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Plumbing in the Home/Questions Answered by Expert Sharon McCarthy
| Subject | Date Asked |
| low water level in bowl | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: We have had this issue since we moved into our home 6 years ago and don't want to put up with it any ... A: Amy, Much of the water that fills a toilet bowl comes from the little tube that goes from the ... | |
| Septic System Problem | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: Sharon, We'd appreciate your help with a probable field line blockage. My mother noticed ... A: Samantha, Whew! This is going to be long! I only do this when it's a question of tanks and leach ... | |
| Well Water Tank pressure relief valve | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a Well-Xtrol water tank that has what looks like a pressure relief value that is leaking ... A: Sorry this answer is so late, I just received notice of your question today along with 12 others! ... | |
| camera shows nothing | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: I'd previously asked question from Marshall (3 problems) and he's not accepting follow up, so I must ... A: First, sorry this answer is late, I was just notified today about your question and I have 11 ... | |
| Hot Water Heater Installation | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: Does the state of Texas require hot water heater installations to be done by a licensed plumber, or ... A: I'm going to go way out of line here. Code or no code, my opinion is if a homeowner wants to replace ... | |
| Toilet flushing issues. | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: We moved into an older house, and the toilet has been driving us insane. When you flush it, water ... A: Erin, Sorry for the delay, I just received notice of your question today! The site must be having ... | |
| Shower pressure suddenly stopped | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: In the shower tonight, in mid shower the water pressure goes to about a third of what it was. Still ... A: Dusty, Sorry for the delay, I just received notice of your question today! Must be a glitch in the ... | |
| ball type kitchen faucet | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: We are trying to repair a PricePfister ball type kitchen faucet. It is leaking from inside the ... A: I really think this won't be a difficult repair once you see how the parts come apart. Years ago, ... | |
| brand new shower arm install leaks | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: This is my first remodel job and I am learning alot. I am disabled and am trying not to get too ... A: Did you hire the plumber independently? Or do you have a contractor for this remodel and the plumber ... | |
| Rattling outside faucet | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: My outside wall faucet rattles when I first turn it on/ or decrease pressure and turn it off. If I ... A: Jeff, Those anti-siphon units are a real pain! I suspect that's the problem. They are now ... | |
| water leak | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: we have capped off shut off valve in our kitchen and it won't stop leaking around the cap. We used ... A: Heather, What kind of valve is it? Is it under the sink, like an extra valve that was put there ... | |
| toilet drain | 9/8/2010 |
| Q: can you use a mission band on a cast iron drain with a pvc flange A: Can you write back and be more specific? Is the PVC "flange" a toilet flange? Or are you talking ... | |
| Do all faucets need to be drained? | 9/4/2010 |
| Q: I am changing a faucet in an upstairs bathroom. I have no shut-offs under any sinks and will put ... A: The shut-off valves under sinks and behind each toilet are also called "angle-stops". 99% of ... | |
| mineral buildup in toilet s-bend | 8/29/2010 |
| Q: about 10 years ago we replaced our 2 toilets with Kohler Santa Rosa and an American Standard ... A: Wow! What a detailed and articulate question! I've had two in the last few days and I'm staggered! ... | |
| gas hot water heater | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: Howdy out there Miss Sharon, This is Mike the handyman in VA hollering at you for your utmost witt ... A: Hey there Mike! I've been thinking about you! I haven't heard from you for a spell! Our summers in ... | |
| Homeowner DIY | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm in Texas and the city I live in follows the 2003 IRC. We raised the house 11ft. and the company ... A: Ron, If this was done according to a new code, was any inspection done after the work was ... | |
| Kitchen Faucet | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a Delta two handle faucet. This morning I noticed that the water coming out of the faucet ... A: Linda, I suspected you had a side spray. There is a device called a diverter under the spout ... | |
| Low pressure from kitchen faucet | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: As best as I can tell from looking on the internet I have a Price Pfister WK2-740C kitchen faucet. ... A: Your question was far and away the most clear, detailed, articulate question I've received in 18 ... | |
| hot water in the shower | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: We are having a problem in our children's bathroom shower. It comes out scalding hot even if it is ... A: Cathy, I've heard of Sterling faucets but I don't recall working on any. I think to fix this ... | |
| hot water in the shower | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: We are having a problem in our children's bathroom shower. It comes out scalding hot even if it is ... A: Cathy, I assume you mean that the shower and tub are the same fixture, not a separate shower and ... | |
| low hot water pressure | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: all faucets in entire house have very low HOT water pressure. checked all faucets aerators for ... A: When I first read your question I thought it was a fourth reply from Pete! Pete and I have e-mailed ... | |
| Hot water flow | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: My water heater stopped heating the water. i repleced the thermostats and the heating elements, ... A: OK, Let's go back to the beginning. In your very first question you stated that after you changed ... | |
| Hot water flow | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: My water heater stopped heating the water. i repleced the thermostats and the heating elements, ... A: Even after 27 years of servicing every home plumbing fixture imaginable it still amazes me that I ... | |
| Hot water flow | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: My water heater stopped heating the water. i repleced the thermostats and the heating elements, ... A: Pete, You must have sent another question before I answered your first one, because I just ... | |
| Hot water flow | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: My water heater stopped heating the water. i repleced the thermostats and the heating elements, ... A: I'm going to ask you a question and I hope you aren't offended, but did you open the shut-off valve ... | |
| help with this faucet | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to install eurostream tub faucet GE570001....everything is fine UNTIL I put the glass ... A: Sharon, If the old handle seemed "stripped out" in other words it was getting loose, and the new ... | |
| help with this faucet | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to install eurostream tub faucet GE570001....everything is fine UNTIL I put the glass ... A: This sounds to me like a Delta. I'm still not quite clear, did the old crystal handle break and this ... | |
| help with this faucet | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to install eurostream tub faucet GE570001....everything is fine UNTIL I put the glass ... A: I just tried to find some information online about Eurostream, and it appears the brand is one of ... | |
| Old House-Rehabbed by developer | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: We just moved in about a week and found that we have pipes that were put in that were not according ... A: Is the blockage in the main line? Like is sewage backing up into the tubs and possibly under the ... | |
| Taking a gas line out of service | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: I am replacing an outdoor natural gas grill with a propane model. The gas line has a shut off inside ... A: OK, I understand. It sounds like copper. If the pipe is perfectly straight and the elbow appears to ... | |
| plumbing bang | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: we have a 3 handled bath tub, hot-cold-shower. The faucet kept leaking so I replaced the hot handles ... A: I'd almost guess this is a Price Pfister fixture. The "valve" you are talking about is probably the ... | |
| Taking a gas line out of service | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: I am replacing an outdoor natural gas grill with a propane model. The gas line has a shut off inside ... A: When you disconnect the grill from the existing natural gas line, I expect there is a "stub out" ... | |
| Old House-Rehabbed by developer | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: We just moved in about a week and found that we have pipes that were put in that were not according ... A: I appreciate the details about all your fixtures, but first I'd like to know more about the existing ... | |
| Moen Kitchen Facet | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a single handle, swivel Moen kitchen sink facet that has become very hard to turn from side ... A: Monte, This is so funny! My husband, who is a cabinetmaker was working for a guy a few years ago ... | |
| Water pressure - well | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: The water pressure in my house is approx. 52 lbs. Now, it only goes up to 26 lbs where the pump ... A: Richard, I'm not a well expert, but I've working around a lot of wells and well repairmen. I think I ... | |
| Sediment (cold water only) | 8/4/2010 |
| Q: We live in manufactured home in a park, that has a well for all residents, the water is treated and ... A: Kristin, I remembered your first question and I appreciate you writing back with answers to MY ... | |
| follow-up to sticky faucet question | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I tried replying to your last post, but allexperts wanted me to post a new question. To answer your ... A: Tom, Yes, Allexperts only allows two follow-ups to the original question, then you have to start ... | |
| Sediment (cold water only) | 7/31/2010 |
| Q: We live in manufactured home in a park, that has a well for all residents, the water is treated and ... A: Is that heavy-duty filter system he installed just for your house or does it filter lines in other ... | |
| Bathroom sink pipe cover | 7/30/2010 |
| Q: The plate that covers the hole where the pipe comes out under the bathroom sink came off. What kind ... A: You didn't say if "the pipe" is one of the water pipes or the larger drain pipe that carries the ... | |
| High water bill | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: I have an extremly high water bill and am told I have a leak, but cannot find one. My house is ... A: So this plumber is just GUESSING? And he wants to tear up the concrete and repair the pipe [that may ... | |
| sticky bathroom faucet | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: I am starting to s.l.o.w.l.y look into doing various basic home repairs. One of the first things I ... A: You are welcome! But you didn't tell me if you fixed it! I do try to recommend that people buy the ... | |
| Plumbing Contract | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: What is the mining of rough plumbing inspection? Would you pay a plumber if he fail to pass ... A: This is tricky and I advise you to ask a few other experts as well, and read what I wrote below ... | |
| sticky bathroom faucet | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: I am starting to s.l.o.w.l.y look into doing various basic home repairs. One of the first things I ... A: Tom, I just sent you an answer a few minutes ago! Allexperts wasn't sending questions to me for a ... | |
| sticky bathroom faucet | 7/27/2010 |
| Q: I am starting to s.l.o.w.l.y look into doing various basic home repairs. One of the first things I ... A: Tom, I'm not sure if you saw the image that came across to me but it was quite dark. The ... | |
| Kitchen sink not draining | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a double kitchen sink and dishwasher that go into a p-trap in the cabinet under the sink, it ... A: Your description was excellent, though as you can imagine I had to sit here a while and picture it ... | |
| sticky bathroom faucet | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: I am starting to s.l.o.w.l.y look into doing various basic home repairs. One of the first things I ... A: Tom, Are you considering doing home repairs as a business? I guarantee plumbing will be your ... | |
| banging water pipes | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: we have a well and pressure tank with a bladder and is 5 yrs. old. The last 3 weeks we have banging ... A: Larry, In almost every case with banging in pipes the cause is a valve that is either not open ... | |
| leaky tub spout | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: Sharon, I have a single handle shower/tub with the diverter on the spout. I have no idea on the make ... A: Keith, The problem is in the main valve behind the handle, and if it is old that limits the brands ... | |
| moen 1222 posi-temp valve | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: I replaced the cartridge in my shower it stopped the leak just great but still can't get the water ... A: John, Sorry this answer is so late, the site hasn't sent me notification of questions for a week ... | |
| Moen faucet | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: My single lever moen faucet is reversed in that when moved to the left it provides cold water ... A: Ken, Sorry I'm answering 10 days late but I have not received a notice from the site for a whole ... | |
| Sucking and wooshing sound in main line | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: We have a house that is two stories above ground and one floor below grade(basement). When we flush ... A: Harold, Sorry this is ten days late, I have not received a question in a week from the site and I'm ... | |
| Kitchen faucet | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: Sharon, The kitchen taps with attached sprayer that my husband installed now has a slow drip. I cant ... A: This is one of those times I wish I could beam myself there. Most faucets, even those with "no name" ... | |
| Rootx | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: Greetings Sharon, You answered a ? for me a couple of days ago, and I was very pleased with your ... A: Elizabeth, Thanks for the great vote of approval in your review. Comments like yours make all the ... | |
| Bathroom Sink Cold Water Shut Off | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: The shut off valve is leaking under bathroom sink and would like to know how to fix myself; cold ... A: The first thing I recommend you do is take a dry rag and wipe the water off the valve. Using a ... | |
| well water faucets spitting | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: I read your answer to Audra about her faucets spitting, mostly from the hot water and you said it ... A: I recall rejecting a few well questions during the past few weeks, and this may be what you are ... | |
