're lucky. The old 3 handle Price-Pfister fixtures ...
Plumbing	7/14/2009
Q: Whenever I use the water outside of my house there is knocking noise ANSWER: Dear Jim, When you ... A: A knocking, banging, chattering sound is usually caused when a valve is not open all the way, or the ...
Leak under dishwasher	7/14/2009
Q: I found a leak under our dishwasher yesterday. The only reason I noticed it was that the kick plate ... A: The photo, as it came to me, was very dark, and I couldn't see the pipe or the drips. On most ...
water leaking out from under pipe in basement	7/13/2009
Q: This became noticeable after the water company changed the meter downstairs. It seems a very drip ... A: Tina, This is what can happen when I read a question wrong. If you look back at your first ...
water leaking out from under pipe in basement	7/13/2009
Q: This became noticeable after the water company changed the meter downstairs. It seems a very drip ... A: From the photo, I see it's copper. The only permanent way to repair copper is by soldering. To do ...
Clogged bathtub drain	7/12/2009
Q: I have a clogged bathtub drain. When I removed the overflow pipe from the back of the tub to be able ... A: Life isn't so grand when you have plumbing problems! I have a hunch this clogged tub drain may be ...
LEAK AT BASE OF TOILET	7/12/2009
Q: A small amount of water was ponding at the floor around a toilet at a rental property, on a daily ... A: That was a totally irresponsible thing to do! You are paying for this home warranty? What a crock! ...
Hissing in water pipes	7/12/2009
Q: Sound of low pressure water running through water pipes (hissing sound) that starts after about ... A: Is it possible that you are only hearing this at night because it's so totally quiet in the house? ...
kohler toilet seems to have lost its "pressure"	7/12/2009
Q: Our fairly new kohler toilet seems to lose its "flush pressure." Most of the time it works just ... A: Almost always, when a toilet doesn't flush well, and it's certain there is no blockage, it is either ...
shower drain	7/12/2009
Q: I am retiling my shower and have taken it down to the foundation and studs. The drain seems to be ... A: I did misunderstand! I thought you had the whole bottom of the shower out. If that flange is ...
Outside water spigot	7/11/2009
Q: I have a Woodford no freeze outdoor water spigot. When I hooked up the hose to it this week, it was ... A: I am not familiar with this type of bibb because I live and work in the desert. But most hose bibbs ...
repairing leaky joint on cast iron pipe	7/11/2009
Q: I have a vertical cast iron sewer pipe from first floor bath; the joint (in basement) has clearly ... A: I have seldom worked with cast iron, but I do know it would be a major pain to replace these parts. ...
shower drain	7/11/2009
Q: I am retiling my shower and have taken it down to the foundation and studs. The drain seems to be ... A: Your photo didn't come through, it's solid black. No matter. So what you are asking is, can you ...
water interruptions	7/11/2009
Q: Last night and this morning, we were running a load of laundry and the water cut out. sinks upstairs ... A: I can only make guesses, but my first thought was that it might have something to do with the well. ...
Toilet douche	7/10/2009
Q: I installed a handheld shower in the toilet, the plastic ones they sell at Home Depot, but before a ... A: I did this for a customer some years ago, and I used a kitchen hose and spray head. I believe the ...
noise at time of refilling toilet	7/10/2009
Q: i have a spetic tank- plumbing 25 yr old-recently upon flushing and toilet refilling - as it refills ... A: The problem is the fill valve, or "ballcock". The part on the left side inside the toilet tank with ...
Toilet bubbles when washing machine drains	7/10/2009
Q: I live in a double wide. The washing machine is on the other side of the wall from the toilet. When ... A: What is causing this depends on: 1. Did this just start recently? 2. Has it been happening all along ...
main water shutoff	7/9/2009
Q: i cant find the shutoff valve anywhere near my meter...but there is a littla handle like thing ... A: Generally, if there is a shut-off valve to shut the water off to the whole house, it will be just ...
Pop-up Assembly	7/9/2009
Q: I have a double bowl console sink which is too deep for the pop-up assembly included with my bath ... A: I'm sitting here thinking about this. I know exactly what you are talking about, your description ...
Moles	7/8/2009
Q: The first summer in my home has been a nightmare! I have found an unbelievable amount of molehills ... A: Diana, How awful!! I've heard they are very difficult to get rid of. I considered passing on ...
laundryroom/kitchen plumbing backing up	7/7/2009
Q: I usually have toilets and bathtub, and shower back up. Roto Rooter has come three times. Now ... A: If you have a 40 year-old house, you may have galvanized drain pipes. Most houses around 40 years ...
Noise at water regulator	7/5/2009
Q: I recently added a room on upstairs in my house. Since then, I have acquired a vibration at my water ... A: First, a leak in a pipe can never bring dirt INTO the pipe. Only if the water is off and the pipe is ...
new water heater	7/5/2009
Q: I have a couple of general questions regarding replacing my 15 year old 52 gallon electric water ... A: You live near the ocean! How wonderful! I really don't think you'd notice the difference between 50 ...
Noise at water regulator	7/4/2009
Q: I recently added a room on upstairs in my house. Since then, I have acquired a vibration at my water ... A: I don't mean to be dense, but when you say "water regulator" do you mean a pressure regulator? This ...
my tolit	7/3/2009
Q: my tolit when i flush it the water goes to the top and then slowly goes down to nothing just a ... A: That is a sure sign that something is in the toilet itself that is preventing the water from going ...
Installing a toilet	7/2/2009
Q: We added an addition on to our house which included a bathroom. I am getting ready to install the ... A: Who installed the flange? It sounds like it is some kind of flange that has a pop-out cover, which ...
Sound in bathrooms	7/1/2009
Q: I have a loud sound, I think coming from the drains in our house. When I run dishwasher or washer ... A: This sound would be coming from the waterline somewhere, not the drains. Generally a "horn" sound, ...
Bathtub Faucet	7/1/2009
Q: I am remodeling my bathroom and need to replace the faucet in my tub area. The faucet is currently ... A: The conversion from a two-handle to a one-handle will require a little more moving around of copper ...
Leaking Delta Shower Faucet	7/1/2009
Q: I hope you dont mind if I ask you a follow up question since Anthony is on vacation. The question is ... A: I don't mind at all! That's what I'm here for. Have you ever been inside a Delta fixture? I love ...
backed up tubs	7/1/2009
Q: My tubs back up when we have a heavy rainfall. It has happened in the past and it clears up ... A: I can only assume that you are on a septic system. There is a reason, if this is the case. You can ...
burping toilet	6/28/2009
Q: I have a rancher built in 1991 with a walkout basement, two toilets upstairs, one in the master ... A: I was honestly visualizing that the downstairs toilet was just below the upstairs toilet, that they ...
Temperature lag with shower	6/28/2009
Q: When I first get in the shower, I set the temperature to where I want it. After about 5 minutes, it ... A: You didn't mention which brand of shower fixture you have. With all of the temp control units there ...
BATHROOM SINK PLUBING	6/28/2009
Q: I HAVE A SINK IN MY BATHROOM, YESTERDAY I TURNED THE WATER ON AND HEARD A SMALL BANG, THEN THE HOT ... A: You must have been really frustrated after all that work! When you replaced the supply lines, did ...
well problems	6/28/2009
Q: I just bought a house that has been sitting empty for a year. The well had been turned off and the ... A: I'm not an expert on wells, but I do know a few things. You may want to ask some other experts about ...
Bathroom sink won't drain	6/27/2009
Q: My bath room sink does not drain sometimes it will drain slowly for a couple of days, but then it ... A: Just want to caution you. I wrote last time about the most common reasons for a sewage back-up. If ...
Bathroom sink won't drain	6/27/2009
Q: My bath room sink does not drain sometimes it will drain slowly for a couple of days, but then it ... A: Angelique, All small drains, like sinks, tubs, showers, laundry, are teed into the big pipes ...
burping toilet	6/27/2009
Q: I have a rancher built in 1991 with a walkout basement, two toilets upstairs, one in the master ... A: I've been sitting here staring off into the distance trying to picture this whole set-up, and why ...
Bathroom sink won't drain	6/27/2009
Q: My bath room sink does not drain sometimes it will drain slowly for a couple of days, but then it ... A: First you need to determine where this blockage is, then you can go about solving it. You said you ...
Sump Crock	6/26/2009
Q: I have a walk out basement; I also live on a hill up hill from a river (my neighbor's yard slants ... A: Katrina, Excuse me, but that sounds like a "crock". Sorry, I couldn't resist. Actually I don't ...
Rusted Disposal Flange Removal	6/26/2009
Q: I need to break the flange free from the disposal. I have already removed the outgoing line out of ... A: Such a good son! I am so fortunate to have three wonderful sons, two of whom live nearby. They also ...
water pump	6/26/2009
Q: my water pump just blew, my daughter was in the shower and all water shut off. i am worried about my ... A: You didn't mention if your water heater is gas or electric. There are easy ways to shut both of them ...
noise of running water	6/25/2009
Q: While I was in the downstairs bathroom, I heard sounds like when water is running somewhere else in ... A: That's unfortunate, I wrote a lengthy reply, and I guess it dropped into the Black Hole of the ...
Pressure Balance Tub and Shower Faucet	6/24/2009
Q: I have a Glacier Bay 3-Handle Pressure Balance Tub and Shower Faucet. Other than the fact that it ... A: I haven't worked on this particular model before, Glacier Bay is fairly new, a Home Depot store ...
leaking	6/24/2009
Q: I notice crawl space wet. Upon inspecting my wall, leak is not from ground outside, but wall behind ... A: Roy, Since this is a follow-up I decided to respond. I really don't know what steps you need to ...
Rusted Disposal Flange Removal	6/24/2009
Q: I need to break the flange free from the disposal. I have already removed the outgoing line out of ... A: Xavier, If all the pipes [you mentioned the pipe leaving the disposal and the pipes from the ...
noise of running water	6/23/2009
Q: While I was in the downstairs bathroom, I heard sounds like when water is running somewhere else in ... A: Carmen, I had this follow-up question waiting for me this morning. I am positive I sent an ...
noise of running water	6/23/2009
Q: While I was in the downstairs bathroom, I heard sounds like when water is running somewhere else in ... A: Only YOU hear this sound? Are people beginning to wonder? Just kidding. I have a question, and I ...
leaking	6/22/2009
Q: I notice crawl space wet. Upon inspecting my wall, leak is not from ground outside, but wall behind ... A: Never thought about the dishwasher. I don't have one so it doesn't come right to mind. I've ...
leaking	6/22/2009
Q: I notice crawl space wet. Upon inspecting my wall, leak is not from ground outside, but wall behind ... A: It sounds like that's probably what's happening. If there is no plumbing above that area [like a ...
sink/toilet supply lines	6/21/2009
Q: I have the plastc/vinyl braided (non stainless) supply lines in kitchen & baths about 10 yrs old. ... A: The stainless braided supplies are an improvement, but I've never seen either kind burst. They both ...
