| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| sewage smell in bathrooms | 8/22/2008 |
Q: The two bathrooms in our home has a musty/sewage smell that we can't locate. In one of them, the ...
A: 8/22/2008 9:36:11 AM Hi Tanya, I will help all I can but from the information you have given me (and ...
|
| Moen Shower Valve | 8/22/2008 |
Q: Shower knob simply spins now -- no water coming out of shower. Single handle, shower only, 10 year ...
A: 8/22/2008 9:10:53 AM Hi Ken, That valve can be a bit complicated to work on and If you can’t figure ...
|
| basement floor drain | 8/22/2008 |
Q: I live in a 3 storey townhouse condo and am on the end unit. Today I noticed a turpentine-like smell ...
A: 8/21/2008 11:57:31 PM Hi Ann, The most common cause of the condition (although “turpentine-like” is ...
|
| household grey water lines | 8/21/2008 |
Q: Do household grey water line fittings need teflon tape? Example: Grey 1/2" MPT to 1/2" FPT? ...
A: 8/22/2008 8:51:17 AM Hi Dave, On the outside chance that you are not pulling my leg I will give you ...
|
| Mixer tap cartidge spinning round | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I need to replace the cartridge in my mixer tap. Unfortunately, when I attempted to remove the nut ...
A: 8/19/2008 9:59:02 AM I can only guess at what you are referring to by “mixer tap” so I will guess ...
|
| Underground piping diameter for 350 feet run from LPG tank to residence | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I live in Humboldt Co Ca and I am building a three bed residence 2000sq/ ft, in a rural area. ...
A: First thing is to check with the LPG provider and see if they are able to have a medium pressure ...
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| Mobile home supply valves - non-standard sizes? No adapters? | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I recently bought two appliances that need a cold water supply - a drinking water filter with a ...
A: I am trying to figure out how to tackle your problem as it is a bit of a challenge. First let us try ...
|
| plumbing vents | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I live in Pittsburgh and I am not sure about something I thought and hope you can help me with this. ...
A: Your question is not completely clear to me; it sounds as though it may be a HVAC area question more ...
|
| Toilet over wont stop filling | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I have a toilet in my apartment that doesn't have a "ballcock" I believe they're called... No ...
A: It is also wasting a lot of water and in my area they will fine us if we use too much water. You ...
|
| odor where old washer/dryer used to be | 8/17/2008 |
Q: We moved 8 mths ago and removed the washer dryer location from one of the upstairs bedroom closets ...
A: Short answer regarding the odor; it is not safe and it could cause health problems. I think you said ...
|
| sink trap | 8/17/2008 |
Q: but b/c of where the drain pipe is located, he put in a flexible drain pipe, but there is no trap. ...
A: Yes, if there is no trap there is nothing to keep the sewer gas out. Sewer gas does not always have ...
|
| kitchen sink | 8/16/2008 |
Q: Our sink has no vent in the sink itself, altho there is a vent going up from the drain line, but ...
A: Not totally sure of your question but the vent is always beyond the trap and the nearer (down ...
|
| odor where old washer/dryer used to be | 8/16/2008 |
Q: We moved 8 mths ago and removed the washer dryer location from one of the upstairs bedroom closets ...
A: If you did not cap off the washing machine drain line the water will evaporate from the trap and ...
|
| kitchen sink clog | 6/16/2008 |
Q: I live in a trailer. My kitchen sink is closgged. We have taken all the pipes off underneath and ...
A: Sunday, June 15, 2008; 10:18:07 PM Hi Debbie, That is a common situation with mobile homes (kitchen ...
|
| hot water pressure in kitchen sink is low | 3/16/2008 |
Q: I live in a 6 story apartment building. I live on the 2nd floor. Recently the hot water pressure ...
A: There are several things that could cause this experience. I have no idea how the hot water is ...
|
| garbage disposal removal | 12/16/2007 |
Q: The ring with the 3 holes you turn counter clockwise are right against the 3 screws that are right ...
A: 12/15/2007 10:16 PM Hi Riley, The ring is just frozen or rusted---a little light tapping with a ...
|
| removing an old fitted iron? bath tub | 12/16/2007 |
Q: I heard somewhere the best way to get a old 40? gallon bathtub out is with a sledge hammer. Ok, so ...
A: 12/15/2007 9:46 PM Hi Jane, *****NOT RECCOMMENDED***** If it is cast-iron that is indeed an ...
|
| Hot water recirculating system | 12/16/2007 |
Q: My hot water heater is in the garage and is about 4 feet below the hot water pipes under the house. ...