| Blocked Drain | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: Washing machine discharge drain piping is partially clogged. Home Warranty people SAY their ... A: You didn't say what kind of pipe it is. I suspect if the house was built in 1959 that the pipe may ... | |
| plumbing/commode | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: I have broken off the 'plastic' locknut under the tank that is connected to the supply line. I have ... A: Elizabeth, It sounds like this is the plastic nut that is permanently attached to the supply ... | |
| Geyser Faucet aerator is uniquely problematic | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: We have a newer home (five years old) and we've changed most of the faucets in the home, to replace ... A: I agree, any aerator, even cheaper models, will usually hold up for years! What puzzles me is you ... | |
| no hot water in garden tub | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: the separate garden tub in my master bath has no hot water. the water turns off in hot. 1 handle. ... A: I've had to send this reminder to many questioners, that I'm sitting her at my computer in Cave ... | |
| Bathroom sink pipes | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: My bathroom sink has gone from slow-draining to no-draining. Used commercial drain cleaners which ... A: You wrote that you took all the visible pipes apart and either cleaned or replaced them. Did you ... | |
| water leaking! | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: I have water seeping out from underneath my bathroom vanity. I do not know where it is coming from. ... A: You wrote back and said the tub is quite far from the vanity. What about the toilet? Sometimes water ... | |
| leak behind wall | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: Wet carpet in closet alerted me to leak. 2 bathrooms back up to each other. no leak from ... A: Roberta, So let me get this straight. The water leaks down only when the shower is on in the ... | |
| water leaking! | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: I have water seeping out from underneath my bathroom vanity. I do not know where it is coming from. ... A: Is your tub on a slab foundation, or it there a basement underneath, or is it an upstairs bathroom? ... | |
| tub faucet problem | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: I have a tub in which the cold water faucet just trickles. It is a 20+ year old house and the ... A: Margaret, So you're saying this is a tub and shower fixture, and both the hot and cold water run ... | |
| bathroom sink drain | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: My problem is I'm replacing my whole pop up drain assembly and the one in the bathroom sink i can't ... A: In 27 years, having replacing hundreds of pop-up assemblies, I think maybe two times I was able to ... | |
| Plumbing in a washer drain. | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: I live in a slab home and want to add a washer drain in a new laundry room. I have the slab open to ... A: Sometimes I wonder who writes these codes. The inspector said not to use any 90's, but consider ... | |
| Nat. Gas Hot Water Heater | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: Last night my garage was flooded with water and I discovered that water was POURING out of the TOP ... A: Robert, Sometimes one of the little pipes that are threaded into the top of the water heater ... | |
| leak behind wall | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: Wet carpet in closet alerted me to leak. 2 bathrooms back up to each other. no leak from ... A: The whole reason I decided to volunteer is to help people just like you, people laid off from their ... | |
| need to change tub/shower faucet | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a brass Delta 600 series single handle tub/shower faucet with push button diverter similar to ... A: First of all, a Delta fixture is ten times better than a Moen. If you did change these out you'd be ... | |
| sewer gas smell | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: We have a smell in the basement laundry room where the main floor drain is. It is generally worse ... A: Sewer gas odors are maddeningly difficult to pinpoint unless you can actually smell it coming from ... | |
| Troublesome Toilet | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: We've been having a difficult time with our toilet for quite awhile now. When you flush it, it just ... A: You may have inadvertently discovered the solution, which is there might not be enough water going ... | |
| Outside backflow preventer | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: Every time I turn my hose bib off, I get sprayed by the backflow preventer relief holes. I also ... A: This is the only way Allexperts allows us to add to our initial answer. I read your comment and I ... | |
| water pressure | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: Currently my outside faucets do not have enough pressure to drive the sprinkler. In the past both ... A: Something has obviously changed. Are you using the same sprinkler? Has your water pressure changed ... | |
| new pvc pipes now house smells | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: My home is over 50 years old and is connected to a septic tank. Recently we had to replace the ... A: You said all the cast iron pipes were replaced with PVC. I'm wondering if you meant ABS pipes, the ... | |
| shower/hot water heater | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: Everything was fine until the element went out in our hot water heater. After it was fixed, the ... A: I assume you had a plumber replace the element? I'm going to ask you a few questions so please write ... | |
| stuck shut-off valve | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: The shut-off valve to the toilet is frozen and cannot be moved! I have tried lubricant and ... A: You may have to replace the valve if nothing works. But you might try this. I expect the valve is a ... | |
| septic laterals | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: I want to check my septic laterals without digging or renting a camera for obstructions/collapsed ... A: Keith, If water is ponding in the lower part of the field, it seems logical that the water is ... | |
| Bath drain | 6/13/2010 |
| Q: We are somewhat puzzled by our master suit bath tab. We thought it was clogged up. We tried the ... A: Victor, Very odd. You said the water refuses to drain immediately, as soon as you open the ... | |
| Bath drain | 6/13/2010 |
| Q: We are somewhat puzzled by our master suit bath tab. We thought it was clogged up. We tried the ... A: I know you said this is a relatively new tub and it was added by the previous owner. So I'd guess ... | |
| septic laterals | 6/12/2010 |
| Q: I want to check my septic laterals without digging or renting a camera for obstructions/collapsed ... A: I have dealt with a lot of septic tanks and pipes going TO septic tanks, and in a few cases [even at ... | |
| bad rotten broccoli smell in bathroom...HELP!! | 6/11/2010 |
| Q: I am having a problem in my bathroom w/a strong,horrible broccoli type odor.Here is what I know:We ... A: First I want to ask YOU a question. What reason did you have to get the tank pumped? Was sewage ... | |
| Basement plumbing | 6/5/2010 |
| Q: I have recently dug a trench and installed the waste line vents, shower drain, sink and toliet. I do ... A: You wrote that you think you did everything correctly. If you did all this work by local code then ... | |
| Toilets | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: 1: What would cause a toilet to sometimes make a sound like someone blowing across the top of a ... A: David, The "fill valve", also called a "ballcock" is the part on the left side of the toilet ... | |
| question about clogs | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: I'm not sure if you can answer this, but I have a question about toilet clogs. When there is a clog ... A: I wrote a number of possible causes for this back-up. I asked you if it was occuring in any other ... | |
| question about clogs | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: I'm not sure if you can answer this, but I have a question about toilet clogs. When there is a clog ... A: That depends on the nature of the clog! Can you plunge the toilet and get it working, or is water ... | |
| waterpump | 5/31/2010 |
| Q: Pump was cycling every time water was turned on. I recharged the bladder with #20 and it started ... A: Clem, not sure how this happened, this is the same question I just answered a few minutes ago. I ... | |
| shower pipe obstruction | 5/30/2010 |
| Q: Answered my own question! Took the cartridge back off and looked in the valve body. The valve was ... A: Cal, I just sent my first answer, but before I checked your second e-mail. Good for you! Rust in ... | |
| shower pipe obstruction | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: How do you clean obstructions inside the valve body? I have a good American Standard valve body, ... A: Two things you might try. You could remove the cartridge, then turn on the water and let water blow ... | |
| kitchen sink vent | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: I don't have one going thru the attic and I'm having gurguling sounds when I let the water drain, ... A: I have come across this problem mostly in manufactured homes. For some reason, many of these pre-fab ... | |
| water supply line relocation for bathroom faucet | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: background: We are currently renovating our bath in our 1920s built house. A previous renovation was ... A: Jason, As long as the hot and cold lines are a few inches apart the cold line should be isolated ... | |
| HISSING SOUND | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: Not sure if my question was sent. But your earlier message to TRACY. Answer Dear Tracy, Hissing ... A: Tracy, Sorry, somehow I didn't receive your reply right away. The fill valve should stop hissing ... | |
| Slow draining kitchen sink | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: I read your response to Andrew (Oct 17, 2009) about a slow-draining kitchen sink after a renovation. ... A: I'm not sure what that plug was on your old drain, are you sure it was a 1/2" plug? I know some ... | |
| Static Water pressure does not change | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to lower my water pressure to 50 psi (part of a home inspection request for the sale of ... A: You described your set-up very well, especially explaining that the hose bibbs are on the line AFTER ... | |
| Leaking Shut Off Valve | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: I have what they call an "in line shut off valve" on my furnace's hot water line. It is the kind ... A: The color of the plastic coating on valve handles often has to do with the manufacturer! Many valves ... | |
| kohler cast iron tub | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: We recently purchased a new Kohler cast iron bathtub from our local kitchen & bath supply store. ... A: Sad to say, if you want to get a straight answer about any plumbing question, Home Depot is the last ... | |
| whining pipes | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: I'm in the UK, and I live in a house, split into two flats. I am upstairs. The problem I have is ... A: Yes, I can almost guarantee that the problem is the fill valve [ballcock] in the toilet. Even though ... | |
| bathroom sink drain gurgles | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a dual sink vanity and both bathroom sinks drain fine however, with one of the sinks after ... A: John, That is odd that this just started three weeks ago. I'd normally suspect some partial ... | |
| Drain Noise | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: A bathroom was remodeled on the second floor. The single vanity and sink was replaced with a double ... A: Elva, You said when the plumber puts pressure with his hands on the "drain pipe that leads ... | |
| bathroom sink drain gurgles | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a dual sink vanity and both bathroom sinks drain fine however, with one of the sinks after ... A: I've worked on many dual vanities where there was once ONE sink, and then the homeowner had a ... | |
| noise from toilet when turn on faucet | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: When we turn on the faucet in the master bathroom, there is a sound like air blowing through a ... A: Bob, I suggest you just replace the fill valve, also called a ballcock, in the toilet tank. The ... | |
| Kohler sink faucet k-6350 - trouble removing cylinder type nut | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: Would like to change a 3-hole to 1-hole installation of a single control kohler kitchen sink faucet ... A: The photo was great! It appears to me that the long hex nut has two functions. First it is threaded ... | |
| Delta shower leak | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: I had a repair man come in & replace the delta cartridge & my leak was fixed after months of ... A: Andrew, It could be one of two things depending on the type of shower fixture you have. If it's a ... | |
| Septic cleanout | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: Today when cutting the grass I cut the top of the clean out drain off, not just the fitted cap. I ... A: George, Consider yourself lucky that you have a cleanout and you know hwere it is!! The way to fix ... | |
| Well-X-Tron model WX-202 | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: In have a private well with a Well-X-Tron (model WX-202) tank connected. The pressure in the tank ... A: David, I'm not an "expert" on well systems, but it sounds like you may have a problem with the air ... | |
| Downstairs toilet bubbles when upstairs is flushed, then won't flush on its own. | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: OK, we just finished a remodel on a circa 1970 split level home. About a month ago, we had a local ... A: Aaron, If the plumber ran 65 feet of snake from a vent pipe on the roof consider that half of ... | |
| Repair of a Toilet | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: I have an American Standard toilet in the lower level bathroon in my home. The toilet is 22 years ... A: Is the toilet a two-piece [separate tank and bowl] or a one-piece [like the whole toilet is one ... | |
| Shower Handle | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: Along with my new house purchase I was lucky enough to gain good powerful shower. I was not ... A: Oh God, the predators are slobbering over this one!! What a pity, not all plumbers are greedy pigs ... | |
| whining noise from plumbing | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: I have a shallow well. It has an inline water filter past the well. I changed this filter and now I ... A: I do enjoy feedback, not only does it give me satisfaction after spending time answering, it also ... | |
| Kitchen sink drain leak/Drain Height wrong? | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: My husband and I redid our kitchen a few months ago and put in a garbage disposal in our new deeper ... A: Because the one pipe is lower than the pipe going into the wall, there will always be water in this ... | |
| bathroom vanity faucet | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: i have an older faucet over 20 years old, two plastic handles one faucet. The faucet drips i have ... A: A two-handle faucet that old that still works [except for a drip], would almost have to be a Price ... | |
| whining noise from plumbing | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a shallow well. It has an inline water filter past the well. I changed this filter and now I ... A: My experience with noisy pipes [other than pipes that are not properly strapped down in the wall] ... | |