Slab floor and plumbing drainage to septic	6/21/2009
Q: My sister has a 55 yr. old National Home, which was built on slab. All of the plumbing drains to a ... A: Sounds like you look out for your sister. You didn't mention anything about the toilets. Do they ...
septic and water lines	6/21/2009
Q: I live in a rented trailer.what would cause the water to come up through my tub? this includes the ... A: All the water is backing up because something is blocking the main sewer line going out of your ...
Rusted Disposal Flange Removal	6/19/2009
Q: I need to break the flange free from the disposal. I have already removed the outgoing line out of ... A: I have a hunch you are talking about the twist flange that holds the disposal up into the mounting ...
no water	6/18/2009
Q: My power went out this morning. When it came back on something must be wrong with my water softener, ... A: Diane, First, did you check with any neighbors to see if they have water? I'm just thinking the ...
well pump	6/17/2009
Q: i have just installed a deep well pump system. if i'm running the hose for a longtime the water ... A: OK, I'm not an expert on wells, but I do know some things. I know there is a device on the pump ...
sprinkler valve leaking	6/16/2009
Q: how do I stop a leaking sprinkler?The body of the plastic nelson valve seems to not meet true enough ... A: OK, I know now. There are 8 or 10 screws on top. Between the top and the base [if you removed the ...
ABP frost free bib	6/16/2009
Q: Where can I buy a replacement frost free ABP faucet or get parts near Vancouver, WA. or Portland, ... A: I imagine you checked the experts' biographies before you wrote. I live in a small town north of ...
water leak?	6/15/2009
Q: We share the water with one other tennant in our building. Because of a discrepancy in the bill and ... A: Is there a meter for the two units? You could check the meter and see if it moves when you open that ...
Water Softner resin in pipes	6/14/2009
Q: After having noticed our water pressure decreasing it was determined tonight that a filter in our ... A: Just what you need, another complication. I'll have to think about this, how the resin might affect ...
Water Softner resin in pipes	6/14/2009
Q: After having noticed our water pressure decreasing it was determined tonight that a filter in our ... A: A very nasty business, I've seen this happen a number of times. First, I assume you cut off the ...
sprinkler valve leaking	6/13/2009
Q: how do I stop a leaking sprinkler?The body of the plastic nelson valve seems to not meet true enough ... A: To clarify, is the leak right at the place where the threaded PVC fitting screws into the valve ...
Leaking hose bib - how difficult	6/13/2009
Q: We had a leaky hose bib that had to be replaced about 2 years ago. At that time the plumber that did ... A: David, Absolutely! If the leak is where the bibb is sweated to the pipe it would be constant. ...
pressure relief valve pipe leaking	6/12/2009
Q: there is a pressure relief valve? ( I think that is the name) attached to the main water supply in ... A: What you have there is a pressure regulator. A pressure relief valve is on a water heater, it allows ...
Toilet grinding sounds	6/11/2009
Q: Its been 2 weeks and after I flush my toilet both upstairs and downstairs there is a pulsing ... A: Katie, It sounds like your problem might be in the main valve in the waterline going into the ...
heat loss	6/11/2009
Q: Had our gas water heater replaced 2 months ago and after having the setting pretty low and still ... A: This is a bit puzzling. Sediment usually doesn't build up that quickly. I do know that all water ...
Leaking hose bib - how difficult	6/11/2009
Q: We had a leaky hose bib that had to be replaced about 2 years ago. At that time the plumber that did ... A: So the bibb only leaks when you turn it on? This should be easy. Can you actually see where it's ...
Toilet grinding sounds	6/11/2009
Q: Its been 2 weeks and after I flush my toilet both upstairs and downstairs there is a pulsing ... A: This almost always happens when a pipe is partially blocked or a valve is not fully open. I suspect ...
warm water, not hot	6/10/2009
Q: Today when I showered, I noticed the water was only warm even when I turn it all the way to the ... A: That's too bad. The problem would be a lot easier to fix with an electric water heater. It sounds ...
warm water, not hot	6/10/2009
Q: Today when I showered, I noticed the water was only warm even when I turn it all the way to the ... A: What a beautiful name! Sounds very Irish! I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in an ...
Flushed wedding ring down toilet	6/9/2009
Q: Help! I just accidentally flushed both my wedding ring and engagement ring down the toilet. I'd ... A: I've answered almost 400 questions so far on this site. Your letter back telling me this was the ...
Slow faucet	6/9/2009
Q: I recently remodled my bathroom,still have galv pipe, the faucet has very little pressure in my ... A: I think you know already that this problem will only get worse. You can keep vacuuming out that ...
Problem with both toilets	6/8/2009
Q: I am not sure what is going on. Neither of my toilets will flush. I thought one of my kids flushed ... A: It sounds like you have a blockage in your main sewer line. Even though the other drains seem to ...
Mysterious Leak	6/8/2009
Q: I have a concrete brick home built in the mid 60's. In my kitchen away from the refrigerator and ... A: OK, so that explanation is out. You said the puddling is intermittent. I now have another question. ...
Bathroom tub toilet and sink gurgling & clogging	6/7/2009
Q: I recently had a licensed plumber come to snake my second floor bathroom's toilet and tub in order ... A: A blocked vent may create gurgling noises and slow down the flow of water, but it would not cause ...
whining pipes	6/7/2009
Q: I had the hot water heater replaced in my home about 3 months ago, and now every time I turn on a ... A: A few questions. As you might expect, it's often difficult to diagnose a mystery noise from a ...
Mysterious Leak	6/6/2009
Q: I have a concrete brick home built in the mid 60's. In my kitchen away from the refrigerator and ... A: Do you have a dishwasher next to the sink cabinet? The fact that water is puddling outside the ...
Bathroom tub toilet and sink gurgling & clogging	6/6/2009
Q: I recently had a licensed plumber come to snake my second floor bathroom's toilet and tub in order ... A: I have a few questions first, and maybe you can write back and answer them before the plumber comes ...
RUST IN PIPES	6/5/2009
Q: I RECENTLY HAVE NOTICED A SLIGHT RUST COLOR IN MY WATER. THE FAUCETS ARE USED REGULARLY AND THIS IS ... A: Sadly, I am almost certain this rust is coming from the galvanized pipes. Before the advent of ...
Flushed wedding ring down toilet	6/5/2009
Q: Help! I just accidentally flushed both my wedding ring and engagement ring down the toilet. I'd ... A: I am SO sorry to hear this. Poor thing. If you have a septic tank, the rings are undoubtedly resting ...
shallow well pump	6/4/2009
Q: I have a shallow well pump with a tank what is the valve stem on end of tank for A: I am not an expert on wells, but I've been around them and know enough to give you a partial answer. ...
slow draining bathroom sink	6/4/2009
Q: Just recently my son-in-law had a bathroom sink moved from one wall to the adjacent wall, about ... A: In my 26 years doing service work, I'd say 90% of bathroom sink drains run slowly because of stuff ...
water heater	6/4/2009
Q: We just moved into a house with a gas water heater that was installed in 1997 according to the ... A: I'm getting from what you wrote that this has happened before? A thermostat on any water heater has ...
plumbing noise	6/3/2009
Q: every time I flush a toilet,turn on a faucet or my washing machine..any plumbing function in my ... A: In my experience, a "grinding noise" or rattling sound usually occurs when a valve is not open all ...
Water pressure	6/3/2009
Q: I have added a pressure regulator, hot water tank and expansion tank to my water system. I am ... A: If the pressure seems low on both hot and cold, I'd say the problem is the pressure regulator on the ...
mansfield toliet	6/3/2009
Q: We have a manesfield toliet and we have problems with it plugging up. We were wondering when we ... A: The Mansfield is a "low-flow" toilet, as are all other brands now, required by code. Each type of ...
shower	6/2/2009
Q: i recently took out a tub and installed tile where that was and didn't have a p trap but now i do ... A: I'm assuming you've been using the shower and there is water in the trap. I figure you know that the ...
water pressure	5/31/2009
Q: I have a well and my water keeps going off. If I turn the washer on it runs fine for about 30 ... A: Nice that you wrote back! Your pressure is a bit low, but shouldn't be the cause of the water ...
water pressure	5/30/2009
Q: I have a well and my water keeps going off. If I turn the washer on it runs fine for about 30 ... A: I'm going to make some guesses, but I also recommend that you ask a few other experts about this. ...
slow moving kitchen drain	5/30/2009
Q: I have a slow moving drain in the kitchen. My home is only 6 years old and unfortunately my ... A: First you need to lock your mother-in-law out of the kitchen. Grease does more harm to pipes that ...
slow drains and cleaning drains	5/30/2009
Q: We had a slow drain (ok it did get to a point where it took hours to drain) after 20 years in house. ... A: I'd heard there were a few new products of this type for home use, but I've never gotten any ...
Hot water always	5/29/2009
Q: When we turn on the cold water faucet in the morning, the water is hot. Only after we had run the ... A: To be honest, I'm still mystified. I considered clicking on "explain to the questioner why you can't ...
Well Water Pump	5/29/2009
Q: Our water pump and well are in our crawl space basement. For the last couple of months the pump ... A: I decided to answer, even though I'm not an expert on wells. I may be able to help you with part of ...
Kitchen Faucet Leak	5/29/2009
Q: I have a slow leak from a MOEN Extensa 7560SLBL kitchen single handle faucet with pull out spout. ... A: Even though it appears this water isn't running down the hose, it still may be coming from the ...
Slow shower	5/29/2009
Q: I just re-did all the old galvanized pipe in my home with all 3/4 copper. I have 3/4 pipe pretty ... A: WAIT WAIT!!! Don't change the pipes in your shower!!! The Moen cartridge is designed so that the ...
Slow shower	5/29/2009
Q: I just re-did all the old galvanized pipe in my home with all 3/4 copper. I have 3/4 pipe pretty ... A: I admire you for taking on such a project! I don't know if you are aware of this, and if you are I ...