A: 12/15/2007 9:29 PM Hi Tony, If your heated water continues to travel upwards and the cold OR return ...
|
| residential water pressure | 10/16/2007 |
Q: I have a 4 year old house and the water pressure has not been great from the day we moved in. I ...
A: 10/16/2007 10:48:40 AM 70 PSI should be enough. At 80-85 psi you are required to have a regulator ...
|
| Toilet not flushing properly | 10/16/2007 |
Q: We recently purchased a split-level home with a septic system. Our 2 toilets in the upstairs flush ...
A: 10/16/2007 10:37:40 AM There are several things that could cause what you describe and all involve ...
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| Under kitchen sink drips | 10/16/2007 |
Q: In my previous home I had a black tray of some sort of poly material, about 20" x 30" x 2" high, ...
A: 10/16/2007 1:36:06 AM There is a plastic pan made specifically for that purpose but I have not seen ...
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| natural gas piping | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I am planning on tapping off some 1/2" black pipe feeding the furnace and running a second line ...
A: The Plumber is correct and galvanized can be used for gas. Different jurisdictions will vary a ...
|
| banging noise at pipes | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I have lived in this townhouse for the last 3 years since it was built. Today i heard a loud banging ...
A: I don't know what State you are in and all laws are not the same but most provide extended periods ...
|
| no pressure inthe bathroom | 7/16/2007 |
Q: The water pressure in the my bathroom works only when the shower is on ( the kitchen I have no ...
A: There should be ‘angle stops’ (valves) beneath the sink usually within the cabinet but always near ...
|
| Noise in pipes when not using water | 4/16/2007 |
Q: When water is NOT in use I hear light knocking in the wall of my pantry where the water heater is ...
A: 4/16/2007 12:12:03 AM Hi Jeff, Your problem is unique as you already know. I have no idea what the ...
|
| crawlspace | 4/16/2007 |
Q: My crawlspace has some standing water in it and it smells like sewage back up and I have never ...
A: 4/16/2007 12:28:36 AM Hi Cher, Well, you know the old saying, “when it walks like a duck quacks ...
|
| EMERGENCY | 2/16/2007 |
Q: I can't seem to resolder the existing pipes in my basement. i have been working on it for several ...
A: There are several tricks, or methods, that plumbers use to get the water out of the line or to hold ...
|
| Tapping in walls | 12/7/2006 |
Q: I have a single story ranch house (1976) built on a concrete slab in Georgia. When I bought the ...
A: It could be a slow leak but most likely if the plumbing was replaced they used plastic drain waste ...
|
| rusty water | 12/6/2006 |
Q: I recently had my kitchen and upstairs bathroom remodeled. I had the water pipes changed from ...
A: My best guess is that there is a galvanized nipple somewhere in the sink hookup. If it is a special ...
|
| Removal of closet flange | 12/6/2006 |
Q: My closet flange is too low for the new floor we plan to install. Its a back metal (cast iron ?). ...
A: We have spacer from 1/16” thin to 3/8” thick that you can screw, bolt, caulk or whatever on top of ...
|
| boiler/furnace p/r valve leaking | 12/6/2006 |
Q: We have a Peerless boiler/furnace for our water radiator system in a 2-story house. Recently, after ...
A: Draining the expansion tank could or may help but usually if that solves this type problem the tank ...
|
| plumbing | 12/5/2006 |
Q: Alright i have checked the vent already and also the cast iron pipie going to the base ment both ...
A: There are several ways. How far back are you going? Are you going to change out the fitting? ...
|
| washing machine | 12/4/2006 |
Q: My question is I need to move our washing machine and the only water line source is a gas water ...
A: 12/6/2006 11:20:24 AM Hi Wayne, It would be hard to find a much better spot. Perfectly legal and ...
|
| Gurgling in two toilets | 12/4/2006 |
Q: I have a two story that the lower level is below grade. The top floor drains to the front of the ...
A: 12/6/2006 11:08:24 AM Hi Mitch, As you know cleaning the tanks does not necessarily take care of ...
|
| tip toe drain clogging with hair | 12/3/2006 |
Q: I have a tub with a tip toe drain and we are having a problem with it clogging with my daughters ...
A: I understand, that one has gone full circle in my family as I now get to chuckle when my daughter ...
|
| anti siphon frost free hose bib repair | 12/3/2006 |
Q: Is it possible to repair anti siphon part of spigot without removing the whole assembly? I went to ...