| TPR Valve | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: Every six month or so, I open up the TPR valve on my gas hot water tank and flush some water ... A: Gord, The relief valve [I'll call it that since I do think we're on the same page here] screws ... | |
| Laundry outlet box | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: ..it's me again, with a NEW issue. The faucets in our current laundry room outlet box (that's not ... A: Gotcha. I now understand about those threaded extensions. NOT 1/2" copper male adapters. You did a ... | |
| TPR Valve | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: Every six month or so, I open up the TPR valve on my gas hot water tank and flush some water ... A: The cold water going into the tank runs through a long pipe down to the bottom. Hot water goes out ... | |
| Laundry outlet box | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: ..it's me again, with a NEW issue. The faucets in our current laundry room outlet box (that's not ... A: Up late answering YOUR QUESTION!!! LOL. I didn't bother looking at the link you sent, your ... | |
| Laundry outlet box | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: ..it's me again, with a NEW issue. The faucets in our current laundry room outlet box (that's not ... A: Dave, You are right, that "kit" is essentially for a new installation and really not very ... | |
| Shower faucet | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: I've started to get a black dirt, metal discharge, every time I turn the tub faucet on in the ... A: I've had this same question a dozen times but not lately so my answers would be pretty far back. ... | |
| dripping faucets/sink/shower | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: I called a plumber out to fix 4 vanity faucets, 1 shower and the kitchen sink (single arm faucet) to ... A: It sounds like the faucets have lever handles. Like both handles turn towards you to turn the water ... | |
| leaking faucet | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: I just replaced my vanity faucet in the bathroom. It is a two handle Glacier Bay. It doesn't leak ... A: Carrie, Good for you! You fixed it. I didn't mean to sound cranky when I answered, I just get very ... | |
| kitchen sink | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: We're having new counters installed, but I am doing the removal of the old - and beneath the sink ... A: You're talking about the brackets that hold the the old sink down tight to the countertop. Most of ... | |
| Toilet humming sound | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: pipes making humming sound after we flush toilet. What causes this and how do I sop it from doing ... A: I'd say 1/4 of my questions are almost identical to yours. Any time pipes hum [bang, chatter, ... | |
| leaking faucet | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: I just replaced my vanity faucet in the bathroom. It is a two handle Glacier Bay. It doesn't leak ... A: Carrie, I'm not sure, from your question, exactly where this water is leaking from. I really ... | |
| Drain Noises | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a two story home, and very near the main drain line that goes down from the second floor to ... A: Let me get this right. Your master bathroom sink is on the first floor? So I imagine the water pipes ... | |
| Moen faucet leak | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a leaky moen kitchen faucet (Extensa). I tried to open it and try to spot the problem. i ... A: Satya, I'd say it's not really difficult to replace a kitchen faucet, but it takes some work and ... | |
| Plumbing | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: What causes our water pipes to "hummmm" when either of our toilets are flushed? A: Bobby, I can almost guarantee that it's one or both of the ballcocks [also called fill valves]. ... | |
| Moen faucet leak | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a leaky moen kitchen faucet (Extensa). I tried to open it and try to spot the problem. i ... A: I'd say 90% of my plumbing calls about problem kitchen faucets are Moen and now, after 16 months of ... | |
| faucet plastic lock nuts | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: I'm curious about the plastic locknuts that appear to be used on all faucets now. I had a horrible ... A: Heidi, I didn't read this reply yet when I sent my little message back from your rating. Yes, the ... | |
| No water comes out of faucet | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a single handle Moen faucet in the laundry room sink. The last time the faucet worked,I had ... A: My favorite brand is Delta. I agree, the pull-out spout type would serve you well for bathing dogs ... | |
| slow running water | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: My faucets are progressively running slower, and slower! All over the house! We have hard water. ... A: Before you do anything radical, check all the aerators on the faucets. The parts on the spout-ends ... | |
| Drain pipe | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: Greetings. I am replacing a toilet (along with the floor) in a 30-year-old house. The flanged ... A: Dave, I've been in this situation. What I usually do if I'm "short" is divide the "shortness" ... | |
| Drain pipe | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: Greetings. I am replacing a toilet (along with the floor) in a 30-year-old house. The flanged ... A: My step-father taught me the plumbing trade 26 years ago. Before that I'd been a machinist ... | |
| Drain pipe | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: Greetings. I am replacing a toilet (along with the floor) in a 30-year-old house. The flanged ... A: I usually get questions about how to remove a faucet handle or why do I hear the sound of water ... | |
| No water comes out of faucet | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a single handle Moen faucet in the laundry room sink. The last time the faucet worked,I had ... A: OK, just to clarify, you said your sink has five holes? Three holes are used for the faucet, so do ... | |
| faucet plastic lock nuts | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: I'm curious about the plastic locknuts that appear to be used on all faucets now. I had a horrible ... A: Are you talking about the platic nuts that tighten the faucet UNDER the sink deck? They have sort-of ... | |
| Convert kitchen faucet to laundry faucet | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: I would like to use a kitchen faucet (Kohler, single handle) in place of my rather old laundry ... A: Mo, Interesting. I've installed dozens of laundry-tub faucets and I've never seen one with a trap ... | |
| Bathroom faucet stem | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I am fairly handy and have replaced faucet stems before but for some reason I am having a problem ... A: If the faucet has lever handles, then there is probably a "hot" stem and a "cold" stem for ... | |
| booming and swooshing in the wall as the water descends | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: We are at the first floor and when someone flushes the toilet upstairs you can hear a booming and ... A: You may need to write back because I have a few questions. You wrote "We are at the first floor" ... | |
| Convert kitchen faucet to laundry faucet | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I would like to use a kitchen faucet (Kohler, single handle) in place of my rather old laundry ... A: Your question was so precise and detailed and the problem is so unusual, I had to read it four times ... | |
| bellied sewer line under slab | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: I recently had a backup when wash machine was draining. Had water coming up in tub and under ... A: A few questions from me should help you decide whether or not to be concerned. 1. Was the blockage ... | |
| residential plumbing | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a client with a Temptrol mixing valve for the tub/shower. The valve handle is able to turn ... A: I'm not familiar with Temptrol and if you find you need to replace the cartridge [usually with a ... | |
| Shower water flow | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: When I pull the knob in our bathtub to use the shower only about half of the water is diverted to ... A: The diverter mechanism in the spout is not working. What happens is, the knob you pull up to divert ... | |
| Water leak | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: I have had a strong smell coming up from my basement over the past 8 months. I have had 6 plumbers ... A: Jeff, I'm not sure what's going on, but this question was the original question you asked me last ... | |
| Toilet Floater | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: The fills w/a mist of water no matter how I adjust the flow. The floater seems to be the problem. ... A: You can buy a Fluidmaster ballcock, which is the fill valve, at any hardware store for around $10. ... | |
| Well Pressure Gone and Back | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: We have had periodic low pressure in the house recently. Today, I was out running the hose off the ... A: Kevin, I should have chosen "explain to questioner why you can't answer" but I have an idea why ... | |
| Hot Water Heater - gas | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: I am getting some intermittent leaking from the relief valve especially when we return from vacation ... A: I will only address the pressure issue, not the "bucket" issue. A T&P valve has a rubber washer ... | |
| noises like machines running intermittenly | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: This is a new house, basement with sump pump but this is not sump pump noise. When the house was ... A: All I can tell you is a sound like you are hearing is almost always caused by a toilet. Two things, ... | |
| Plumbing noise | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: When the outside hose is turned at the rear sillcock and there is a nozzle on it, the pipes inside ... A: So you're saying this moaning only occurs when this nozzle is being used? And if that same hose bibb ... | |
| Pressure Regulator/Pipes Banging | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: Pipes in one area near/over the water pressure regulator started banging. After investigating, it ... A: Alan, Not sure. Is the pressure regulator before or after the main shut-off valve? Generally ... | |
| Water problem | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: I seem to have water coming in behind my washing machine. The block wall behind the washing machine ... A: that explained a lot. The more I read of your follow-up letter the more convinced I am that the odor ... | |
| Water problem | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I seem to have water coming in behind my washing machine. The block wall behind the washing machine ... A: You mentioned in you first letter that you thought this could possibly be a "landscaping issue". I'd ... | |
| moen kitchen faucet | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: What do I do about a Moen kitchen faucet handle that turns completely around and when you turn it on ... A: I've been doing plumbing repairs for 26 years. In all cases, when I felt a faucet was sturdy enough ... | |
| HELP!!!!!" | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: I'm renting a house from my boyfriends parents to scared to call with my plumbing emergency Last ... A: When you took your shower, did the water go down the drain or did it back up some? I'm trying to ... | |
| Noise in toilets and sinks | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: Why does my toilets and sinks sound like there blowing bubbles when I do laundry or flush toilet. ... A: This is a sure sign of a blockage in the main line. If there is even a partial obstruction, like ... | |
| Water problem | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: I seem to have water coming in behind my washing machine. The block wall behind the washing machine ... A: Clearly you realize there could be a number of reasons for this water leak. Do you use the washing ... | |
| loss of water to toilets | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: I lost water pressure to all 3 toilets. Ensured the internal tank valves were clear. Shut off ... A: Dave, This is a powder room toilet, right? So you have a sink in same the room? Is cold water ... | |
| terrible smell (sewar?) | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: We have lived in our home for over 25 years. At the time we purchased our home the previous owner ... A: I feel for you after you spent so much to make a nice place for your son. I'm assuming the bathroom ... | |
| loss of water to toilets | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: I lost water pressure to all 3 toilets. Ensured the internal tank valves were clear. Shut off ... A: I agree, if you have full volume at one toilet then the problem can't be outside the house. Pressure ... | |
| flip over plug is jammed | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a basin with a flipover plug. I was sponging a long-haired cushion and some of the threads ... A: When I read your question I immediately looked up to see if you lived in the UK. Sure enough. ... | |
| water pressure | 4/7/2010 |
| Q: I live in a house we built just 3 years ago. 5Ksf. My husband shut off the water in the laundry room ... A: Some questions I can start answering immediately, others, like yours, I have to sit and do "The ... | |
| running bathtub faucet | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: the tubs faucet will not stop running. i have tried to turn the knobs off but they got stuck. we ... A: You said "knobs" so I assume this tub faucet has two handles. I really sympathize, it sounds like ... | |
| Constant trickle in the drain system | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: I am having problems locating what I believe is a leak. I am supplied by a well which is shared with ... A: Any slow, constant or semi-constant leak into the main drain is almost always caused by a toilet. ... | |
| low water pressure on well system | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: I have a problem with low water pressure. Began about a month ago. I am on a well system. With no ... A: I am not an expert on wells, but I have a few ideas. It sounds like you have tried every avenue to ... | |
| drainfield | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: Sharon, I have a drain field aprox 20'w x 40' long its about 6 yrs old the problem is the very end ... A: Todd, I hate to tell you this, but having the tank pumped will have very little effect ... | |
| Low pressure at faucet | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: I recently went on vacation and turned the water off to the house at the shut off valve within the ... A: It sounds to me like either some dirt got into the line while you were gone, maybe from an outside ... | |
| bath faucet | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: i just installed a glacier bay tub faucet and when filling up tub water comes from shower head and ... A: I wish I could carry a sign in front of every Home Depot in the country saying "If you are coming ... | |
| Noise shortly after flushing toilet | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: My bathroom is on the 2nd floor. Each time I flush the toilet, after about a minute the pipes ... A: First let me ask if this has always been the case or has it just started? I have noticed over the ... | |