Hot water always	5/28/2009
Q: When we turn on the cold water faucet in the morning, the water is hot. Only after we had run the ... A: This one gave me a slight headache. I've never had that question in 26 years. I guess I need a few ...
foul odor coming from the basement	5/28/2009
Q: i think this foul odor is coming from the sewer pipe in my basement wash room, however there is no ... A: I don't want to tell you something you already know, but a lot of people are not aware of this, so ...
Sprinkler Manifold Problem	5/28/2009
Q: Hey Sharon: I have just installed a Rainbird anti-siphon sprinkler manifold to replace one that ... A: I have installed a lot of these valves. First, I believe the bleeder valve is supposed to be closed ...
Septic / Toilet	5/28/2009
Q: First of all, we had the septic tank pumped about a month ago because we had the awful smell every ... A: I'm still laughing. Amityville Toilet and Septic System. Great name for a plumbing company!! I think ...
Toilet Water Waste Overwelmes 1st Floor	5/28/2009
Q: When 2nd floor toilet flushes the 1st floor toilet water directly under bubbles up with a lot of ... A: As you can imagine, I can only make educated guesses while sitting here at my computer reading ...
foul odor coming from the basement	5/27/2009
Q: i think this foul odor is coming from the sewer pipe in my basement wash room, however there is no ... A: Can you write back with more information? I'd really like to help you, but I need to know more. You ...
all drain lines in house backed up	5/27/2009
Q: We have lived in the same house since 1987. We have a septic tank with field lines and have never ... A: First you need to repair that toilet that is leaking. It's placing an extra burden on the system. ...
pea trap smells	5/27/2009
Q: in the upstairs shower (stall variety) there is a smell constantly, no matter how much we clean. it ... A: I've come across this same problem a few times, and in both cases it was a similar situation. This ...
Removing/resetting copper toilet flange on copper drain	5/26/2009
Q: I have a 40-year-old home with copper toilet, bathtub and sink drains feeding into cast iron waste ... A: I decided to respond to your question, even though I'm not quite sure what to suggest to you. I do ...
Septic Tank	5/25/2009
Q: This is the situation. We leave the patio door open in our master bedroom at night. When my ... A: I wasn't sure if you mean this happened a few times, quite often, or every time. I do know that if a ...
plumbing	5/25/2009
Q: I have no water coming out of my faucet it is a single head does every faucet have aerator I can not ... A: I was hoping, if you did write back, that you'd include more details which would help me narrow down ...
plumbing	5/24/2009
Q: I have no water coming out of my faucet it is a single head does every faucet have aerator I can not ... A: Pretty much only laundry faucets, and only those that have hose threads on the end, have no ...
Water around well area	5/23/2009
Q: After a recent heavy rain, we have noticed that there are areas near our well that have not ... A: Maryann, I decided to respond, despite the fact that I'm not a water well expert, so don't rate ...
Bath tub hot water	5/22/2009
Q: The hot water facet in the bath tub is not working. We removed the handle and pulled out the stem ... A: I may have more questions than answers right now, but in order to answer I need more information. ...
water leak in fridge and leaky spicket	5/20/2009
Q: I have a top-freezer/bottom fridge with an ice maker. Our fridge is a whirlpool imperial series ... A: Don't rate me on my answer as a plumber, because most of this answer regards an appliance question, ...
mysterious leak	5/19/2009
Q: I noticed a small wet spot in my bedroom carpet several weeks ago. The spot has since expanded to 4 ... A: It sounds like you are proceeding in the manner of Sherlock Holmes, using the process of ...
garbage disposal	5/19/2009
Q: McCarthy: I am having problems with two garbage disposals in my home. They are identical, ... A: 13 years for a Badger 5 is impressive! And they are still running! Yes, the blades get dull, and no, ...
Leaking around Septic Pipe going through poured wall	5/18/2009
Q: Ground water is leaking into my basement around the septic pipe (6" plastic) going through the ... A: I have a feeling the pipe is either 3" or 4" in diameter. Six inch pipe would be used for a ...
Delta Single handled kitchen faucet	5/18/2009
Q: Our Delta single handled kitchen faucet was dripping a little bit when in the off position. We ... A: When you buy a whole Delta "repair kit", with all the parts inside to fix the faucet, there will be ...
Hot water heater	5/18/2009
Q: We have a three month old water heater. It is clunking alot and I hear the water swishing in it ... A: Wrong guess! I work mostly on electric water heaters. I have a few suggestions. Every water heater ...
Septic field - internal sewage line in basement	5/18/2009
Q: We purchased an older home in 2000. Recently I have noticed that a sewage pipe running along a ... A: They say the most useful "tools" for any homeowner are WD-40 and duct tape. I have to add one more; ...
Hot water heater	5/18/2009
Q: We have a three month old water heater. It is clunking alot and I hear the water swishing in it ... A: This has me puzzled. I have a hunch yours is a gas water heater, is that right? Do you have any ...
Basement drain	5/17/2009
Q: Our drain in our basement (in the laundry room) seems to have some water around it. In a previous ... A: I agree, it sounds like the slab is wicking moisture up through those cracks and around the drain ...
gurgling toilet	5/16/2009
Q: My downstairs toilet is gurgling when my washer drains and last night when the water softener was ... A: Plunging won't hurt, but it probably won't do any good. It sounds like the blockage [partial ...
Plumbing	5/16/2009
Q: I have a question about municipal plumbing and roots in system. I have a rancher home i purchased ... A: You mentioned "municipal plumbing" so I assume you are on a sewer rather than a septic system. Roots ...
overflowing toilet	5/15/2009
Q: Thought I had a general clog and plunged. Toilet will eventually flush, but only after overflowing ... A: I live in a rural area north of Phoenix. I live in a tiny cabin with one bathroom and I have a ...
removal of insinkerator badger 5	5/15/2009
Q: I never use the unit & now is leaking,I wish to build a new drain assembly. A: Insinkerator is the best. The mounting unit is not hard to remove, just follow my directions. ...
overflowing toilet	5/15/2009
Q: Thought I had a general clog and plunged. Toilet will eventually flush, but only after overflowing ... A: If the tub is also not draining then you have a blockage farther down the line. I have only one ...
sewer lines	5/15/2009
Q: Where can I purchase the sewer dye to see where my sewer line is broken out? Please help I just ... A: I'm not sure dye will do any good in your case. If you have a broken sewer line it will be ...
scratched toilet bowl	5/15/2009
Q: This is not actually a plumbing question but I thought you may have run across it at one time. My ... A: It's really difficult to actually scratch porcelein through the glaze. You may be correct, but hear ...
Nat Gas DV Water Heater	5/14/2009
Q: Sharon: Thank you for considering my question. I have a Rheem 50 gal direct vent natural gas water ... A: Im my area we have extremely hard [mineralized] water. I'd say most water heaters, both electric and ...
Grohe facuet cartridge	5/13/2009
Q: Recently my bathroom faucet began to leak. I asked inquired about the cause. I was told that in ... A: That's what it sounds like, you may need to reputty under the faucet. Or possibly the plumber who ...
Running two showers	5/13/2009
Q: I have two showers in my 20 year old home. Problem is I can't run two at the same time. Can't ... A: Most likely the pipes going to the shower are 1/2" along with all the other pipes going to the ...
main line under my house	5/12/2009
Q: I just had a plumber come out and tell me that the main line under my house is broken somewhere. Due ... A: I don't know what that disposable toilet cleaner product is. I'd have to see this to figure out if ...
main line under my house	5/12/2009
Q: I just had a plumber come out and tell me that the main line under my house is broken somewhere. Due ... A: DO NOT hire that plumber!!!!!!! When you wrote "the main line under my house", do you mean the water ...
Backed-up plumbing & Funky smell	5/11/2009
Q: and thanks in advance for your help! We purchased a remodeled 1930's home about 2 weeks ago. We ... A: I'm glad you wrote back giving me the option to answer. I have been answering questions on this site ...
Backed-up plumbing & Funky smell	5/11/2009
Q: and thanks in advance for your help! We purchased a remodeled 1930's home about 2 weeks ago. We ... A: I'm so glad! I know there are these devices that go on the end of a hose, supposedly they build up ...
Backed-up plumbing & Funky smell	5/11/2009
Q: and thanks in advance for your help! We purchased a remodeled 1930's home about 2 weeks ago. We ... A: He must have opened a "clean-out". Clean-outs are riser pipes that are teed into the main line to ...
mysterious leak	5/11/2009
Q: I noticed a small wet spot in my bedroom carpet several weeks ago. The spot has since expanded to 4 ... A: I may have more questions than answers! I'm sure you understand how hard it is to "diagnose" ...
Upper element water heater	5/9/2009
Q: Greetings Sharon ! I have a Kenmore Power Miser 10 water heater, older model. Does the upper element ... A: I missed the part about the red light. I've never worked on a Sears water heater and that didn't ...
Home plumbing	5/9/2009
Q: These questions may be related or not, I'm not sure. I just moved into a house which was built in ... A: Very clear information. I've noticed in some homes, that when the upstairs toilets flush or water ...
Upper element water heater	5/9/2009
Q: Greetings Sharon ! I have a Kenmore Power Miser 10 water heater, older model. Does the upper element ... A: I really admire you for attempting this! Good for you! First, only one wire goes to each screw on ...
toilet, septic problem	5/8/2009
Q: I had my septic tank emptied and the guy "backwashed" it which was never done before. Now when I ... A: I get so furious about these pump guys I see red. Whatever "backwashing" was, I don't know. I know ...