A: Yes it is possible but you do have to shut the water supply off. I don’t know what you are referring ...
|
| recirc line to w.h. | 12/3/2006 |
Q: I have heard of installing a recirculating line to a water heater on a long run. Does this line run ...
A: The short answer is simply, yes. The recirculation line can be either a thermal-cycle line or a ...
|
| Drum vs. p trap | 12/2/2006 |
Q: What determines whether you use a drum trap or a P trap? Is it OK to use either?
A: UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) generally prohibits drum traps. 1004.0 Traps – Prohibited. No form of ...
|
| well and pump problem | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I have a shallow well and pump system. I got home today and my pump was running but had no water ...
A: Several things could be the cause of the problem you describe. I need more information to give you ...
|
| sump pump drainage | 12/1/2006 |
Q: I recently purchased a home built in 1976 located in northwest Indiana. With the heavy rains and ...
A: It is possible that they are bringing the water into the sump to be pumped somewhere else wherever ...
|
| toilet problems | 11/30/2006 |
Q: the tank on my toilet is not filling up. this is the first time this has ever happened. what could ...
A: Is the water running or is there no water? If the water is running and the tank does not fill it is ...
|
| Residential kitchen sink food waste disposal | 11/30/2006 |
Q: Residential kitchen sink food waste disposal. The situation is the food waste disposal wasn’t ...
A: 11/30/2006 9:49:33 PM Depends on the demands you place on the disposal. Normally a 1/3 hp will work ...
|
| hose bib | 11/29/2006 |
Q: We just purchased a 125 yrs old home, the insurance inspector is requiring the following: ...
A: Everyone has to start somewhere, and that may be what you are dealing with as an inspector. I have ...
|
| Hot water pressure | 11/28/2006 |
Q: I leave in Australia. I have mixer taps (hot & cold water) on all bathrooms and on the kitchen sink ...
A: I think you have to be right with your thinking. Most likely when the dishwasher was installed some ...
|
| Adding a bathroom in the basement | 11/27/2006 |
Q: I am finishing our basement - no bedrooms. My plan is to add a bathroom - vanity and water closet. ...
A: Wish I did. Breaking concrete is usually just hard work. I am sure you know this already but in case ...
|
| shower noise with hot water turned on | 11/27/2006 |
Q: I have a problem with a shower that was added on in the early 1st. When the hot water valve is ...
A: Generally the shower valve is not designed to run very slow and it is expected to operate at ½ open ...
|
| re-plumbing an entire house | 11/27/2006 |
Q: We just purchased a very small 1915 house with galvanized water pipes, which I want to replace. I am ...
A: If you are familiar with Pex I say go for it. I would make sure to transition back to copper for the ...
|
| replacing an oil-fired hot-water heater. | 11/26/2006 |
Q: I need to replace my 20-year-old oil-fired hot-water heater. I am pretty handy so I plan on doing ...
A: How is the weather on the island today? I am on the West coast and it is pretty nice here today as I ...
|
| basement bathroom | 11/26/2006 |
Q: I recently had my bathroom in my basement finished by a contractor. Recently I have noticed a very, ...
A: I am going to assume that there are long periods of time (more than a week) that the bathroom is not ...
|
| stuff coming up out of my toilet | 11/26/2006 |
Q: I recently purchased a house that was built in 1955. Occasionally, there is a clear, snotlike ...
A: These problems, particularly the black stuff, are indicative of the age of your house and all ...
|
| Intermittant Increase in Pressure at Hot Water Heater Drain Valve | 11/25/2006 |
Q: I recently installed a new Kenmore Power Miser 12 55, Gal Electric Hot Water Heater. The cold water ...
A: The variables and formulas concerning thermal effect on heated water are quite complex so I am only ...
|
| furnace expansion tank | 11/25/2006 |
Q: I have water coming from my p/r valve of my haot water furnace.I've replaced the p/r valve & ...
A: Certainly sounds like the expansion tank is not working. It will be full of water unless it is ...
|
| plumbing | 11/25/2006 |
Q: I tore the hole room appart and I noticed a hole in the cast iron drain pipe. the hole is right ...
A: You can do a repair, but it is only a band-aid and at best temporary. The inherent problem of course ...
|
| Sewer Smellwhen toilet flushed | 11/24/2006 |
Q: Bought house 4 years ago and I have sewer gas smell when I flush toilets up and downstairs most of ...
A: It is certainly an irritating affair to have your experience. Unfortunately tracking down the cause ...
|
| no-hub fitting over threaded pipe | 11/24/2006 |
Q: I would like to connect the drain from my new bathtub to the 2-inch male threaded galvanized stub ...