| toilet wont flush first time | 4/1/2010 |
| Q: I don't know how old my toilet is, but it has a float cup type ballcock. Anyway it won't flush the ... A: Usually this occurs for one of two reasons. One, the water level in the tank is too low. The water ... | |
| Grundfos hot water recirculating pump | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: I have a Grundfos recirculating pump that has not worked since I bought my house. The house is 6 ... A: I have installed a lot of Grundfos pumps, mostly on water heater circulating lines. The pumps I ... | |
| new sink and faucets | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: Just installed a new undermount bathroom sink and an aqua source faucet with 2 handles. Because of ... A: Absolutely. There are several ways to solve this. Your problem is, I think, that the extension piece ... | |
| Leaky Outside Faucet | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: We a nibco frostproof that is leaking and is located outside. How do we get the repaired? Were ... A: There are two places a hobe bibb can leak. One is a leak that is dripping constantly from the spout ... | |
| Bathroom vanity and sink | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: I currently have a 60 inch vanity with the sink on the right side. I want to get a 48inch vanity ... A: You'll probably still need to use longer feed tubes for the water and extend the drainline with a ... | |
| toilet problem | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: After flushing the toilet, the water does not go back in through the little hose into that pipe that ... A: I think you meant to say the little hose that goes into the center pipe that fills the "bowl", but ... | |
| Sewer Gas smell | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: I have had a sewer gas smell in my basement since october. I have had 6 plumbers visit my house and ... A: I imagine if the odor was coming from under the toilet or from the shower drain you'd smell it right ... | |
| Sewer Gas smell | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: I have had a sewer gas smell in my basement since october. I have had 6 plumbers visit my house and ... A: In my area, two small rural desert towns north of Phoenix, we have few residents and a lot of ... | |
| Bathroom vanity and sink | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: I currently have a 60 inch vanity with the sink on the right side. I want to get a 48inch vanity ... A: Good question. This will all depend on where the pipes are coming out of the wall in respect to ... | |
| fishy smell coming from the tub in the bathroom. | 3/27/2010 |
| Q: We have recently installed a new bathroom. It is lovely except for occasional fishy type smell ... A: You said "recently" installed bathroom. How recently? Like has the tub been used for 2, 4, 6, 8 ... | |
| plumbing | 3/27/2010 |
| Q: ok here it goes i live in a trailer and i have no running water inside my trailer but i have running ... A: Tonya, I'll need more information. Don't forget, I'm sitting here in Arizona at my computer ... | |
| DRAAAAINAAAAAAGE!!! | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: My bathroom sink and tub are not draining properly. When I take a shower, for instance, even with ... A: Don't think you're a dunce! This happens to everyone from time to time. You are correct about Drano. ... | |
| My hot water taps spit. | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: It sounds like I have the same problem as Rob. All our hot water taps spit air. But only the hot ... A: Audra, In my opinion there is nothing wrong with the water heater and it would be a huge waste ... | |
| Handle stops don't work & leak under sink | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: I have twin sinks in the bath with Delta model 4530 Innovations 2-handle mini-widespread faucets. ... A: Sometimes I wish I could beam myself to a person's house and look for myself! I understand now, ... | |
| basement sewer pump | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: We are on a septic tank system. There is a drain in the basement that has a pump which sends the ... A: I don't know that much about sewage pumps, but I believe the waste water goes from the pipes, ... | |
| My hot water taps spit. | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: It sounds like I have the same problem as Rob. All our hot water taps spit air. But only the hot ... A: I've been sitting here gazing at the ceiling trying to figure this one out. First, I can't figure ... | |
| Handle stops don't work & leak under sink | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: I have twin sinks in the bath with Delta model 4530 Innovations 2-handle mini-widespread faucets. ... A: Regarding your first question, that the handles don't "stop" as they did before, but continue to go ... | |
| Toilet not flushing. | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: I recently tiled my bathroom floor and installed a new toilet. I put on the spacers to get the ... A: Ron, So this is a new toilet? First thing to check is the water level in the tank. The level when ... | |
| Mansfield Toilet | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: I removed the tank from a 10-year old Mansfield toilet, round bowl to paint the wall behind it. I ... A: It sounds to me like this may have been a flaw in the casting of the bowl and they put that patch on ... | |
| P-trap hook-up to off-center wall drain | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: What PVC parts do I need to connect bath lavatory P-trap (1 1/4") to a wall drain(1 1/2") that is ... A: Jackie, I'm not sure if this is a two-part question, so I'll address both just in case. To make ... | |
| Switch Toilet and Shower | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: I would like to move the toilet to where the shower drain is and place a tub where the toilet was. ... A: Sherry, A toilet HAS to have at least a 3" diameter pipe. The pipe size for shower drains is 2". ... | |
| plumbing | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: why is there water damage and leakage on the ceiling directly below the toilet and wash basin. some ... A: A number of things could be causing this, so you'll have to check several places. The stain color is ... | |
| Drain backup | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: My second floor shower is backing up in the first floor kitchen sink. I have snaked all the drains ... A: Trust me, if the shower water is backing up in the kitchen sink below, those pipes are connected. If ... | |
| Shower faucet not giving enough hot water | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: We have a home with 3 bath rooms they all have moen single knob turn for water flow. One bathroom we ... A: If the Moen shower fixtures you have were installed in the last 8 years or so, they may be ... | |
| Outside faucet Backflow preventor | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: my out side faucets have finer threads then a Male Faucet thread so only this wierd backflow device ... A: Those fine threads may be the same as the fine threads on compression fittings. If so, you may be ... | |
| Trap issue with tile shower in basement | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a roughed-in for a shower and toilet in my basement. It consists of a 2 inch PVC drain and a ... A: I'm sure you know that all P-traps hold water, and that water functions as a barrier so sewer gas ... | |
| YAMFQ: Yet Another Moen Faucet Question | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a Moen Extensa Kitchen Faucet drip issue and I have the new cartridge and puller, but I ... A: The set screw in the small hole in the front of the handle needs to come out all the way for the ... | |
| closet flange | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: Sharon, My house is 20yrs old and when the cement contractors poured my slab they stepped on my ... A: Dennis, Yes, that's a big gap. Trying to straighten the flange would be a huge undertaking. I ... | |
| New home and adding water shut off valves | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: I have just purchased a new townhome. The builder is asking if we wish to upgrade and add Basin ... A: I've never heard of "Basin" valves so I just went to their website. The valves I found under ... | |
| showe stall sewer gas odors | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: I have been in my home for 26 years. I just had all my bathrooms remodeled. Since my MB has been ... A: Did the remodel include replacing the shower stall and flooring? You said these little flies came up ... | |
| water heater | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: Just purchased new water heater had 40 gal prev upgrade to 50 gal BC the old running out hot water ... A: Several things. First, even with a 50 gallon water heater, often two long showers will deplete the ... | |
| sewer system - submersible sewage pump | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: Over the wknd, with alot of rain and all the snow melting, I've noticed that the water was coming in ... A: Most maintainance landscapers in our area have small operations, three or four guys with a truck and ... | |
| Relief valve | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: On our incoming water line(city fed) just down stream of the main shut off valve is a relief valve ... A: Sounds like this might be a PVB valve [pressure/vaccuum breaker], often used on irrigation lines. ... | |
| Tub/shower knobs and hot/cold stems | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: We have the three separate knob type tub/shower controls. Recently, I removed all three stems and ... A: William, Correct. I'm not familiar with "Central" but it sounds very similar to Price Pfister. ... | |
| Toilet flush | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: My stool wont flush completely unless I hold the handle down. A: There are only two reasons this can happen on a toilet with a flapper. Most toilets have flappers. ... | |
| Tub/shower knobs and hot/cold stems | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: We have the three separate knob type tub/shower controls. Recently, I removed all three stems and ... A: Sounds like this is an older Price Pfister fixture. Only PP and American Standard made three handle ... | |
| no water or pressure | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: i have a deep well system and i have a bladder type pressure tank and i am not getting much of any ... A: I have on my "expertise" that I know a little about wells but I'm not an expert, so you may have to ... | |
| water temp | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: My shower has plenty of heat while my son's and my guest bathrooms do not. We have one hot water ... A: So odd, I just answered a question almost identical to this. You might check my two answers to ... | |
| cold shower / hot tub | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: In the same bathroom we have a separate tub and shower. The tub works great and always has very hot ... A: I've worked on three or four different makes of these fixtures, like Moen, Delta and so on. When one ... | |
| cold shower / hot tub | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: In the same bathroom we have a separate tub and shower. The tub works great and always has very hot ... A: Emily, That is odd! I expect the shower fixture is a single handle type. All of those have a ... | |
| DO I HAVE A LINE LEAK OIF SO HOPW DO I FIND IT | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: MY WATER FROZE DURING A ICE STORM WHEN IT THAWED THE PRESSURE TANK AND LINE CONNECTED AT IT WERE ... A: I'm sure this is very distressing. Also it sounds like you've done a lot of work trying to repair ... | |
| well water | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: my well water is cloudy when put in a glass then it clears up ,sometimes it is also rusty for a ... A: I've had many questions about air in lines [also rust] from wells. I talked to a retired pump man in ... | |
| noise from pipes | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: A family member of mine has been experiencing noise from his water pipes. I went over to look at it ... A: Is that noise they are hearing constant or intermittent? If it is intermittent, then I'd guess one ... | |
| Noise when turning off faucet | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: After we flush the toilet upstairs and turn on the faucet to washer our hands, when we turn off the ... A: I can almost guarantee that the banging noise is due to the fill valve in the toilet. The fill valve ... | |
| slow running water | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: Little by little the water has been running slower into my washer, kitchen, and bath. I have to ... A: Cheryl, I'd guess you either have a lot of minerals in your water, or some dirt has gotten into ... | |
| Toilet repair cost | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: We have floor rot from a seal leak. Toilet is removed and wooden flooring is rotten for about a ... A: I can only answer your plumbing questions. Questions about the flooring repair would need to be ... | |
| Think drainline backup, not sure | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: We just recently moved into a house that has been not in use for about 2+ years, it's actually one ... A: I'm a little confused, when you said you shoved your hand down inside the pipes and felt that woody ... | |
| Delta Shower Head Temperature Issue | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: We have had three new Delta single-handle shower heads installed as part of bathroom remodels within ... A: Sara, I'd say 75% of the questions I receive about shower fixtures have to do with these temp ... | |
| odor in basement | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: We live in the midwest. Our basement is finished. Last winter, and now this winter, beginning ... A: Dianne, My guess is it's not coming from the toilets or you'd smell the odor close to the ... | |
| drain smell | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Ive had this problem ever since ive moved in the house 10yr!! No-one can help, yesterday I had the ... A: Karen, Sewer odors are the most difficult problem to figure out!! I must get 3 or 4 questions a ... | |
| garbage disposer | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: My daughter put part of an artichoke down my disposal. When I went by the sink I noticed the water ... A: If the water seemed to begin leaking after you ran the dishwasher, it's possible the rubber ... | |
| Oklahoma Water Well | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: On Thanksgiving day when we filled the bathtub for bathtime we noticed that the water was very dark ... A: Ashley, When I clicked on your question [it didn't indicate "follow-up" on the e-mail] your ... | |
| water backed up in bath after doing laundry | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: the bathtubs have been having a slow drain after both showers were used and trouble flushing toilet ... A: Bummer that you just bought the house three months ago and this happened. Drain cleaners won't help ... | |
| Bubbling toilet ballcock | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: 1)I have an upstairs toilet that has had problems (unidentified) getting a good swirl and flush. ... A: Oh joy! You know the terminology! So nice not to have to do definitions first! When a ballcock takes ... | |
| drain line vent | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: no raincap on vent pipe. this extends appx. 4 feet above roof and has enough water in it to block ... A: Charles, Even without a cap, any rain falling into the vent pipe should go down and into the ... | |