Septic system	5/7/2009
Q: Is there a product that will clean out lateral lines and should you put something like rid-x in the ... A: By "lateral lines", do you mean all the various pipes going out to the main line? I understand there ...
leak from tile	5/7/2009
Q: Water builds up from a crack in the grout on the ledge of the tub when the faucet is on. It also ... A: I'm a little fuzzy about what you are describing, are you saying it appears water is coming from ...
replaced shower head, now pipes knock	5/6/2009
Q: We are retiling our bathroom and decided to replace the shower head as well. we now notice when we ... A: Did you have the shower fixture inside the wall replumbed? Before the new tile was set, did a ...
washing machine drain	5/6/2009
Q: just replaced water pump on our washing machine and now our drain pipe fills and overflows. checked ... A: The minimum size pipe for a washing machine drain is 2". Also, there might be some linty stuff stuck ...
hot water leak	5/5/2009
Q: Hope you can help. I have a copper pipe stubbed out of my house wall on my back patio. The pipe ... A: This is the end of the pipe that starts at the "relief valve" on the water heater. Every water ...
ruptured line to Grohe faucet	5/5/2009
Q: I am an expert here too and know the time you spend helping others...thanks... My problem is that I ... A: Some new single-handle kitchen faucets have a ridiculous design where these grey woven supply lines ...
deep well & pump	5/5/2009
Q: my deep well is cutting on and off like every 10 seconds. i know some about working on a deep well ... A: The gauge may be set to kick the pump on at 40 pounds [low setting] and shut off at 60 pounds [high ...
ghosts	5/5/2009
Q: We had a new gas water heater installed and it seems that since then we have heard a varying pitch ... A: I've been sitting here in a half-trance trying to think of what could be causing this. Ususally when ...
Basement walls wet/ drainage pipe to blame	5/5/2009
Q: My basement walls show some efflorescence. Especially in one corner, from about 5 blocks down ... A: I'm not that familiar with sump pumps per se, but I just LOVED your question, and had to respond. I ...
Inadequate Water Pressure	5/4/2009
Q: I just moved residences and I have discovered that the bathroom in my new residence has very low ... A: I have a lot of questions! Are you renting or is this your own home? Are you on a well? Is it only ...
deep well & pump	5/4/2009
Q: my deep well is cutting on and off like every 10 seconds. i know some about working on a deep well ... A: I have a few ideas, I don't know if they will help, but here goes. My husband used to drive around ...
ghosts	5/4/2009
Q: We had a new gas water heater installed and it seems that since then we have heard a varying pitch ... A: One sentence you wrote, could you clarify? You wrote "the sound does not seem to occur only when the ...
Moen Extensa (one-handle pullout kitchen faucet) ? No. 2	5/4/2009
Q: Follow-up to my original question on the Subject Moen Faucet. I was able through further research ... A: Chris, Rarely does anyone actually write back like you did. I get thank you's and short ...
Moen Extensa (one-handle pullout kitchen faucet) ? No. 2	5/4/2009
Q: Follow-up to my original question on the Subject Moen Faucet. I was able through further research ... A: My mistake. I misunderstood your first question. I thought the leaking had to do with the cartridge. ...
Moen Extensa (one-handle low arc pullout kitchen faucet)	5/3/2009
Q: I have the Subject Moen Extensa (one-handle low arc pullout kitchen faucet). First off, I am an ... A: I can tell you without going into the details I often give to people who haven't had much experience ...
Wall mounted drain cleanout	5/3/2009
Q: We have an addition on our home which has a round silver plate on a finished interior wall about 6" ... A: The website puts those questions and answers out when they are "public" only to give new questioners ...
Water pump problem	5/3/2009
Q: We live in a basement apartment and our water is pumped out because we are below the water line. The ... A: Debra, All I can suggest is that you find out if the water going out of your apartment is the ...
Toilet Repair	5/2/2009
Q: My toilet makes a half flushing noise. Like as if you went to flush and didn't push handle down all ... A: At the bottom of that chain is a part called a "flapper". Some toilets have other kinds of flush ...
Spetic help	5/2/2009
Q: What happens is - we push the handle to flush and the toilet bowl fills up with water (doesn't ... A: This is puzzling. Something is slowing that water down, and I'm not sure why this happens only when ...
moen sink faucet repare	5/1/2009
Q: I cannot removed the cartridge from my Moen sink faucet. The instructions look easy. I did remove ... A: It amazes and astounds me that Moen has these cartridge removal instructions in the replacement part ...
Plumbing under a bathtub	4/30/2009
Q: Old house built in the early 70's has black, steel pipe with copper connections; can you connect PVC ... A: The only way would be to connect steel pipe to PVC at the threads. Black pipe is generally only used ...
Reverse osmosis system - working?	4/28/2009
Q: We have a TFC 2.5 gal Hydrotech system. We replaced the outer stainlness steel spiket (the little ... A: I just did some "homework". I generally don't work on RO systems other than replacing filters, so I ...
Automatic dishwasher backed up.	4/28/2009
Q: Especially at times like these. My problem is that my automatic dishwasher won't drain. What ... A: You seem to be quite experienced in dealing with plumbing! I doubt the main-line backups you ...
Drainage problems	4/28/2009
Q: We just purchased Lakefront home that was built in the 50's on a cement slab foundation. There are ... A: Yes, it does sound like there are some serious plumbing problems. The fact that you hear gurgling in ...
leech lines	4/28/2009
Q: can a leech line go bad in five years? how much does it cost to fix if it does? on a 3 bdrm house 2 ... A: First let me explain how a septic system works. The tank is only there to break down solids that go ...
Drainage problems	4/27/2009
Q: We just purchased Lakefront home that was built in the 50's on a cement slab foundation. There are ... A: David, I'm sure you appreciate the fact that I can't "see" this, I can only go by what you write ...
Drainage problems	4/27/2009
Q: We just purchased Lakefront home that was built in the 50's on a cement slab foundation. There are ... A: I may be able to give you a few suggestions. It almost sounds like the previous owners made a grey ...
Septic Odors	4/27/2009
Q: We have a new house on a new septic system that is about 6 months old. We have ongoing sewer gas ... A: Honestly, I've never heard of a main house trap, but evidently they must exist. I'm also wondering ...
toilet doesn't flush properly	4/25/2009
Q: The water level rises to almost over flow but gradually goes out very very slow if you use a plunger ... A: Those symptoms are an indication that there is a blockage in the toilet. It could be in the trap ...
plumbing under kitchen sink	4/25/2009
Q: i think i may have a problem with the plumbing under my kitchen sink. the water that i empty from ... A: Yes, there is a reason, and a solution. The drain hose from the disposal to the dishwasher is ...
spout	4/24/2009
Q: I wanted to follow up with you. You were helping me replace spout and nipple. I actually did get ... A: AHA! I'll bet that's the problem. As I said, I removed one just this morning. My customer needed a ...
spout	4/24/2009
Q: I wanted to follow up with you. You were helping me replace spout and nipple. I actually did get ... A: I went back to our earlier correspondences. I saw that you hadn't mentioned that you weren't getting ...
chattering pipes	4/24/2009
Q: I just read your response to CM regarding the chattering in her pipes which began after she had work ... A: Well, you caught me on that one! I did say "rarely", and in your case I would bet the problem is ...
Bathroom	4/24/2009
Q: My water pressure in the bathroom sink and shower is very slow. I had the gas co. come over and ... A: If you pull up the diverter button on the spout, does all the water go to the shower head? Or does ...
Kitchen faucet	4/23/2009
Q: I believe it is a compression faucet, but the problem does not appear to be in the valves or the ... A: Good for you for taking this on! You didn't say if the faucet is a single or double handle. That ...
Bath Tube and Shower Diverter	4/23/2009
Q: I have a Moen model 83267 tub and shower faucet. I can not turn the diverter valve. I have a ... A: Paul, I'm guessing that by the "diverter valve" you mean the pull handle, pulls out for water, ...
Septic System	4/22/2009
Q: I have a shower and sink and a Toilet in the basement of a home. I have a small holding tank that is ... A: I'd bet on it that this is being caused by one of two things. Most likely the toilet flapper is ...
wobbly toilet	4/22/2009
Q: My toilet won't tighten down on the right side, left side ok. I have screwed down the new flange but ... A: I assume, because you said you screwed down a new flange, that the old flange had broken out. I ...
Well water	4/21/2009
Q: We are looking at a house in the mountains of Georgia and it has a well. Water pressure is 30#. I do ... A: I'm somewhat familiar with wells, and knowing what little I do, I feel you should get a professional ...
frost proof outdoor faucet/spigot	4/21/2009
Q: My frost proof spigot leaks water when it's turned on.It never leaks when it's off. I'm sure it's ... A: Do you have a "stick-built" home or a manufactured home? I looked at the siding in the photo you ...
frost proof outdoor faucet/spigot	4/20/2009
Q: My frost proof spigot leaks water when it's turned on.It never leaks when it's off. I'm sure it's ... A: Let's go back a bit. You said the faucet leaks only when you turn it on, correct? So I presume the ...
frost proof outdoor faucet/spigot	4/19/2009
Q: My frost proof spigot leaks water when it's turned on.It never leaks when it's off. I'm sure it's ... A: I'll bet the leaking comes from where the handle turns, at the stem. If you look at the area just ...
leaky shower faucet	4/19/2009
Q: I have changed seat and washer on stem still getting leak from hot water side. any ideas? A: If you replaced the "seat", I'll bet you have a Price Pfister. Did you put some kind of pipe dope on ...
acrylic bathtub	4/19/2009
Q: could you please tell me if there is a way to repair an acrylic one piece bathtub with grey colored ... A: The only thing I know about is there are businesses that do enamel coating of appliances, sinks and ...
removing spout	4/19/2009
Q: i need to replace spout in my shower but it will not budge. I verified there is no screw underneath ... A: If I'd known the nipple came out with the spout [never happened to me!] I would have recommended ...
removing spout	4/18/2009
Q: i need to replace spout in my shower but it will not budge. I verified there is no screw underneath ... A: First, good for you! I'm glad it worked. When you buy a new one, you'll see maybe 6 or 7 different ...
removing spout	4/18/2009
Q: i need to replace spout in my shower but it will not budge. I verified there is no screw underneath ... A: Sometimes the spouts are on there really tight. As long as you are certain there is no set screw ...
Deck drain and downspout materials	4/18/2009
Q: For walkable waterproofed deck on a wood framed house, what kind of materials of drain and ... A: I have to tell you, I just loved it that you asked me this question! Plumber - water, right? I do ...
Pipes shaking when toilet flushed	4/16/2009
Q: In the last couple of weeks, it seems like whenever we flush our basement toilet, it starts shaking ... A: I think if you replace the ballcock, it will solve your problem. The ballcock [plumber's term] is ...
HORRIBLE ODOR FROM WASHER HOSE	4/15/2009
Q: We moved into this brand new house in July, 2008. Our [very small] laundry room has begun smelling ... A: Cristi, Here in Arizona, virtually all homes are built on slab. There can still be floor drains! ...
water leaking under kitchen sink	4/15/2009
Q: I had my kitchen faucet replaced 3 months ago,but just recently noticed water pooling on my floor ... A: I'm sitting here scratching my head over this. If I could beam myself to your kitchen sink I would ...