A: No problem with the no-hub coupling on the threads; the coupling has been used successfully over ...
|
| hot water tank valve | 11/23/2006 |
Q: I would like to replace the valve on my hot water tank due to a dripping problem. I was told that ...
A: There are three valves on most water heaters. In my profile I request that questioners give adequate ...
|
| replacing tub valve | 11/21/2006 |
Q: I have a one piece fiberglass tub/shower that needs a new valve(can't get parts for the old ...
A: Wish all questions were this easy. BUT I may step on some toes….. Don’t know who told you (a) ...
|
| water pipe size | 11/21/2006 |
Q: I have been using water from my own well which is supplied to my house from the rear. I would like ...
A: The larger the size pipe that you use the better result you will have. In no case should you use any ...
|
| Shower no hot water | 11/20/2006 |
Q: I have a bath room and did not use for a long time. I tested it I can not get hot water out the ...
A: We need to start with the type of valve in the shower? If it is a scald guard valve (required by the ...
|
| water pressure after draining water heater | 11/20/2006 |
Q: I replaced the lower element in my water heater today. (heater is 7 years old, house built in the ...
A: Most likely you just allowed (inadvertently) debris to enter the system and the screens (aerators) ...
|
| solder ring straight piece | 11/19/2006 |
Q: I am soldering (2) 1/2" copper pipes together with a solder ring coupling. I am cleaning well and ...
A: Assuming you will be using a handheld Propane or Mapp gas torch with a small tip only a relatively ...
|
| hot water tap | 11/19/2006 |
Q: Why is there no water coming from my bathroom hot water tap? How can I fix it?
A: The first thing I would do is find out if I had hot water anywhere in the house. Next I would check ...
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| Black stuff coming out of pipe | 11/19/2006 |
Q: A year ago, I bought a brand new construction condo. There are only 8 units. A few months ago in my ...
A: The methods of construction vary a great deal from one state to another; even from city to city ...
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| Storm Water Collecting and Recycling | 11/18/2006 |
Q: Cort, in So Calif. Have you had ANY experience in Storm Water Collecting and Recycling ? I have a ...
A: I am not an expert on storm drains or recycling but I will share what I know. I assume you are a ...
|
| Leaky Tub Faucet | 11/17/2006 |
Q: I have a single handle Price Phister (sp?) tub faucet handle that was very stiff to operate and so I ...
A: The Gunk will definitely distort the rubber o-rings and that could be your problem. You probably ...
|
| Sewer Smell in Basement | 11/17/2006 |
Q: On two occasions after a torrential down pour, rain water has leaked into the basement through the ...
A: Well, you seem to be on the right track. Just have to locate exactly where it is coming from. The ...
|
| Basement 1/2 Bath | 11/16/2006 |
Q: I want to install a 1/2 bath in the basement. The Main drain is 8 feet above the bsmt floor. I plan ...
A: The toilet is going to need a vent so install it close to where you want your sink and of course ...
|
| toilet assembly | 11/16/2006 |
Q: i have a water leak at the handle due to the water level being too high in the tank. i have an ...
A: The assembly that the bulb attaches to (usually on a ¼” rod about 10” long) is know as the ...
|
| Kitchen Faucet | 11/16/2006 |
Q: I have a wierd question, we just bought this house, actualy lived here for 4 days now. All of the ...
A: The kitchen faucet would not be the root cause of the problem you have. It is a DRAIN related ...
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| Residential Water Supply Line Breaking | 8/23/2006 |
Q: I have a rural residential home in south central Ks. which is 14 years old. The soil in this area ...
A: 8/23/2006 8:57:42 AM Hi Dana, Any of the solutions you mentioned would work and be good ones. I ...
|
| toilet | 8/23/2006 |
Q: replaced the old plumbing for my toilet using 4 inch abs pipe. Due to existing conditions in this ...
A: 8/23/2006 9:23:06 AM Hi Carlton, The 1-1/4” vent is smaller than code but I think if it is ...
|
| Hot Water disapears | 8/22/2006 |
Q: I have an upstairs and a downstairs shower. The Downstairs shower works fine with hot and cold. When ...
A: 8/22/2006 9:15:22 AM Hi Steve, Unfortunately there is no easy fix other than not taking a shower ...
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| Plumbing Code | 8/21/2006 |
Q: One more thing I forgot to ask. When I was clearing the blocked waste line, I found several leaks ...