| Toilet Problem | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: I have a split level home and I am replacing the toilet in the half bath on the lower ground level ... A: Michael, Was this a brand new toilet you used? From what you wrote, I also suspect there may be ... | |
| Follow up on septic problem | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: when they drilled the new drywell, after about 6 feet of clay they ran into caliche, the greyish ... A: Mike, CC Rd and Cactus is quite a bit south of the town of Cave Creek, but I know you have a ... | |
| sewar smell | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: We remoleded our bathroom and have had a sewer smell. We have had plumbers comeout and checked ... A: Greg, Did you have the toilet replaced in that remodel? Or new flooring? If you had tile ... | |
| smell from faucets | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: We have a 15 year old home on the coast of Ga. We purchased it about 4 years ago and added a master ... A: I chose to answer your question, but I'm not sure if I can help you with this! It's very odd! First ... | |
| water heater and pressure tank problems | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: I am having some serious plumbing issues. For general information, I have a well and septic system. ... A: Glad to hear about your job! I'm not sure I can answer all your questions, but I'll give it a shot. ... | |
| Septic Backup | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: What would cause a 3 year old leach pit to fail? My original pits did the same thing before i had ... A: Mike, I guess I should have asked the first time if your well was loaded. I wouldn't have ... | |
| Septic Backup | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: What would cause a 3 year old leach pit to fail? My original pits did the same thing before i had ... A: Mike, When you say "drywells" what exactly do you mean? Also, you said there are no roots in the ... | |
| Septic Backup | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: What would cause a 3 year old leach pit to fail? My original pits did the same thing before i had ... A: You may live down the street from me! I live in Cave Creek where probably 3/4 of the residents have ... | |
| Moen to Delta Kitchen Faucet | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: If I change my Moen kitchen faucet to a Delta faucet will I be able to use the same valve or do I ... A: I'm not sure what you mean by "valve". If you are referring to the hot and cold valves under the ... | |
| So, what IS a good brand nowadays? | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: "Moen. Used to be the best. Now it's probably the most troublesome brand on the market", you told ... A: I wish more people would ask first before buying a "brand"! Good thinking! My personal favorite is ... | |
| sulfur smell | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I have an above ground waste system hooked up to my shop sink. The waste system has a plastic case ... A: Did you smell this sulfur odor when you opened the casing and replaced the pump? Most pumps need to ... | |
| well pressure tank | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: I recently have experienced some short cycling of our well. I have a Wellxtrol 202 that is ten ... A: I probably should have chosen explain to questioner why you can't answer because I'm not sure what I ... | |
| hot water heater | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: We have had 2 hot water heaters, that seem to have the same problem. We have spent a lot of money ... A: The problem is one [or more] of the thermostats. The thermostat in an electric water heater controls ... | |
| leaky plastic connection | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: Recently I purchased a "whole house" water filter that consists of two filters. They are plastic and ... A: Bob, When I apply teflon tape, even on small threads, I usually make 5 or 6 full wraps on the ... | |
| bath/shower valve | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: When turning the tub/shower valve to shower, the water still comes out of the tub faucet. There is ... A: I'm guessing this is an older [virtually indestructable!] Price Pfister fixture. The diverter stem ... | |
| Septic smell when we use sink. | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a first floor bathroom with a sink, toilet and washer and dryer all vented on one roof vent. ... A: I suggested removing the trap just to see if there may be something in there like a Q-tip or some ... | |
| leaky water heater | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: I live in a rental house that was recently switched from gas to electric water heater. For awile ... A: When you said "pressure control valve" I assume you are talking about a pressure regulator, a device ... | |
| well? | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: We have noticed in the past year that while taking a shower the water will just stop and then ... A: I had a similar question just about a year ago, not long after I started volunteering. I have some ... | |
| bath tub faucet | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: in my bath tub the hot water just drizzles but i have plenty cold water and hot water is working all ... A: There are dozens, hundreds! of types of tub fixtures, and almost as many reasons for them to ... | |
| Septic smell when we use sink. | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a first floor bathroom with a sink, toilet and washer and dryer all vented on one roof vent. ... A: Has anyone taken the sink trap off to see if something is stuck down in the trap? I had a customer ... | |
| water pressure | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a 3 year old home. The water pressure has always been between 35 - 45. Is this ok? We have ... A: If 35-45 is working for you, then I'd say it's OK. Ideal water pressure is 60psi. Most complaints ... | |
| leaky plastic connection | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: Recently I purchased a "whole house" water filter that consists of two filters. They are plastic and ... A: I'd be interested to see this unit, you said that both sides are "male" threads. So there must be a ... | |
| Bathroom sink leak | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I just replaced a faucet and pop up assembly in an old Unilav bathroom sink and it’s leaking from ... A: Did you put a thick "rope" of plumber's putty under the flange before you tightened everything down? ... | |
| pipes | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: my pipes are making a knocking noise , can this be air in the pipes , if not would can cause this. A: This is my most common question! In my experience, virtually all knocking [banging, whistling, ... | |
| Kitchen Faucet - no water | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: My Kitchen faucet has no water coming out of it. It is the type you raise the handle to turn it on, ... A: Sounds like a Delta. Do you have a side sprayer? If so, does the sprayer work? With a side spray ... | |
| No water volume in entire master bath | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: Both hot and cold have little water volume.And it is affecting every valve in this bathroom.trying ... A: I've had so many questions lately I can't always recall the details of my answers. I believe I ... | |
| toilet bowl water | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: We have a toilet that loses it's bowl water after flushing and yet we can find no signs of leakage ... A: Carol, I assume you did check the little tube that goes to the overflow pipe. As I mentioned, if ... | |
| water heater making banging and dripping noises | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: my water heater of and on makes banging and dripping noises. i am no handy man and i am very ... A: It would really help to know if you have an electric or natural gas water heater, or if it's a ... | |
| help | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: I have a price pfister one handle pull out and turn for hot and cold model handle that is leaking ... A: I honestly think the O ring you referred to is just part of the handle assembly and has nothing to ... | |
| kitchen sink and washer backing up into bathtub | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: my kitchen sink is backing up into my bathtub, and only my bathtub of the 2 baths in the house. ... A: OK, first, did the plumber know that the kitchen drain is backing up into the tub? If so, get ... | |
| Little water pressure in entire master bathroom | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: This could get lengthy.Plumber that I use for remodel re-did all valves and fixtures in master ... A: You were very thorough, but I'd like to know if you are talking about both hot and cold water to all ... | |
| handyman or plumber for installing a bathtub waste and overflow trap. | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: I noticed icicles coming from the outside bottom of my condo overhang (resulted from water that was ... A: I just re-read your question three times and I'm still not clear about what happened. I'd really ... | |
| loud ttoilet | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: All of a sudden when we flush the toilet, while the water is filling the sound is so loud? We have ... A: The cause of this is almost always some small obstruction in the tube inside the fill valve ... | |
| water pressure | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: We have started having a problem with our water pressure while taking a shower. We have a two head ... A: When the water stops flowing from the shower-head, do you sense any air coming through before the ... | |
| smelly drain and muck in drain | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: Sharon, We live on a slab and have a drain in one of our closets. I have noticed this drain ... A: This is an interesting question! Since it doesn't overflow, I doubt the muck in the drain got there ... | |
| Rusting on sink drain opening | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: The chrome rim that surrounds the drain opening (and stopper) on the bathroom sink has a patch of ... A: The metal flange you're talking about is chrome-plated, which means there is a thin layer of chrome ... | |
| toilet bowl water | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: We have a toilet that loses it's bowl water after flushing and yet we can find no signs of leakage ... A: Carol, Why this is happening depends on whether the bowl simply doesn't fill up after the flush, ... | |
| retrieving from a flush | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: Where is the trap, I've been sick and lost my bottom plate of my dentures, flushing before I ... A: The trap in a toilet is formed into the base right behind the bowl. When the water and paper etc. in ... | |
| Hot water heater in garage | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: I am an FHA appraiser and have to be concerned with health and safety issues. A new hot water ... A: I assume this is a gas water heater. Only gas water heaters need to be raised off the floor, and ... | |
| Rudd Glas Pacemaker | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: Can you tell me when this water heater was made? Ser# Ru1195131686 Mod#PE 40-2 c A: It's not hard to find out. You can either call the phone number listed on the label or go to the ... | |
| faucet leak and protable dishwasher | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: we recently change our kitchen sink to a new undercounted sink with a single hole lever type faucet ... A: Kwong, Adding a separate line for the dishwasher, as I described, would not be hard-wiring. I ... | |
| platic ball cock leak | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: The very top of the plastic ball cock is spritzing out water. The tank refills with no problem and ... A: Dot, It sounds like you have a Fluidmaster ballcock, that type has a black cap on top and a ... | |
| leak from upstairs washroom | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I bought a house a year ago, in 2009, there is hole in the connection pipe in the washroom upstairs ... A: I'm surprised this leak in the ceiling didn't show up until recently. I imagine if the water has ... | |
| Tapping sound in pipes | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: We are getting a TAPPING SOUND in the pipes. Sometimes when the water is running... sometimes when ... A: I've been in the repair business almost 27 years. In all instances I've come across, a banging, ... | |
| water pressure | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: I live in Ga. the pipes froze over the weekend. well that started the trouble!!!!! replaced pipe ... A: Jillian, Questions for you...what pipe burst? Also, I'm assuming you mean the bladder in the ... | |
| leaking at shower head-old plumbing | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: My mother's house is about 40 years old. The shower is leaking water out the shower head. The hot ... A: Patti, Good for you for wanting to try! I'd guess the fixture is either a Price Pfister or an ... | |
| water shortage | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: no incoming water to flat, may be a frozen pipe. cant locate or open the stopcock. please ... A: I've received dozens of frozen pipe question this past week, evidently the extremely low ... | |
| unusual cold | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I moved into this place in oct. of 2008 and the water pipes were pretty clogged.The plumber and the ... A: I have a hunch some or all of the pipes in your house are galvanized. I'm wondering what the plumber ... | |
| shower mixer valve | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a single operating handle. Installed a new shower head 6 months ago. Water pressure was fine ... A: Did you take the shower head off and see if you have a good volume of water coming out the pipe? ... | |
| No hot water | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: We are having some unusually cold weather here, low teens at night. This morning there was no hot ... A: Is your house on a slab, or is there a basement or crawl space underneath? I'm guessing no basement ... | |
| Hot Water Heater | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: There is no water coming out of the hot water spigots in the house but cold water coming out of the ... A: Right now I'm getting lots of "no water" questions, and most have to do with the very cold weather. ... | |
| Moen Extensa faucet drips | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: How do i remove and replace the cartridge on a Moen faucet 7560? A: Every time I get a Moen question I cringe. Moen was one of the best until about 12 years ago, now ... | |
| water not coming from all faucets | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: My husband was going to go shave in our masterbath. he discovered no water coming from his and hers ... A: It's likely the water in the pipes going to the sinks froze, but that does not necessarily mean they ... | |
| driping water | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: my washers outlet water hose sprung a leak. i got a universal replacement hose, was told to use a ... A: Did you make sure there were rubber hose washers in those connectors before you screwed then on? If ... | |
| kohler toilet | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1.6 gallon kohler toilet that is about 8 years old. I have noticed that the amount of time ... A: Very likely that is the problem. Little particles can come through the water and plug up the tube ... | |