HORRIBLE ODOR FROM WASHER HOSE	4/15/2009
Q: We moved into this brand new house in July, 2008. Our [very small] laundry room has begun smelling ... A: I have a sneaky hunch, I may be wrong but I've seen this happen a number of times. Sometimes the ...
root killing product use	4/14/2009
Q: I used Root Killer by Roebic and read your answer to an earlier question about how often. I have ... A: Kathy, When you wrote that you had read "my earlier answer" about recommended root killer, I ...
Clogged Toilet	4/14/2009
Q: We just had 2 new Kohler toilets installed (which Kohler indicated were reliable). About 75% of the ... A: The fact that both of them are doing this changes the picture. And the fact that the water drains ...
septic lines	4/13/2009
Q: I justhad my septic pumped but it doesn't seem like the water is being expelled thru the field ... A: I get so angry about this! Most homeowners with septic systems don't know how the system works, and ...
Clogged Toilet	4/13/2009
Q: We just had 2 new Kohler toilets installed (which Kohler indicated were reliable). About 75% of the ... A: You wrote "the toilet" so I'm assuming this is only happening in one of the two toilets you had ...
root killing product use	4/13/2009
Q: I used Root Killer by Roebic and read your answer to an earlier question about how often. I have ... A: I'd have to go back to my first response to see exactly what I told you. Root killer works for a ...
pipes knockin	4/12/2009
Q: my walk in closet shares a wall with my master bath. I had my walk in closet redone. I also had ... A: If a pipe was punctured, you'd hear water hissing and probably see water seeping out from the walls ...
Hot water tank heating elements	4/10/2009
Q: Sharon, I would like to know if there is a simple way to test hot water tank heating ... A: There is only one way to test elements, and that is with a volt/ohm meter. You can buy one at any ...
Reciculating pump issues	4/10/2009
Q: We recently moved into our new home and loved the tank-less heater combined with a recirculation ... A: Mike, You're very welcome. All signs point to this pump being OK, so I'm also puzzled. As I ...
toilet bubble while taking a shower	4/10/2009
Q: Sharon, I think I may already know what is wrong but not sure. Our toilet has been stopping up ... A: First, do you have "clean-outs"? Clean-outs are pipes that are teed into the main sewer line, ...
Can't find the leak	4/10/2009
Q: Several months ago I noticed a wet spot in my kitchen ceiling and could see an area that was leaking ... A: Scott, This has to be something to do with a drain line, or exiting water. All waterlines TO ...
Can't find the leak	4/9/2009
Q: Several months ago I noticed a wet spot in my kitchen ceiling and could see an area that was leaking ... A: In my 26 years, I have found the most common reason for water leaking down into the ceiling below is ...
Alternative Septic System	4/9/2009
Q: We have failed a perc test (2nd) on our rocky lot in southern AZ (no surprise), so we need to ... A: Good old Arizona! The "soil" here is a local joke. Clay, and especially caliche, a hard-packed clay ...
toilet bubble while taking a shower	4/9/2009
Q: Sharon, I think I may already know what is wrong but not sure. Our toilet has been stopping up ... A: Having the tank pumped is the LEAST likely solution, so read on. Yes, if you call a septic pumping ...
Reciculating pump issues	4/8/2009
Q: We recently moved into our new home and loved the tank-less heater combined with a recirculation ... A: I have installed and replaced lots of Grundfos circulating pumps over the years. They are good pumps ...
Water Pressure Problems	4/8/2009
Q: Just recently we began having water pressure problems when two or more water sources are operating ... A: I'm inclined to think that the pressure or the volume in you incoming waterline has dropped. A ...
smelly water	4/7/2009
Q: the faucet in my master bathroom has a sulfur smell to it. i have a super storer for a hot water ... A: Allen, I was considering not answering this question, since I'm not familiar with a "super ...
water leaking under kitchen sink	4/7/2009
Q: I had my kitchen faucet replaced 3 months ago,but just recently noticed water pooling on my floor ... A: Your description was very detailed, which I appreciate. It's hard to visualize, sometimes, here at ...
Drain Field	4/6/2009
Q: Sharon, I live in northern Alabama, in a house that is about 4 years old, with a septic system. I ... A: Have you thought about moving to Arizona? You know I'm kidding....but it is possible the field is ...
slow draining wash basin	4/5/2009
Q: my bathroom wash basin drains so slowly it floods, its an intermittent problem but happens more time ... A: This is really easy to fix, and the solution may surprise you. The problem is under the pop-up disc. ...
New Installation toilet code	4/4/2009
Q: At one time code allowed 12" between a toilet and a tub. I have reviewed plumbing code in the local ... A: I've worked on toilets that sat within inches of a tub. The only rule of thumb I know about is that ...
Laundry hook up	4/4/2009
Q: I would like to buy a property that does not have a laundry hook up. If I hire someone to create ... A: It depends on several things. You didn't mention if there is any water source in that basement, like ...
Mansfield Toilet Repair and Parts	4/3/2009
Q: We have Mansfield toilets in our 8 year old home. The gaskets on the bottom of the flush valve and ... A: You'll be happy to know that you can replace both the ballcock and the flush valve with standard ...
Deck Mount Tub Faucets	4/2/2009
Q: How do I remove a deck-mount Tub Faucet? Do I need to turn off water supply to entire house or just ... A: This is a constant dilemma with plumbers, especially with jaccuzzi tubs. Same thing though, all deck ...
Problems with mixing valve	4/2/2009
Q: I have a tub / shower combo in the guest bathroom of a home built in 2002. Hot water does not come ... A: When your husband replaced that mixing valve [it would help me if I knew the brand of fixture, like ...
washer water backing into bathtub	3/31/2009
Q: When I do a load of laundry the water that is emptying from the washer is backing up into my ... A: I'm puzzling about this. It sounds like the line going from your washing machine is blocked and the ...
plumbing	3/31/2009
Q: We live in a small doublewide When we run the washer and it goes into spin cycle we have water come ... A: Belinda, Doesn't it drive you nuts when you do all that work and then the problem pops up again? ...
Repeated Leaking Tub Faucet	3/31/2009
Q: I am having problems with a leaking tub hot water faucet. I have changed out multiple seals and ... A: Is this a Price Pfister? You mentioned that you've replaced "seats", and PP is the most likely, most ...
High presssure shower	3/31/2009
Q: I have a 3 yr. old Moen single rotating knob(off, cold, warm, hot), shower faucet. Extremely high ... A: Water pressure is always the same throughout a house. It's determined by the amount of pressure ...
leaking valve	3/30/2009
Q: i have a leaking valve it is cold water valve in the bathroom it is leaking from the stem only a ... A: Allen, What I told you about both Price Pfister and Delta would apply to both a tub fixture and ...
leaking valve	3/30/2009
Q: i have a leaking valve it is cold water valve in the bathroom it is leaking from the stem only a ... A: Is this the lavatory faucet or the tub fixture? And I presume, from what you wrote, that the drip is ...
leaking tub	3/30/2009
Q: We have a tub spout that drips and would like to know how to repair it. The shower is one handle ... A: Yes, the problem will be in the valve assembly, behind the handle. I'm not familiar with Mix-it ...
fixiing kitchen fawcett	3/29/2009
Q: The past owners of the home we live in installed the kitchen fawcett by putting plumbing dough ... A: There are a few questions I have about your question, maybe you can write back to clarify. I will ...
leech lines for washers	3/28/2009
Q: bubbles have started backing up in our lawn when I do a load of laundry lately. We are trying to ... A: I don't have enough information right now to answer your question, so I'm going to ask you a few ...
Brass Plumbing	3/28/2009
Q: I live in a 115YO house. The first plumbing that was put in was made of brass. We needed to ... A: What a challenge! The only suggestion I can come up with is if you can find some BARE [a lot of ...
Leaky, howling toilet	3/27/2009
Q: My toilet has two problems: 1. About once a week, I come in to find a flood on the floor. I have ... A: David, I have a hunch the float is sticking and water is going over the top of the tank. The ...
Leaking from Bathroom to downstair	3/27/2009
Q: There is a leak from bathtub area to garage downstairs. It seems to happens when I showered last ... A: First, the fixture. By that I mean the main unit above the spout with the turn-on handle. With a ...
clogged tiolet, sink, and tub in mobile home	3/26/2009
Q: ill try and give you as much info as possible so you can help. we live in a mobile home park and ... A: You need to find out from the manager at what point you are responsible and at what point THEY are ...
Leaking from Bathroom to downstair	3/26/2009
Q: There is a leak from bathtub area to garage downstairs. It seems to happens when I showered last ... A: I doubt it's anything behind the wall. I have two ideas. The most common reason for water leaking ...
faucet leak	3/26/2009
Q: i have an old universal-rundle kitchen faucet set on my sink. iput new cartridges in but it still ... A: In my area, Universal Rundle faucets are virtually unknown, I've only seen their toilets. By the ...
Basement Bathroom	3/26/2009
Q: I would like to attempt a plumbing installation in my basement for a shower and pedestal sink. My ... A: I considered not answering because I have seldom worked with cast iron pipe. The few times I did, ...
Noisy faucet	3/26/2009
Q: I just installed a new Pegasus kitchen faucet with, what I thought was, no problem. However, the ... A: Generally when that happens it means there is some obstuction somewhere, maybe particles that came ...
DWV in concrete	3/25/2009
Q: I am renovating a bathroom in the basement which already has a drain for a previous shower and ... A: WOW! This is an ambitious undertaking! I can't tell you details, but I'd like to point out a few ...
Smell from the toilet	3/25/2009
Q: I live in a house that has a septic tank and a well. The toilet in the guest bathroom smells okay ... A: Alan, I had to respond. You said the odor is most noticeable when you lift the lid? So you keep ...
plumbing	3/25/2009
Q: We live in a small doublewide When we run the washer and it goes into spin cycle we have water come ... A: Do Not Call a septic pumper!! So many people assume that when sewage backs up, the problem is that ...
Smell from a toilet	3/25/2009
Q: I live in a house that has a septic tank and a well. The toilet in the guest bathroom smells okay ... A: Alan, I answered this question yesterday and it came up again. Did you receive my reply? This ...