A: 8/20/2006 10:00:24 PM Hi Andre, If the leaks are in the ABS or PVC solvent weld joints I would ...
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| Odor in our hot water | 8/21/2006 |
Q: We have chlorinated the well several times and the problem goes away for a while, but then in a few ...
A: 8/20/2006 8:41:28 PM Hi Cathy, While this is not a common occurrence it does happen on occasion. ...
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| Elijer Three Knob Faucet Replacement | 8/21/2006 |
Q: I recently purchased a 1st floor co-op in a two-story building that was built in 1970. It appears ...
A: 8/20/2006 10:56:24 PM Hi Mary Ann, If you have access to the pipes I would consider removing that ...
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| Plumbing Code | 8/20/2006 |
Q: Where can I find some info on wastewater pipe code? I do not believe the previous owners installed ...
A: 8/20/2006 2:27:13 PM Hello Andre, In the United States we basically fall under one of two major ...
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| low water pressure | 8/20/2006 |
Q: Our single handle kitchen faucet's water pressure has gotten increasingly worse over the 7 1/2 yrs ...
A: 8/19/2006 6:38:22 PM Hi Julie, Always check the aerator on the spout first. Corrosion from the ...
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| no dap-out/bathtub | 8/19/2006 |
Q: Now .. I see that their plumbing wasn't centered for the tub - so their faucets were off center. ...
A: It looks like you may have received a message intended for another person. The following is the ...
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| Bathtub drain/no dap out | 8/19/2006 |
Q: The floor is concrete and there is a drain with a p-trap but the opening in the cement is only ...
A: Ideally one would like about a 1-foot square access hole in the slab but you can survive on less. ...
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| installing a bathroom in my basement | 8/19/2006 |
Q: I own a 2-story house in Norwood, Ohio built in 1919. I want to install a tiolet in the basement ...
A: 8/19/2006 8:45:37 AM Hi Bryan, The main problem you will have is with the venting of these ...
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| Flexible piping | 8/18/2006 |
Q: I am working on a cabin and need to run some piping to a tankless water heater to a kitchen sink and ...
A: Yes there are a couple of flexible type tubing available that are approved as well as CPVC plastic ...
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| shower problem | 8/17/2006 |
Q: ..I have a bathroom where the shower isn't holding the temperature. I can take a shower w/ the ...
A: There are quite a few things that can affect what you describe. To give you an intelligent guess I ...
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| water back up | 8/17/2006 |
Q: Whenever we operate our washing machine, water backs up into the kitchen sink during the drain ...
A: Well, the short answer is that your drain pipes are not handling the flow of material that is being ...
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| odor | 8/16/2006 |
Q: immediately before we moved into our house, we put up an addition over the downstairs bathroom. We ...
A: What you describe is not uncommon but it is not an everyday problem either. Often this is a very ...
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| Sewer Gas Smell | 7/16/2006 |
Q: I had my semi-annual roto-rooter for roots done this week. All of my lines were cleared. I now have ...
A: First make sure all your traps have water in them. It is possible that the cleaning operation could ...
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| I just bought an older co-op in NYC | 7/16/2006 |
Q: I found that the tub is not draining after closing on the apt and going to look at it. The building ...
A: You can get in trouble rather quickly with the older systems and usually you will need special tools ...
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| hot water heater | 6/16/2006 |
Q: Looks like I need a new hot water heater. It is leaking water from the base, plus the fact that it ...
A: I was just at Home Depot and happened to look at their prices; 40-gallon six-year heater is $339.00 ...
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| Toilet bowl loosing water | 3/26/2006 |
Q: My house is a single story home, about 3 years old. My guest bathroom toilet bowl has lost water ...
A: Your problem does occur more than you may suspect but it certainly is not common; and from my ...
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| Water Heater | 3/25/2006 |
Q: for your quick and knowledgable reply. I felt like it wasn't quite right, and no one that I phoned ...
A: FYI: As to the shower valve; any installation after about 1996 is required to be a pressure balanced ...
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| Plumbing problem soon to be disaster? | 3/25/2006 |
Q: I am also an "AllExpert" in another category (music) so I know this site is very reliable. I have a ...
A: Excerpt from the answer you was given: “but if you can get on the roof and pour a quart down the ...
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| water heater | 3/24/2006 |
Q: If you remember me, I had a new water heater put in. Now, I see some unusual things happening. First ...
A: I really appreciate that. You would be surprised at how many folks do not take the time to respond. ...
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| Plumbing Behind the Wall | 3/24/2006 |
Q: I have a slow-running toilet that shares a wall with my bedroom. I first noticed that the carpet ...