| 1912 Plumbing Issues | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: We've been having issue with water coming up out lead sinks in the basement. (Sewage backup)My ... A: First, I can't tell you either what is happening or what to do, and I advise you to ask all the ... | |
| water pressure drop | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I turned off the water for a while yesterday at the main valve outside my house. When I turned it ... A: What is dropping is the VOLUME of water. Pressure is always constant regardless of the size of the ... | |
| humming in water lines | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: Everytime we run water at our house the water lines start humming.It started out as a low hum and ... A: Does this happen when you open ANY faucet in the house? Or flush any toilet? In almost all cases, ... | |
| Knocking when I Drain Sink. | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: Every time I drain the sink I hear a knocking under the floor. It's defiantly when I am draining it ... A: I read your question late last night after I'd answered about 6 others, and I honestly didn't have a ... | |
| Switched around the hot & cold temperature! | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: I just replaced my Moen showerhead with a Waterpik handheld showerhead. After successfully doing ... A: Terri, Very late so I'll be brief. Oddly, this is the exact same question I just answered and the ... | |
| Shower faucet | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: What would cause my shower have cold water in the hot position and hot in the cold position on a ... A: Luci, Is it a Moen? The Moen cartridge can have hot and cold reversed simply by turning the ... | |
| frozen pump | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: Our vacation home in north florida uses a well with pump. We recently had temps down to 17 degrees. ... A: I'm not an "expert" with water well systems but I do know a lot of basics since many residents in my ... | |
| Lingering Smell & Now a Leak | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: For the past few days (almost a week now I guess), we have noticed a strong urine-like smell in our ... A: Megan, You said your husband was using the sink when you heard the thump, then you said you ... | |
| Rebuild mixing valve | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: How difficult is it to rebuild a Watts mixing valve? My plumber quoted $150 which sounded high. I'd ... A: I figured that out when I checked Ambassador on the net! Many of their water heaters are also ... | |
| Plumbing problem | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: Our raised ranch home has a septic system which was last pumped four years ago. We have always had ... A: I need some clarification. I know you wrote that the gurgling toilet and shower are on the upper ... | |
| Shower pressure | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I have a perplexing problem that I hope you can shed light onto. Brief background: My wife and I ... A: I can't guarantee any simple answers, but let me ask you this. When you removed the shower head to ... | |
| Rebuild mixing valve | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: How difficult is it to rebuild a Watts mixing valve? My plumber quoted $150 which sounded high. I'd ... A: So you have your own natural gas water heater that provides hot water to only your unit? And you own ... | |
| Burping toilet | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: Sharon: I recently installed a new washing machine drain, kitchen sink drain and a new toilet and ... A: OK, do you mean the kitchen line runs 12 feet BEFORE it is vented? And same with the washing machine ... | |
| toilets back up | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: This is a septic system. At various times, all 3 of my toilets may back up. I have always been ... A: Almost everyone in my area is on a septic system so I'm very familiar with them. Rarely is a problem ... | |
| dripping shower head | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I live in central Texas and for the last two days we have been at or just above freezing temperture ... A: Have you had any freezing in your water pipes? Like enough that water flow was restricted? Generally ... | |
| Inside water pressure | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: I own a 1996 mobile home. In the house there are 3 sets of spigots, the bathrooms on each end of the ... A: I imagine the aerator is partly plugged with particles. On the end of the spout there is a removable ... | |
| hot water heater | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: My son in law replaced the heating element in the bottom of the hotwater heater. I now have no ... A: First, what symptoms did you have that caused him to believe that the problem was the lower element? ... | |
| flapper | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: I think I may have talked to you before about my stool flushing itself every once in a while. I ... A: There is another cause for the water level dropping, but much less common that replacing the ... | |
| Burping toilet | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: Sharon: I recently installed a new washing machine drain, kitchen sink drain and a new toilet and ... A: Did you connect all these drainlines to a vent? Without venting, water will not flow freely. When ... | |
| Shower Leak | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: My shower head drips. I have removed it and checked the o-rings. Seems fine. I did notice that ... A: A shower head doesn't "cause" a drip, the drip is caused by some worn part in the main valve that ... | |
| Standing valve | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: The standing valve in the tank of the toilet does not lock off.I bought a new one and it still does ... A: Sorry it's been 3 days. Did you adjust the float on the new one to "stop" before the water reaches ... | |
| Moen Shower Handle | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a cartridge type Moen shower handle. I know how to replace the cartridge, or think I do; I've ... A: This is the only way I can reply to your comment, to "revise" my original answer. I really recommend ... | |
| combi boiler | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: i can get plenty bof hot water out of the mixer tap downstairs in kitchen but i can only turn taps ... A: This is very puzzling. Have you had any changes in your plumbing recently? Pressure changes? Pipe ... | |
| Water Heater | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: Have little hot water. Started suddenly this a.m. Wife took 5-10 minute shower and before I finished ... A: The reset button always protrudes a little bit, and really not much more when it pops. The way to ... | |
| Sewer gas in home | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: We purchased our home 20 years ago. It was built in 1852. The gentleman who owned our home before ... A: I get many many sewer gas questions, and I always explain that this is often the most difficult ... | |
| Basement Floor Drain Overflowing | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: I have been renting an older duplex home that has a floor drain in the basement for two years. When ... A: Plugging up the floor drain!! What an idiot! Did he honestly think that would stop this backing up ... | |
| Water Heater | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: Have little hot water. Started suddenly this a.m. Wife took 5-10 minute shower and before I finished ... A: I'm really glad you wrote back, because that scalding water is a sign that one of the thermostats is ... | |
| Spitting Tobacco and Drainage Problems | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: My husband spits in the sinks in the house. I never had drainage problems until he came. He won't ... A: I had almost the exact question about a month ago, and I asked a few friends who "chew". There are ... | |
| Squishy sounds when sitting on the toilet... | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: I think my wax seal is no longer stable under the toilet because when I sit - I hear squishy sounds ... A: Do you still feel a "rocking" when you sit down on it? Even though you tightened the bolts? ... | |
| bathtub slow drain leak | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: Obviously, this is not the way to soak in a tub, nor do the kids like it when they are playing and ... A: Clearly, the stopper is leaking. The plug that goes down to hold the water in. There are so many ... | |
| Water Heater | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: Have little hot water. Started suddenly this a.m. Wife took 5-10 minute shower and before I finished ... A: Most of the time I have to ask questioners for more details. You gave me all the details I need! ... | |
| Intermittent toilet leak @ base | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a tenant who claims that her toilet leaks at the base 2+ cups of water from one of the bolt ... A: With 26 years of service plumbing behind me, I have had many calls about water on the floor around a ... | |
| leaking in outside wall | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I am having a leak in my master bedroom in my carpet and it seems it is coming from the outside pipe ... A: Is the hose valve [usually called a hose bibb] leaking? Possibly around the base of the handle? If ... | |
| Delta pressure too high | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a house built in 07 with Delta single handle showers. One is a tub shower with single handle ... A: Very interesting! Usually people complain that they get too little volume in their shower! In fact, ... | |
| sink hot water valve | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: The hot water pressure is at about 25% after I replaced the old faucet. It looks like the hoses are ... A: Actually it's the volume of water that is low, pressure is always constant. This is what I do in ... | |
| combi boiler | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: i can get plenty bof hot water out of the mixer tap downstairs in kitchen but i can only turn taps ... A: I'm not sure what you meant when you wrote "I can only turn taps on slow in bathroom upstairs". Did ... | |
| groaning faucet when using sprayer | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: When using the separate sprayer at our kitchen sink it works fine until the button is released and ... A: All groaning, banging, whistling, chattering sounds are caused by a partly open or restricted valve ... | |
| no hot water in bathtub | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: my bathtub has a Kohler faucet.for some time now we have not been getting any hot water in the ... A: Is this a single handle fixture where there is a lever handle that starts at the bottom and turns ... | |
| water hammer? | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: All of a sudden the pipes in my house are banging. It seems to be the worst when the toilets are ... A: I have a hunch the timing you mentioned is co-incidental. I'd say 75, maybe 80% of pipe banging ... | |
| pressure problems | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: Our water heater went out we replace with a used one a family member gave us it filled out line with ... A: It really sounds like there is some object in the pipe going to the tub and kitchen fixtures. When ... | |
| Delta shower mix valve mix-up | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: Sharon. You mention in one of your answers that Delta is your favorite. I hope, therefore, that ... A: The scald-guard fixtures of all brands are a fairly new development and all of them are a big pain. ... | |
| Dripping pipe that goes out wall to septic system | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: My name is Jim seen story of Laura who had a drip from pipe in her house that goes to septic pipe ... A: I may have thrown you off about three responses. You can keep writing, but after three you have to ... | |
| water pipes | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: We have a gas water heater.I would say its about 10 years old. We have had knocking mostly when the ... A: Debbie, OK, excellent answers! So you hear no knocking when you turn the hot and cold on the ... | |
| Dripping pipe that goes out wall to septic system | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: My name is Jim seen story of Laura who had a drip from pipe in her house that goes to septic pipe ... A: I really want to help you with this. I'm not given access to your e-mail address on this site, so we ... | |
| water pipes | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: We have a gas water heater.I would say its about 10 years old. We have had knocking mostly when the ... A: I have a few questions for you, and your answers will help clarify so I can try to give you a ... | |
| water pressure problems | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: my incoming water pressure is 42psi at the outside faucet. If you flush a comode and wash your hands ... A: Ideal water pressure for a residence is 60psi. Your pressure is quite low, and it's not surprising ... | |
| running water in toilet | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: The water keeps running in the toilet after it is flushed. I took the back off to see what was ... A: First, is this toilet a two-piece type, like does it have a separate tank and bowl? The reason I ask ... | |
| plugged hot water line in kitchen | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: We just recently moved into a house and some of the water wasn't working, I have been able to get ... A: Whatever debris that was in the aerator screen is probably in the hot water line somewhere. How I ... | |
| Check valve installed backwards | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: I recently had a problem where there was a backup in my cleanout. I had it snaked out and things ... A: So glad you wrote! First, I'd like you to write back and tell me as many details as you can about ... | |
| Master Shower pulsation | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: Sharon, The website would not let me respond to your third follow up so I am posting this new ... A: James, We've gone over so many ideas I can't recall if I suggested this, or if you tried it ... | |
| Howling Kitchen Faucet | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a howling kitchen faucet, only on cold. Single handle faucet. Noise goes away when I move ... A: Do these granules show up in your other faucet aerators? Do you have a lot of minerals in your ... | |
| Changing Bathtub Spout | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to change a universal tub Spout with hand shower fitting. When I screwed off the spout ... A: I don't hear that name very often, my best friend in high school was Marguerita. What tool did you ... | |
| Master Shower pulsation | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: Sharon, The website would not let me respond to your third follow up so I am posting this new ... A: I reread your first questions last time and don't recall that you'd mentioned this was an anti-scald ... | |
| Overflow @ kitchen sink | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: We are replacing kitchen faucet %26 I want to install the soap dispenser that is included. Currently ... A: That unit [mostly obsolete now] is there to prevent "backflow" into the dishwasher. If the ... | |