Smell from the toilet	3/25/2009
Q: I live in a house that has a septic tank and a well. The toilet in the guest bathroom smells okay ... A: You didn't mention how old the house is. If you are convinced the odor is coming from that toilet, ...
humming pipe	3/24/2009
Q: When one of the toilets is flushed, a loud vibration sound begins. If one of the taps is turned on ... A: The fact that this starts when that toilet is flushed make me think the humming may be caused by the ...
tub drain	3/24/2009
Q: I am trying to remove my old drain from the bottom of my tub. Is there a special tool to remove my ... A: Rocco, Yes there is! It's an odd looking tool, you should be able to find one in the plumbing ...
rust/sediment in well water	3/24/2009
Q: Almost 5 years ago our family of 6 bought a farm house that was built in 1920. It is still using ... A: In my experience with copper, PVC and galvanized pipes, all rust is caused by galvanized. What they ...
insinkerator	3/23/2009
Q: every time my sister in-law comes over and cook,they keep putting to much waste down the ... A: I've had to clean out pipes leading from disposals for 26 years. There are two issues involved. The ...
Calcium buid up	3/23/2009
Q: A few weeks ago I noticed that the flow from our kitchen faucets lacked power. I remover the ... A: I live in an area where calcium deposits are a chronic problem, and still it's often had to pinpoint ...
delta faucet pressure	3/23/2009
Q: we have a pull out delta faucet model 470 in our kitchen and have lost water pressure. I have taken ... A: Blaine, Thanks for the follow-up, I always find it interesting to get feedback like this. I'm ...
kitchen fauce	3/22/2009
Q: I have a leaky kitchen faucet. It is a third line just for non- softened water. so it only has cold ... A: It's maddening when a manufacturer doesn't put a name on a product. I'm trying to visualize your ...
delta faucet pressure	3/22/2009
Q: we have a pull out delta faucet model 470 in our kitchen and have lost water pressure. I have taken ... A: When trying to pinpoint a blockage, I always begin at the beginning and work my way up. Process of ...
no water on well sysyrm	3/22/2009
Q: last year we installed an outside faucet and every since our water will turn on fine but after it ... A: I had a similar question last month regarding a water well, the questioner had air blow out the line ...
shower water temp	3/21/2009
Q: We have lived in our new home for just over 1 yr. Within the last week, using the shower has become ... A: Occasionally, with an electric water heater, a thermostat will malfunction. The symptoms for this ...
broken/leaky pipe in wall from use of hose	3/20/2009
Q: Living in Denver, I have not turned our sprinklers on yet because of the possibility of a late ... A: If you didn't notice any wetness BEFORE you turned on the hose bibb, I really doubt the water is ...
Low hot water pressure in bathroom sink	3/19/2009
Q: After a new boiler was replaced the hot water in the bathroom sink barely comes out. The cold water ... A: When you say "boiler" do you mean hot water heater? Or perhaps you do mean "boiler". My son lived in ...
pipes and corrosion	3/19/2009
Q: How can I tell if pipe is copper or galvanized? We moved into 1971 home in az and I think I see ... A: Many old drain pipes are galvanized, and all will probably eventually corrode, but that would happen ...
gurgling toilet w/septic system	3/18/2009
Q: i have a septic system. i have 3 toilets, on washer, one dishwasher, 5 sinks. i have my septic ... A: Sounds like you are not only doing all the right things, you may be doing too much! Pumping ...
Outside of house Septic smell	3/18/2009
Q: I have a sewer/septic odor when there is a breeze blowing over my roof and across the roof vent ... A: This is a common complaint, and usually remedied by raising the vent pipes. Most vent pipes are ABS ...
plumbing	3/17/2009
Q: I have a delta tub faucet about 9 years old with two round knobs, one for cold and one for hot that ... A: What happens if someone has an emergency? Just wondering. Shutting off the water every five months ...
toilet	3/17/2009
Q: My toilet began to act up. When I flush the toilet, the water doesnt fill to the tank. So by ... A: This is a very intriguing problem!! I'm sitting here trying to puzzle this out. I'm inclined to ...
hot water	3/16/2009
Q: I have a small apt complex am experiencing hot water problems.If i turn the hot water in the tub ... A: I just sat here and read your question four times before I started typing. I'm sure you realize that ...
plumbing	3/15/2009
Q: I have a delta tub faucet about 9 years old with two round knobs, one for cold and one for hot that ... A: You're in luck, a Delta is the easiest of all faucets to repair. It might be a good idea to check ...
kitchen faucet w/sprayer	3/15/2009
Q: My kitchen faucet is a Glacier Bay 2-handle with a spray nozzle next to it; hot & cold work fine ... A: I'm sure you must be aware that it's sometimes difficult to analyze a problem from such a distance!! ...
Stuck pop-up bath drain plug	3/14/2009
Q: My son's bath drain is not draining well. Problem is that I can not get the drain plug off. It's a ... A: So cool to see a photo! I'm familiar with this style, and I've taken a few off here and there. I ...
kitchen faucet w/sprayer	3/14/2009
Q: My kitchen faucet is a Glacier Bay 2-handle with a spray nozzle next to it; hot & cold work fine ... A: All kitchen faucets with a side spray have the same little part called a "diverter". The diverter ...
knocking pipes when not in use.	3/12/2009
Q: I have read many people having problems with their pipes "knocking" while running water. My problem ... A: You're the first person to say such a nice thing! I have to say, all questioners have been polite ...
Toilet Wax Rings	3/11/2009
Q: How often should a toilet's wax ring be replaced? If possible, we'd prefer not to wait until the ... A: That a very good question! You are clearly a proponent of preventive maintainance. I've seen ...
Pesky float assembly	3/11/2009
Q: I have a septic system that stays stuck in the "on" position.. because the float sometimes jammed ... A: I was considering rejecting this question because I'm not familiar with pumps on septic systems. All ...
Troubleshooting	3/11/2009
Q: 1) What is the quickest way to trace a blockage in a water supply system 2) What is the easiest way ... A: 1. I have only encountered a handful of actual blockages in water lines. I assume you mean water ...
bathtub gurgling	3/10/2009
Q: I recently purchased & renovated a home. The home was inspected & a friend of mine who is a union ... A: Amanda, This is one of those maybe we're talking apples and oranges situations, like could you be ...
Trapped Air	3/10/2009
Q: Sharon, I have a vacation house which has well/septic and I experienced a flooding of the basement ... A: I had a question last month about air in the line regarding a water well. I don't have a lot of ...
tub/shower piping	3/10/2009
Q: I am installing a whirlpool tub and a separate shower in my bathroom. There is a wall between the ... A: Boy! I guess I'm an "old school" plumber, I honestly don't know about Copro fittings. I did happen ...
Snaking pipes	3/9/2009
Q: We are landlords for a duplex, and in all the years we have had (and lived in the house) we have ... A: A little lint from a washing machine wouldn't cause a blockage in a main line. I have a ...
Toilet flush bubble	3/9/2009
Q: I have a Mansfield toilet model 180 which is 4 years old. I recently replaced the valve tower ... A: Since you already went through the trouble of removing the tank to replace that gasket, why don't ...
Spud leak	3/9/2009
Q: I have added 1/4" to the wall behind the toilet tank. After removing the tank for the new paneling, ... A: Bummer. The rule of thumb for setting the hole for a toilet is 12" from wall to center of hole in ...
wet under floor	3/9/2009
Q: I have laminate floors. They are squishy and bubbling directly outside the bathroom, down the hall ... A: You did mention the water heater, but I was inclined to guess it was something in the bathroom. If ...
moving toilet 3 inches	3/8/2009
Q: I would like to remodel the bathroom and install a new larger vanity, but the toilet would need be ... A: This won't be an easy task, but it can be done. The toilet is set directly over the drain pipe, and ...
wet under floor	3/8/2009
Q: I have laminate floors. They are squishy and bubbling directly outside the bathroom, down the hall ... A: Bad deal, but maybe not that hard to solve, at least the water leak! I hope the flooring isn't ...
water storage tank setup	3/8/2009
Q: I've got a very slow shallow well so my strategy is to pump into a 70 gal holding tank in my ... A: Glenn, I'm in an area where there are a lot of wells. Every well has a holding/pressure tank. ...
plumbing	3/8/2009
Q: My bath tub faucet has been leaking a bit faster than a drip per second for the past couple months ... A: All tub fixture repairs can be done from the tub-side of the wall. Before I suggest anything, could ...
Hot water heater	3/8/2009
Q: I have low hot water pressure in my home. I tried to flush the tank then drain it. In the process ... A: I'm assuming by your question that you mean you have NO WATER AT ALL coming out the hot water ...
plumbing	3/7/2009
Q: We are having a problem,when we flush our toilet,we get noise from our stand up shower drain.We also ... A: You have something blocking the large drainline going out from the toilet. The shower drain is teed ...
Toilet flush bubble	3/7/2009
Q: I have a Mansfield toilet model 180 which is 4 years old. I recently replaced the valve tower ... A: I've been a plumber for 26 years and this is a new one! When you wrote that you replaced the "valve ...
drain field	3/7/2009
Q: I believe my drainfield is saturated and my friend tells me that if I find the main drain pipe and ... A: There are two kinds of leach beds. In areas with poor soil drainage [like where I live, in the ...
Shower drain backing up	3/5/2009
Q: We had rain for 2 days turning to inches of snow. I noticed my shower was slow to drain and the day ... A: If your toilets are flushing OK, then it's not the septic system, you have a clog somewhere beyond ...
in sink erator	3/5/2009
Q: Our in sink erator has stopped working. When the switch is "flipped", a "humming" sound is heard, ... A: Sounds like you already had a handle on dealing with this! So the humming is still happening when ...
in sink erator	3/4/2009
Q: Our in sink erator has stopped working. When the switch is "flipped", a "humming" sound is heard, ... A: The humming sound you hear is the motor trying to turn, so best not flip the switch anymore until ...
odor in house	3/4/2009
Q: We've been getting an odor in our house for the past several weeks. It comes and goes and the smell ... A: Shannon, A few thoughts. One, this odor could be sewer gas or it could be from a mouse that died ...
garbage disposal backing up to dishwasher	3/4/2009
Q: I have read about how the hose running from the dishwasher to the disposal needs to be high enough ... A: Paula, It does sound to me like the water and food matter from the disposal is running down into ...
noist water pipes	3/3/2009
Q: i asked earlier about pipes in my basement making noise and it stopping when i turn the cold water ... A: Steve, I'm stumped as far as this being a waterline problem alone, do you have steam heat by any ...
noisy pipes	3/2/2009
Q: i have a 2 story house with a full basement.....pipes in the basement make a growling noise until i ... A: A lot of possibles here. Do you have a well or are you on city water? Is it the hot water or the ...