| Master Shower seat chatter | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: First, thanks for your help. My master shower has started to make some very loud seat chatter. It ... A: I'm glad all our previous correspondences came up because it's been a while! I doubt a rise in water ... | |
| Hot Water Trickles out of bathtub faucet and shower nozzles | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: Sharon, you answered a question for me regarding whether or not our tub/shower fixture was a 2 ... A: You didn't mention what brand of fixture you have, and I probably didn't ask! If there is some name ... | |
| clogged drian | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: why do a get a backfill in the kitchen sink when i use my dishwasher. all other drains in the house ... A: Does your dishwasher drain hose connect to a garbage disposal? And does the water back up only into ... | |
| pressure problems | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: Our water heater went out we replace with a used one a family member gave us it filled out line with ... A: The problem you are having is not water pressure, it's VOLUME. Whatever pressure is coming in ... | |
| Noise in the pipes | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: Our upstairs bathroom has recently started making these loud noises. It does not sound like what ... A: I'm guessing the problem is in that toilet, but not what you thought. Almost all banging, thumping, ... | |
| Mansfield Toilet issue | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: I have an issue with my Mansfield toilet. Our house is 7 years old. Las night, I noticed that, ... A: The Mansfields have an entirely different flush valve assembly from other toilet brands. Your ... | |
| bathroom drains | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: Good morning, My question is about our bathroom. The bathtub starting having issues with draining ... A: First, I'd guess the sound of running water is coming from the toilet. Either the flapper is bad [or ... | |
| expansion tank | 12/21/2009 |
| Q: I have to change the boiler in my home. The instructions for the new boiler states that the ... A: I have not worked on systems with expansion tanks, but I'm somewhat familiar with them. I agree, all ... | |
| Hot Water Trickles Out of Bathtub Faucet and Shower Head | 12/21/2009 |
| Q: We are experiencing a problem in one of our bathrooms. Upon turning on the water in the bathtub ... A: Is your tub/shower fixture a two-handle model? If so, it might be that some sediment has gotten into ... | |
| water pipes | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: I never heard water moving through my pipes like they are this winter. If I didn't know what the ... A: Sounds like you have two problems! I'll address the running water first. My first thought is you ... | |
| Remove rusted tub spout nipple | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: I read your response about why rust water comes out of tub spout. I unscrewed the spout and the ... A: In most cases, there is a longer nipple, about 5" long, or a piece of 1/2" copper pipe stubbed out. ... | |
| Double sinks not draining well with clear pipes | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: A few months ago I had a clog under a double sink, cucumber rinds packed into the connection where ... A: Whitney, You made this is quite clear now. As far as the distance of the pipe leaving the ... | |
| Double sinks not draining well with clear pipes | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: A few months ago I had a clog under a double sink, cucumber rinds packed into the connection where ... A: I'm sure you have all the pipes back together just fine. When you wrote the last sentence, that "the ... | |
| no water in hot water line in shower | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: My wife & I just bought a country house in upstate NY. We ran the shower this morning and there was ... A: I'm assuming you have separate hot and cold valves on this shower. you said there is NO water coming ... | |
| Oh Hot and Cold | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: Sharon, we have recently purchased a 5 year old home. We have a 40 gallon water heater centered in ... A: First, 70psi is an acceptable pressure. 60psi is considered ideal for a residence, so yours is a ... | |
| Water Heater | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I wasn't sure if water heaters fell under plumbing or heating and air...but let's give it a shot. I ... A: From the sound of it you have a gas water heater. Because it's old, there may be several things ... | |
| Bathroom sink cold water knob | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: Is there any logical reason why my cold water knob on my bathroom sink would turn on by itself? It ... A: This can happen with certain types of fixtures, generally it's due to a loose "O" ring in the stem. ... | |
| Basement Bath Rough In | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I want to install a toilet and sink in my basement. I need some help identifying all the ... A: I'm glad you were able to send that photo. I'm confused about the diameters of the pipes you ... | |
| Delta tub/shower install trickle flow of water | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I just read on this site your response to a similar problem with the Delta Mulitchoice series 13/14 ... A: and congratulations on solving the problem. It sounds like the problem was the usual old rust in the ... | |
| Foul odor coming from exterior vent stacks | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: Im having an issue with a foul septic odor on the exterior of a house from the roof vent stacks. ... A: I just looked up studor vents, I've seen these used on manufactured homes and trailers that aren't ... | |
| Leaky tub faucet | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: We bought a cartridge for Dial (PS702 by PlumbShop) to replace our existing one (not sure about the ... A: Sorry, I was away from the computer yesterday so I'm a day late. I saw the photo of the stems. These ... | |
| leaky tub drain | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: Good morning, I live in south Florida. Recently my daughter purchased a second floor two bedroom, ... A: In my 26 years of service plumbing I've seen water leaking down from a tub above dozens of times. ... | |
| fireplace and plumbing | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: you answered a question i had about sewer odors,thanks buy the way. About the fireplace,i added that ... A: Aha! I hadn't thought of that angle. But if that were happening, I'd think the sewer gas from the ... | |
| Delta tub/shower install trickle flow of water | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: I just read on this site your response to a similar problem with the Delta Mulitchoice series 13/14 ... A: When I say the "spout", I mean the actual tub spout, not the pipe going down. To activate a shower ... | |
| Delta tub/shower install trickle flow of water | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: I just read on this site your response to a similar problem with the Delta Mulitchoice series 13/14 ... A: When I'm confronted with a problem that is basically invisible, like sewer odors or thumping in ... | |
| Water Leak | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: Monday morning I was taking a shower and my wife said we had water coming out of the canned lights ... A: Water leaking down through the ceiling [commonly through a light fixture which is the easiest route] ... | |
| Delta shower facet problem | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: I took apart my two handle shower controls to replace the cartridge and replace the seats. This is a ... A: I loved that! Are you from Chicago? I was born and raised on da Sout' Side and lived in da city for ... | |
| Sporadic hot water in only one tap | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: Sharon, I live in an older home, with a gas water heater. In my upstairs shower, the hot water ... A: It sounds to me like you have a problem with that shower fixture. If you are certain that even when ... | |
| sewer odors | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: i have odors coming from my sewer .as far as i can tell it is coming from under my main level ... A: Wow, the fire in the fireplace really threw me for a loop! The only connection I could figure with ... | |
| Leaky tub faucet | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: We bought a cartridge for Dial (PS702 by PlumbShop) to replace our existing one (not sure about the ... A: No photos came through with your reply. Sorry. I wasn't aware that you have separate hot and cold ... | |
| gas water heater(Bradford White) | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a gas water heater. It seems to stick because it won't turn on and get to temp. til you run ... A: Are you getting any warm water at all? Did you check to see if the pilot light is on? Or did you ... | |
| 1960 Eljer Toilet | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: I have an Eljer toilet marked June 30, 1960 with no visible serial number. The problem is that the ... A: I'll answer your second question first. Probably not. All new tanks are low-flow, all that goes out ... | |
| kitchen clog | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: "here's as much info as i can fit. we are on a city water system. our kitchen sink is clogged for ... A: Considering some of the unusual names I respond to, yours wasn't really that difficult!! I still ... | |
| plumbing | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: can i plum a washing machine near my combi boiler [ie 1mtre away] to the its cold inlet & hot ... A: I'm not familiar with a combi boiler, but I assume it's pretty much the same as a gas or electric ... | |
| Gurgling coming from kitchen drain | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: My kitchen drain has a gurgling or burping noise when the sump pump kicks on. I am trying to sell ... A: The observation of dye on the surface at the end of the leach field may indicate that the field is ... | |
| kitchen clog | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: "here's as much info as i can fit. we are on a city water system. our kitchen sink is clogged for ... A: This is very common with older pipes. I'm sure you've gotten into the crud that collects on the ... | |
| Delta tub/shower install trickle flow of water | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: I just read on this site your response to a similar problem with the Delta Mulitchoice series 13/14 ... A: Good old galvanized, or should I say BAD old galvie. Nothing but trouble. Did you mean, when you ... | |
| Moentrol Tub Spout Diverter Malfunction | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: We have a Moentrol dingle handle tub shower valve set up in our tub shower. The shower head runs all ... A: A tub spout is a tub spout, doesn't matter if you have a Moen or otherwise. Spouts are standard and ... | |
| kitchen hot water shut off itself | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: WHY only does the kitchen hot water faucet shut off itself while I'm filling the sink and the tap is ... A: I need more information. Is this a single handle or two handle faucet? If you have the hot handle ... | |
| Price pfister 3 handel shower | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: how to remove a broken valve stem, the threads broke off from the stem and remain in the housing. A: The old PP fixtures are extremely sturdy and easy to repair if you have one essential tool [later]. ... | |
| rinsing chewing tobacco down sink | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: My husband puts his "snuff" down sinks in our home. We have a regular sewage system. Can this ... A: I've been around a lot of chewers. Do you mean he spits into the sinks or he actually drops the ... | |
| singing pipes/water softener/pressure valve | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: and thanks for your help. OK, in sequence, here's what has happened: 1. Got a "singing" noise ... A: SWEET! And so diplomatic! Sadly, threatening to withdraw your business and especially other peoples' ... | |
| singing pipes/water softener/pressure valve | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: and thanks for your help. OK, in sequence, here's what has happened: 1. Got a "singing" noise ... A: Please! Call me Sharon! And I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your remarks! I usually spend two ... | |
| tank to bowl spacers | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for the rubber spacers that fit in between the tank and bowl apx 1" long flat on top ... A: I have used plastic shims that are designed to level toilet bowls when setting a toilet on an uneven ... | |
| Moen sprayer | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: Moen recently replaced our leaking Kitchen side lever faucet with a new Moen single handle pullout ... A: Moen is definitely not my favorite, but it's what you have. Many pull-out-spout faucets seem to have ... | |
| pump won't shut off | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a home water pump and it started to run and not cycle. The first thing I did was to replace ... A: Lonnie, I do not show on my bio that I am an expert on well systems, but I know some basics ... | |
| slight driip | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: I just noticed that there is very small bit of water at the base of the pvc sewer 4" cleanout in my ... A: Sounds like you have figured this out yourself. If you remove the threaded cap, and it appears there ... | |
| Low Hot water pressure - all faucets | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: My home hot water is heated by a boiler (no hot water tank). The boiler is approaching 40 years ... A: To be honest, I'm not familiar with boilers, though one of my sons lived in Vermont for a few years ... | |
| Bubbles coming up the toilet/overflowing washer drain | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: Recently, our toilet randomly bubbles, like someone has just let out a lung full of air. Also, the ... A: Several thoughts. One, you may have a partial blockage in your main sewerline. When a washing ... | |
| no water | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I live in a 2000 mobile home and tried to drain the water heater to replace the element; after ... A: If you put a straw into a glass of water so the straw fills, then put your finger over the top of ... | |
| cheater traps | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I had to install a cheater trap under my kitchen sink but now I continue to get a rotten egg smell. ... A: That is a sulfur small, and quite different from a sewer smell which is methane. This sometimes ... | |
| DishwasherCausingLeakyFaucets? | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: Our household has gone through several kitchen faucets in the last few years, what with them ... A: I wrote a long answer last night and was almost finished when the power went out! Big storm!! So I ... | |
| moen faucet problem | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: I had a Moen single handle kitchen pulldown faucet, model SOLEDAD 87559 series, installed Thursday ... A: Mark, Did this docking collar that came loose not just press back into place? Was it threaded ... | |
| moen faucet problem | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: I had a Moen single handle kitchen pulldown faucet, model SOLEDAD 87559 series, installed Thursday ... A: I will try to remain calm while I answer your question. I have a HUGE attitude about Moen, and I've ... | |