NEW KIT FAUCET	3/2/2009
Q: Just replaced kit shut off for both hot and cold water, supply lines and a new faucet. It has hot ... A: I have a hunch one of those valves you just put on isn't all the way open. A lot of valves will bang ...
Air bubble slows drain in new sink	3/2/2009
Q: We have fancy new sinks in a bathroom that have a mesh over the drain opening, several dozen holes ... A: You should be an inventor! Very interesting ideas. I've seen screens like you described designed for ...
How long dose a preassure tank last for?	3/1/2009
Q: we've in the last few days have noticed a major pressure drop on the water in are house. are tank is ... A: In every pressure tank, there is what is called a "bladder", a bag that holds compressed air. This ...
Plumbing leak in laundry room	3/1/2009
Q: We have a pvc pipe entry cap in between our washer and dryer. Recently, we noticed the sheetrock ... A: It sounds like that cap might be screwed into a fitting on a pipe that is called a "clean-out" pipe. ...
Replacing a sewer line	3/1/2009
Q: I have just purchased an 11 year old home. I immediately noticed that the toilets did not flush well ... A: Bummer. If the home warranty would cover it, go ahead and have him do the work. Couldn't hurt. If ...
bathroom odor	3/1/2009
Q: I moved into a home built 100 years ago in the Adirondacks, NY, but the bathroom is an addition ... A: I have a thought about this, but let me tell you a story first. I live in a small town north of ...
water well pressure	2/28/2009
Q: Can the amount of water pressure coming from the well cause a break in the kitchen faucet and ... A: Carrie, This, in my opinion, would be pretty unlikely. Most well water comes out of the ground ...
washer drain pipe	2/28/2009
Q: I have a 1950s home with septic tank and was outside the other day when I noticed a soft spot in the ... A: I think you have the right idea! Sounds like the previous homeowners created a small drainage bed, ...
garbage disposal	2/28/2009
Q: the drain come off when running or it blows off then everything goes in the bottom of the cabinet.I ... A: Sometimes it's difficult to visualize a problem when a person writes to me. I'm assuming, when you ...
Toilet Back up	2/28/2009
Q: I have a problem with my house toilets. The house is about 5 years old and we have been living in it ... A: Angela, Interesting to receive feedback like yours, I admire your persistence!! As I mentioned, ...
tub drain	2/27/2009
Q: the drain of the tub is clog up. Under the tub have a cylinder 3"/6" What I have to do A: Ned, There are several styles of tub stoppers. You mentioned you have a cylider, but I was ...
violent pipe vibrations	2/27/2009
Q: I've read many of the 'air in pipes' Qs and As. Mine seems a bit different. For no apparent ... A: It sounds to me like your problem is in one of your toilets, indicated by the fact that this is an ...
Rust in bath pipes	2/27/2009
Q: I live in a Condo and when i turn on my bath water the first few seconds the water comes out very ... A: I know exactly what's causing this. First, just to explain, most tub spouts screw on to a pipe ...
Toilet Back up	2/27/2009
Q: I have a problem with my house toilets. The house is about 5 years old and we have been living in it ... A: Angela, I have installed maybe a hundred Mansfield toilets in my local area. I've always found ...
Toilet Back up	2/27/2009
Q: I have a problem with my house toilets. The house is about 5 years old and we have been living in it ... A: A toilet flushes best when the water level in the tank is as high as you can set it without going ...
water leak	2/26/2009
Q: Trying to locate an "unapparent" leak. Possibly under ground. I realize process of elimination, ... A: Several ideas. First, you need to determine if the leak is outside the house or inside. If there is ...
Hot Water Heater Theft	2/25/2009
Q: I live in a two family home and our upstairs neighbor is quite psychotic. He was always complaining ... A: Is that water heater you're referring to YOUR water heater? And where is the upstairs neighbor's ...
level of water in toilet bowl is decreasing	2/24/2009
Q: level of water Toilet Bowl decreases ... A: Shabbir, If you have some partial blockage in your drainline [and remember, this was only a ...
leach field	2/24/2009
Q: The soil over our drain lines in the leach field is lower than surrounding area. Can I put soil ... A: I recall once reading up on leach field drainage. There are figures that tell how much of the water ...
pressure reducing valve	2/24/2009
Q: I’m a handyman and I have a client who told me he has 110-lbs water pressure coming into the house ... A: That's great that you're making your living as a handyman. And very good that you want to know more, ...
hot water	2/23/2009
Q: had and electrician and plumber doing work in an upstairs bathroom..the next day the hot water ... A: I'm going to ask you a few questions, and maybe you can answer, and I can help you figure this out. ...
Toilet issues	2/23/2009
Q: In my new apartment there are 4 drains relatively close to each other. When the toilet flushes the ... A: It sounds like there is a partial blockage further down the main drainline. The gurgling in other ...
water softener	2/22/2009
Q: I have a concern about the new water softener I had installed yesterday. Should it be hooked up so ... A: Cynthia, Great question, and exactly the dilemma about water softeners. Very true, this treated ...
toilet cold water supply	2/22/2009
Q: my cold water pipe comes up straight out of floor to toilet. With condensation in summer alot of ... A: Sandy, OK, I get it. I think I mentioned that running copper up into the wall and then stubbing ...
Shower shudder	2/22/2009
Q: At times when I turn on the shower there is a shudder and shaking,and completely subsides when I ... A: The only thing that makes a valve [which the shower is, a valve] shudder or chatter is a partial ...
plumbing	2/22/2009
Q: I brought a new home as is ,the jacuzzi is finished with tile. Unfortunately the cold water does ... A: Rajan, I doubt there are individual shut-offs for this tub, most tubs and showers don't have ...
removing screws from shower drain cover	2/22/2009
Q: I will ocassionally (more now) a back up in my shower stall. While the water does drain, it's about ... A: I genuinely sympathize, I've been there. Those teensy weensy screws are a PAIN. And yes, you'll need ...
toilet cold water supply	2/21/2009
Q: my cold water pipe comes up straight out of floor to toilet. With condensation in summer alot of ... A: I'm trying to figure out what condensation? Are you sure that the water that caused the damage is ...
Sand in washer	2/20/2009
Q: I have an on-going problem with the cold water supply to my washer getting clogged. Every couple of ... A: This is puzzling, especially if you don't have any of this sand substance in the aerators on your ...
Thermal Expansion tank	2/19/2009
Q: What happens when the thermal expansion tank to a hot water heater gets filled up and you don't use ... A: I haven't had any experience with thermal expansion tanks, so I googled them just now. I read your ...
Installing utility sink with pump	2/18/2009
Q: I plan to install a utility sink in my basement next to my washer and dryer. I know I can tee off ... A: Jeff, I'm sure you must realize how hard it is for me to visualize the "picture", I can only go by ...
Installing utility sink with pump	2/18/2009
Q: I plan to install a utility sink in my basement next to my washer and dryer. I know I can tee off ... A: I was only referring to the pump in the washing machine that pumps the water out when it's draining. ...
Installing utility sink with pump	2/18/2009
Q: I plan to install a utility sink in my basement next to my washer and dryer. I know I can tee off ... A: Definitely you can cut into that drain pipe from the washing machine! As long as you put a trap ...
bathroom sinks	2/17/2009
Q: Just curious what part of Phoenix are you in? We live in Glendale. Born and raised. Anyway, we ... A: I live in Cave Creek, been here 26 years. Moved from Chicago with 3 young sons. One of them now ...
water heater	2/16/2009
Q: My electric water heater sounds like a hose is running and the water is hitting a flat rock. Is this ... A: Could be a few things. There is a relief valve on top [sometimes on the side near the top], usually ...
faucet adapter	2/15/2009
Q: I have a Maytag portable dishwasher model number mdc4000awx and i need the little metal faucet ... A: I always recommend Ace Hardware. The people at Ace are always willing and eager to help you find ...
Smell in Bathroom	2/15/2009
Q: I was away from home for 2 weeks and returned to a very moldy smelling bathroom. I immediately ... A: You sounded certain that what you smelled was a mildew odor. Different problems can cause different ...
Knocking Noise in Home	2/15/2009
Q: Within the past several days, I have started hearing a muffled thump, thump, thump, thump (goes on ... A: I'll only tell you what I've found that causes banging in pipes in my own experience. Mostly I've ...
Water Heater	2/15/2009
Q: My water heater is 1 year old. I recently had plumbing done in my bathroom where they had to turn ... A: Sounds like it was probably a coincidence, I can't imagine why shutting off the water would cause ...
low cold water pressure	2/15/2009
Q: low cold water pressure in all areas. Sinks, shower, toilet and washer. The hot water pressure is ... A: I had to think about this! Do you have a water softener? Some water softeners just treat the cold ...
Water Heater	2/14/2009
Q: My water heater is 1 year old. I recently had plumbing done in my bathroom where they had to turn ... A: If this water in the catchpan isn't increasing, if it seems like this only happened when the water ...
Damaged floor under toilet	2/13/2009
Q: We have removed our toilet only to find the floor has been damaged by leaking water. Do we cut out ... A: You didn't say what kind of flooring it is. To deal with the water problem first, it sounds like the ...
Shower faucet	2/13/2009
Q: I am wanting to know how to fix my shower faucet. First, let me explain to you what it looks like. ... A: Your problem is the tub "spout". The button that pulls up on the spout to activate the shower head ...
Septic Odor in House	2/11/2009
Q: Sharon: I have a bathroom at the top of the steps in my 2 story house. There is a slight septic odor ... A: I'd say it's very unlikely the odor is coming from that bathroom, the gas would be inclined to rise ...