| bathroom remodel | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: I am remodeling my bathroom. I have all of the sheetrock down and all pipes exposed for both ... A: You have BOTH copper and galvanized pipes? You mentioned black iron pipe, black pipe is usually only ... | |
| DishwasherCausingLeakyFaucets? | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: Our household has gone through several kitchen faucets in the last few years, what with them ... A: The waterline going to a dishwasher is separate from the kitchen faucet. Usually there is either a ... | |
| Terra cotta drain piping | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: My toilets flush slowly and the shower drain backs up. I have been told by a plumber that I ... A: It is possible. The two small towns where I live and work have many homes built during those years ... | |
| 1950's 2 handle faucet | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: I am looking for replacement handles for my 1950's bath room. I can't afford to remodel the bath, ... A: I've never seen a tub fixture that has the handles in line with the spout, so I don't even have a ... | |
| Connecting to main | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: I am hooking up drainage for a washing machine in a (old) mobile home. the home is not going ... A: Your guideline in all plumbing is "downhill". As long as a drainline is directed downhill, the water ... | |
| Connecting to main | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: I am hooking up drainage for a washing machine in a (old) mobile home. the home is not going ... A: Consider this. A 22 degree angle is less of a bend than a 45 or 90 degree angle. Less of a bend ... | |
| Oklahoma Water Well | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: On Thanksgiving day when we filled the bathtub for bathtime we noticed that the water was very dark ... A: If you are seeing hair in the water, it seems like you made a pretty good guess what happened, ... | |
| drianing shower into 2 Inch vent | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: In my basement, I have a bathroom shower that drains onto the floor and into the floor drain. It ... A: Codes vary from state to state and county to county. If a vent is within three or so feet of the ... | |
| Only warm water at sinks | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: We built a new house a little over a year ago and have never had more than lukewarm water at the ... A: Telling me the pump is on top makes a big difference. And especially since the house is only a year ... | |
| Lot drainage | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: I had a house inspection done and the inspector noted that a drain on the outside of the house does ... A: This sounds odd to me. First, how did the inspector discover this drain? You didn't indicate that ... | |
| Help! | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: So I was goofing around in my shower. I lifted the net thing that prevented things from falling in a ... A: Most holes in tub drains have a metal criss-cross piece about an inch down. This is usually where ... | |
| Partial drain back-up | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: I have one area of my home that is backing up and running slow but all other areas are fine. The ... A: Good find, Sherlock!! That pipe, if it's over the septic tank, is either an access to the top of the ... | |
| Partial drain back-up | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: I have one area of my home that is backing up and running slow but all other areas are fine. The ... A: You are experiencing what happens when the main line is partially blocked. The water will eventually ... | |
| Thumping sound in sink at night | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: In our spare bathroom, the twin sinks have started thumping all night long. I believe it is air in ... A: This is my third "thumping" question today!! Each one a bit different, but all thumping, banging, ... | |
| rattling pipe | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: The house I am in is only 5 years old and every time we turn on the hose outside the pipes rattle so ... A: I've heard descriptions of pipes rattling but this is good! Knocked a glass off a shelf! I've heard ... | |
| Only warm water at sinks | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: We built a new house a little over a year ago and have never had more than lukewarm water at the ... A: When you pulled the plug on the circulating pump, did you shut the valves off? Usually the plumber ... | |
| singing pipes/water softener/pressure valve | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: and thanks for your help. OK, in sequence, here's what has happened: 1. Got a "singing" noise ... A: It sounds like both of these guys graduated from the BS School of Plumbing. $125 to tell you you ... | |
| Shower Adapter and Handle | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: I'm having a problem removing my current shower adapter for a single handle Moen shower. I turned ... A: I need some clarification. The "adapter" you are referring to is part of the handle assembly? To ... | |
| kitchen sink backup | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: I inadvertently poured about 12 oz of cooking grease/oil down the kitchen sink. Not long after that ... A: Phil, Gotcha. But yes, if I were you I'd take the closer pipes apart first. Take them all apart ... | |
| toilet flushing | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: We are in a real pickle. Seems we had some bad electrical problems in our house and will not have ... A: OK, I read your question twice, and figured you must be on a well. The only reason I can think of ... | |
| kitchen sink backup | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: I inadvertently poured about 12 oz of cooking grease/oil down the kitchen sink. Not long after that ... A: When the disposal side is plugged and the other side drains, the blockage [I hate to tell you after ... | |
| NOISY PLUMBING | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: JUST WONDERING WHAT MAKE PIPES RATTLE? WHEN YOU TURN ON THE WATER HALF WAY OR WHEN YOU FLUSH THE ... A: I don't know the technicalities about WHY. I do know that when some valves are only part-way open, ... | |
| Smelly Bathroom Drain | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: My bathroom sink drain has a terrible smell. The weird thing is that when it rains it sometimes ... A: This answer will come fast! I just answered 4 questions and was about to exit when yours popped up. ... | |
| Occasional | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: I have well water feeding into a holding tank, which has a meter reading 27 psi. Too frequently we ... A: As I mentioned, I'm not an expert on well systems. I gave you a few educated guesses. If the bladder ... | |
| toilet losing water | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: I live in Australia and I have had a new house built.On this house I have 3 toilets,2 showers and ... A: Greetings to you down under! My first question from your part of the planet. Our terminology is ... | |
| bathroom shower | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: I turn my shower handle a quarter turn and it changes from freezing cold to boiling hot. I spend ... A: Don't take this wrong. There are probably 15 different faucet manufacturers and within those there ... | |
| pipes in the attic groan | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: I live in a 5 year old one story house. Recently, all the pipes in the attic have started groaning, ... A: I just answered a groaning pipe question! Pipes usually groan, chatter, whine, bang, and so on when ... | |
| Bumping noise in pipes | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: I am hearing some repeated thumping noises coming from the wall in one of our bathrooms and it only ... A: Generally, thumping occurs when a valve is not fully open. Since you are not using water at this ... | |
| Occasional "gurgling/air" coming from cold water faucet | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: I have well water feeding into a holding tank, which has a meter reading 27 psi. Too frequently we ... A: I don't service well systems, but many people in my area are on wells so I've learned some facts. ... | |
| smelly water (not sulphur) | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: My questions is about smelly water. There is one room in the house (the bathroom in the basement) ... A: Sara, I have encountered problems with hot water having a sulfur odor, but you said this isn't ... | |
| plumbing | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: i live out in the country and on well water . the water is pretty hard but lately the pressure on ... A: Something I had to learn long ago is that "pressure" coming into a house is constant, no matter what ... | |
| MOVING LAUNDRY ROOM TO MASTER BATH | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: MY LAUNDRY ROOM IS IN THE MAIN FLOOR OF MY HOUSE. WE HAVE A JACUZZI TUB THAT WE NEVER USE. CAN WE ... A: Lisa, The cost would depend on if you were able to remove the jacuzzi tub yourself or have ... | |
| Use of propoer fittings - steel and copper | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: My plumber just replaced an old steam boiler in a rental property I own. First of all, he used ... A: Even a brass fitting in between the two pipes wouldn't prevent electrolysis. You are correct about ... | |
| toilet issues | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: I am a licensed plumber in Ga. There are very few problems I cant figure out but this one has got ... A: I get the impression this has happened more than once since you mentioned both a septic and city ... | |
| drain smell ?? | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: We are renovating a home that has not been occupied for a year but the heating has been on of course ... A: I appreciate the praise! I often wish I could beam myself to peoples' houses to "sniff" out these ... | |
| smelly water (not sulphur) | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: My questions is about smelly water. There is one room in the house (the bathroom in the basement) ... A: My first hunch is that the smell is coming from the drain rather than the water, especially since ... | |
| pump kicking on and off | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: pump continiously kicks on and off. 30# on 50# off. Bladder pressure is 28-29#. Without any water ... A: OK, first, I'm not an expert with water wells and I don't have that on my list, but I do know a few ... | |
| drain smell ?? | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: We are renovating a home that has not been occupied for a year but the heating has been on of course ... A: I must get at least one, often more, questions a day about sewer odors. This drives me nuts, because ... | |
| toilet empties | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: We noticed a very foul odor coming from our toilet yesterday and today it is unbearable. It smells ... A: There could be several reasons for this happening. Definitely you are getting sewer gas up because ... | |
| Plugged hot water heater | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I was getting very low hot water pressure. I remooved the hot water connection from the heater, and ... A: I've come across this problem three times in 26 years, so it's not very common. Some water heaters ... | |
| Washing Machine overflows when draining | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I recently moved into a new house and got a new(er) washer; a high-capacity version that dumps a lot ... A: The one inch pipe you measured, is that the drain pipe the washing machine hose goes into? The ... | |
| Toilet | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: We recently put new sheetrock into our basement bathroom. We had to remove the toilet and sink. Now ... A: Do you mean the toilet will only FILL when the faucet is running? Like water will not enter the ... | |
| smell in bathroom sink | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: The only place we smell a very bad odor is in the bathroom sink.we have used drano and other other ... A: Sewer smells are the most difficult things to pinpoint because there are often a number of causes, ... | |
| kitchen drain backs up to into bathtub | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: When draining a sink of water down the kitchen drain the water and some food particles come up my ... A: I have given this a lot of thought. I sat and drew pictures, I discussed this with my husband who is ... | |
| shower faucet | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: When I turn on the faucet (Moen - pull out and turn left for hot), the water is only lukewarm. My ... A: The Moen fixture has a long cylindrical cartridge, old style is brass [much better], new style is ... | |
| trap on bathroom sink | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: my question is how best to set up trap for sink when new sink is 14" from the drain going into the ... A: I sent you an answer to your question last night, but somehow it disappeared. This has happened a ... | |
| Leak Repair | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: I have a 10 year old house plumbed with PEX tubing. The main supply line from the pressure tank has ... A: Bill, Very wise not to tighten that anymore. It's considered a serious sin in plumbing to put male ... | |
| Draining Hot Water Heater | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: We have a home (built in 2007) and I went to drain the hot water heater (gas) as recommended when we ... A: You had the right idea about opening a faucet in the house, the tiny opening in a faucet doesn't ... | |
| Toilet flush valve problem | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: I'm made a mess. I tried to replace my toilet flush valve got the toilet pulled apart and now I ... A: I have to give you credit for taking on such a project! What you need is a very large ajustable ... | |
| slow draining toilet | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: Our toilet drains slow. I can get a snake through it. I took the toilet off and found a soft scale ... A: You hadn't mentioned before that the water comes almost to the top of the bowl when you flush. This ... | |
| sewer gas smell | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: It seems that every time that my washing machine discharges water that soon afterward there is a ... A: Bob, I'm not sure what you mean when you say the pipe under the crawl space is the sewer vent. In my ... | |
| 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 ... | |
Plumbing in the Home
Answers by Expert:
Sharon McCarthy
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can help with most questions about residential plumbing repairs. I am familiar with septic systems, and can answer some questions about water wells. I have no experience with commercial plumbing or codes.
Experience
I have been a sole-proprietor service plumber in two small towns north of Phoenix Arizona for 26 years.
Publications
I wrote a monthly column for the United Steelworkers of America local 1033 [Chicago] newsletter from 1978 to 1982. I wrote an article for "The Theosophist" in 1977 and have had dozens of letters to the editor in many newspapers, including a recent "My Turn" article in the Arizona Republic.
Education/Credentials
High school and three years of college. My step-father, having worked 40 years in the plumbing trade in Chicago, trained 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
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