Kohler Toilet	2/11/2009
Q: The flapper in my Kohler toilet leaks and I cannot find a flapper to replace it. I have two Kohler ... A: Yes, good old Kohler. Their products are excellent, but they are constantly changing the ...
furnace heating question	2/10/2009
Q: Sharon we have a Burnham Boiler furnace ( 1yr old) with relatively new (within 5 yrs) pressure ... A: Heating systems aren't really up my alley, but I thought I'd comment on this problem. You may have ...
stuck drain plug	2/9/2009
Q: what do u suggest when u can't remove the drain plug?i don't want to pull to hard but it seems to be ... A: Matthew, It's so difficult sometimes to give proper answers when I can't see the problem. I'm ...
dishwasher	2/8/2009
Q: My dishwasher was working fine, then all the sudden there was no water going in to it,but the motor ... A: Richard, I hate to even suggest this, but did you check that someone didn't turn off the water ...
stuck drain plug	2/8/2009
Q: what do u suggest when u can't remove the drain plug?i don't want to pull to hard but it seems to be ... A: I'm assuming you mean a pop-up in a bathroom sink? I'll deal with that since this is what I think ...
galvanic corrosion with brass fittings	2/8/2009
Q: i have n 8 year old fire sprinkler system in my house. the system includes a very short galvanized ... A: This is a really interesting question. I also have always believed that brass is "neutral" and ...
Bathroom Sink water pressure ?	2/7/2009
Q: Can you tell me the approximate water pressure of a bathroom sink ? 60psi or 40psi? Thank you, Paul ... A: The pressure of the water coming into your house is a constant. Whatever pressure is coming in, ...
Smelly bathroom sink	2/6/2009
Q: I'm having an issue with my bathroom sink. My husband and I have cleaned it with bleach, hot water, ... A: This is one of those maybe it's this, maybe it's that problems. I read your message four times ...
adding sink to room that has working toilet already	2/5/2009
Q: I would like to add a sink to a first floor room off the kitchen that already has a working toilet. ... A: Cherry, This is a bit out of my area because I have rarely worked with cast-iron pipes. You said ...
Water "Sputters"	2/4/2009
Q: We have a well and replaced the pump about 3 years ago. We replaced the water bladder under the ... A: Your problem sounded like it needed a well expert's opinion, so I called our local well man, Don, ...
Air Gap Gushing Water	2/3/2009
Q: I have a 4 year old Kenmore dishwasher. This issue has just started happening -- Every time I run ... A: You have the right idea! You said you ran a wire down the hose both ways. Was there a lot of old ...
shower control doesn't shut water off	2/2/2009
Q: i have a price pfister 808-A750 single control shower valve that doesn't shut off the water. when it ... A: Jake, I saw the handle is a chrome lever type and I can't imagine that anything on it could be ...
draining ppipe behind washer	2/2/2009
Q: In the little box behind my washer there is a thin pipe coming downward next to the red and blue ... A: That tube is most likely the waste water tube coming from a water softener. Air conditioners also ...
shower control doesn't shut water off	2/1/2009
Q: i have a price pfister 808-A750 single control shower valve that doesn't shut off the water. when it ... A: Jake, I get what you're saying, it IS odd, and I thought about that. Something you might try ...
shower control doesn't shut water off	2/1/2009
Q: i have a price pfister 808-A750 single control shower valve that doesn't shut off the water. when it ... A: Despite the fact that the cartridge [the whole mixer unit that came out with the stem] looks OK, ...
clogged drains	1/31/2009
Q: We have had a slow draining tub on & off for the past few years, always due to hair, or a lost cap, ... A: Kim, Very unlikely that snow or ice could cause a main-line backup. The pipes are usually pretty ...
clogged drains	1/31/2009
Q: We have had a slow draining tub on & off for the past few years, always due to hair, or a lost cap, ... A: Sorry to say, this is now beyond the tub. You definitely have a blockage in your main line. There ...
no water	1/31/2009
Q: We woke up this morning and had no water coming out of our taps... we know the water worked fine ... A: If you know which circuit breaker controls the pump, I'd suggest you flip it to "off", then flip it ...
Portable Dishwashers	1/30/2009
Q: Hey, I noticed you were an expert in plumbing. I was wondering if I could pay you to write a few ... A: To be perfectly honest, making a few bucks is not why I'm a volunteer on this website. I can make a ...
sewer smell in house	1/30/2009
Q: I have a sewer smell in my house coming from a bathroom. I have a septic system and I have crawled ... A: Since this smell is occurring in just the one bathroom, I'll take two guesses. [I'm assuming you use ...
Help me my toilet is back up!	1/29/2009
Q: I flush the toilet and it fill up the whole bowl ..draining slowly..While my tub is making gurgling ... A: Plunging won't help in this case. You have a blockage in your plumbing pipe farther down the line. ...
Indoor spetic odor	1/28/2009
Q: I purchased a new home near a lake community 11 years ago. Within a couple of years we noticed a ... A: This is something that has probably puzzled plumbers most because there can be so many possible ...
plumbing/septic	1/28/2009
Q: Recently had a new leach field put in for our older double wide mobile home. Shortly after, we had ... A: Sounds like you have a blockage somewhere between the house and the septic tank. There is also a ...
bathtub leak	1/28/2009
Q: everytime someone takes a shower or bath the tub leaks extremely bad, very big puddle of water when ... A: In my experience, the primary reason for this happening is caulking coming loose between the edge of ...
mobile home drains	1/27/2009
Q: When doing a load of laundry, during the drain cycle, my washer drained into my master bathtub about ... A: You evidently have a blockage in your main waste line. You didn't say if you are on a septic system ...
Something clogging shower head screens	1/27/2009
Q: I sent the this question to State Water Heater online help: I live north of San Antonio TX. The ... A: Great research and a very clear question! The manufacturers of State water heaters have had a lot of ...
Briggs Toilet	1/27/2009
Q: I have a Briggs toilet that I had to replace a flush valve. I bought a Fluidmaster flush valve ... A: Marc, I'm pretty sure the big plastic nut on the underside of the tank that attached the ...
plumbing problems	1/27/2009
Q: I bought an american standard, single handle, shower and tub combo. I am not getting the water hot ... A: Kevin, I see you've already tried adjusting that "stop" on the stem, so your question was really ...
plumbing problems	1/26/2009
Q: I bought an american standard, single handle, shower and tub combo. I am not getting the water hot ... A: You wrote that you bought this combo and you don't want to cut into the wall to change it. Did you ...
flooding inside and outside	1/26/2009
Q: my puppy turned on the water outside. it was on for more than 3 hrs before noticed! the problem now ... A: I have to presume that you have a septic system. If so, it sounds like all that water flooded the ...
garden tub leak fix	1/26/2009
Q: I live in an older trailer house and there is a water leak around the cold side valve. To save my ... A: In all my years of plumbing I've never used open-end or box wrenches. Seems the parts manufacturers ...
Slimy white substance in outside aerator	1/26/2009
Q: The first system they put on our house for getting rid of the smell didn't work, so they recently ... A: I read your question this morning and tried calling a friend here in my town who used to replace ...
kitchen tap - no cold water	1/25/2009
Q: My kitchen tap only has hot water coming out, but no cold water. The 2nd floor bathroom and ... A: Sounds like something is blocking the line going to the kitchen faucet. What I usually do is start ...
Bathroom sink bubbles up	1/25/2009
Q: Lately, whenever we flush the toilet in one bathroom or the other, the sink in my bathroom gurgles ... A: I have to say this is odd. Generally, if there's a blockage in the line to the septic tank, when a ...
dishwasher vent	1/25/2009
Q: my new dishwasher leaves water at the bottom and i cannot figure how to adjust the vent properly. ... A: I assume by "vent" you mean the plug-type unit that's installed in one of the holes in the sink. ...
Mansfield toilet	1/24/2009
Q: We just installed a mansfield low flow toilet, however it isn't flushing right. When flushed, it ... A: Many brand new toilets don't have the water level in the tank set correctly. I've had to adjust ...
hot water in the shower	1/24/2009
Q: i have a new water heater it is an Apollo system. yet i do not get consistent hot showers. its just ... A: I had to sit and think about this a while. I feel like I need more information, like did you have ...
washing machine drain pipe clogg	1/23/2009
Q: I dropped a pressure nozzle in the washing machine drain pipe while I was trying to unclogged it. A: Elton, Sounds like you have two problems now! You may be able to fish that nozzle out with a long ...
Water Pressure	1/22/2009
Q: About a month ago i have lost hot water pressure in the Bathtub faucet and just recently both hot ... A: I have a hunch you have some debris in your hot water line. More about that later. First, regarding ...
kitchen sink venting	1/22/2009
Q: My kitchen sink and dish washer drain are on the same sewer drain branch and are trapped separately ... A: Rick, I see the layout. So much plumbing is hidden it's often difficult to understand what the ...
kitchen sink venting	1/22/2009
Q: My kitchen sink and dish washer drain are on the same sewer drain branch and are trapped separately ... A: Rick, I'm having a hard time picturing this as you described it. You wrote that the sink and ...
Kitchen Sink	1/22/2009
Q: I had a new kitchen sink put in 3 years ago, and it has become partially clogged with grease. Is it ... A: Lawrence, You may have a new sink, but you still have the old pipes! I'm assuming you are having ...
SEPTIC SYSTEMS	1/22/2009
Q: I HAVE AN OLDER HOME WITH 5 BEDROOMS. THE PLAN IS TO DEMO THE HOUSE AND BUILD A NEW 6 BEDROOM. ... A: Sean, Technically there is a difference, but in my opinion [the powers that be aren't really ...
leaking bath faucet	1/21/2009
Q: I have a chronic drip in my bathtub faucet. Today I purchased an entire set of faucet replacement ... A: Ryan, Sounds like a Price Pfister. If you did replace the seats and washers, the only thing I can ...
Plumbing	1/20/2009
Q: I have an 80 year old, 3 story home. The other day while the tub was draining from the 3rd floor, ... A: Interesting!! I'm assuming you've lived in this house a while and this hasn't happened before. ...
Milky house water	1/20/2009
Q: Can a irrigation system backstream into the house water system and cause water to look milky(hand ... A: Two issues here, a backflow question, and a milky water question. If you do not have a backflow ...
Switching from flush to composting toilet	1/19/2009
Q: My husband and I live in western Oregon, and plan to move out of the city to a place in the country, ... A: Dorothy, I admire your goals, and I wish you the best. You have mentioned a few times about ...
Koler Cadet 3 toilet	1/19/2009
Q: I just replaced my toilet with a Cadet 3. I am afraid to tighten the tank down to the lower bowel ... A: Tightening the tank to the bowl makes even plumbers nervous!! Kohler toilets usually have 3 tank ...
Switching from flush to composting toilet	1/19/2009
Q: My husband and I live in western Oregon, and plan to move out of the city to a place in the country, ... A: I'm not that familiar with composting toilets, though I remember reading about them years ago in ...

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