A: What do you mean by slow running? Do you mean that it does not flush very well? Does the water level ...
|
| Outdoor faucet | 3/23/2006 |
Q: I have a an outdoor faucet for a hose which is leaking(slow). I have turned the nozzle for the ...
A: If you are not too handy this could be a bit difficult but I will try to guide you. I don't ...
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| Water Heater | 3/23/2006 |
Q: :) I just recently purchases a new 50 gallon natural gas water heater. However, even now, by the end ...
A: Wow, that's a new one on me. Never have I ever heard anything so ridiculous. Emily, does the water ...
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| leak in upstairs shower/bath | 3/23/2006 |
Q: I have a leak in the upstairs shower/bath coming through the ceiling in the downstairs bath which is ...
A: This type of leak can sometimes be a bit difficult to spot and it can be coming from some unusual ...
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| tapping pipes | 3/22/2006 |
Q: I recently had my house renovated with a new bathroom, etc. I have recently started hearing ...
A: If the pipe is leaking and you should be able to determine that by merely feeling for moisture at ...
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| Toilet flushing on its own | 3/22/2006 |
Q: My toilet is flushing on its own. I can't seem to find a cause - it just goes off on its own. Its ...
A: The old phantom flush toilet. The cause of the phantom flush is that you are leaking or loosing ...
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| What happened to my hot water? | 3/22/2006 |
Q: Recently I started having problems with the hot water flow to all of my fixtures. Less than two ...
A: Dave, There are multiple ways a boiler can be associated with domestic hot water. You will have to ...
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| drains | 3/22/2006 |
Q: We are getting ready to add onto our home. I am going to be doing all the work myself, but have not ...
A: Just a couple of things. If you have never done a plumbing rough in and are not very familiar with ...
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| Basement Bathroom Rough-In | 3/21/2006 |
Q: This is my second basement bathroom project, but my first doing it myself. Both of these projects ...
A: He has the trap arm capped off inside that box. The only plumbing you have to do is center the trap ...
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| Shower drywall/tile project | 3/21/2006 |
Q: I am re-doing my main bathroom. As I was tearing out all of the tile inside of the shower, I noticed ...
A: We are having a little trouble with the servers right now. Please email me at the email address ...
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| Guidelines for re-plumbing a house | 3/21/2006 |
Q: Sir, I have a 105 year-old house that has a hodge podge of galvanized and copper supply lines. I ...
A: Glad you asked because there are many pitfalls. I am running short of time tonight but I will be ...
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| Hot/Cold Water question. | 3/21/2006 |
Q: We just recently got a new hot water heater installed and I replaced the shower hardware in both ...
A: You probably have the stem upside down and you have to ALSO make sure you adjust the hot water scald ...
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| High water pressure | 3/20/2006 |
Q: When I first turn on a faucet in the house, there is an initial burst of high water pressure from ...
A: If you are on City Water and your neighbors are not having the same problem then it obviously has to ...
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| water heater | 3/20/2006 |
Q: My water heaters anti-scolding breaker trips about once a day, even though the water temp is set at ...
A: Mike, 140 – 160???? That is commercial temperature --- your temperature should not be above 130. ...
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| sewer smell form shower drain | 3/19/2006 |
Q: Smell only excists when running shower. Trap is holding water. Checked trap under the house. Has no ...
A: There are several possibilities, but first prove that it is the sewer and not the hot water that is ...
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| baseboard heat | 3/19/2006 |
Q: We recently had an oil heating system/boiler that utilizes baseboard hot water heating moved from ...
A: I hate it when that happens. It is the original guy's problem; it didn't do it before he worked on ...
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| water supply | 3/19/2006 |
Q: I have a small plumbing problem. All of a sudden the water supply to my toilet tank has decreased. ...
A: Most likely there is just a piece of debris in the fill valve. And it can also be the angle stop but ...
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| LEAK | 3/18/2006 |
Q: THE TOILET FLUSH GOOD AND TAKE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF WATER,BUT INSIDE THE TOILET(WHERE YOU DO PEE)NO ...
A: Most likely you have your hush tube (the small [about the size of a straw] ¼” tube that fits on the ...
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| toilet flushing into bathtub! | 3/18/2006 |
Q: we are adding a bathroom in the basement. the line were already in place and the tub "stack" was ...
A: You can always insert a backwater valve if this continues to be a problem that is not easily ...
|
| Installing a Shower Valve | 3/18/2006 |
Q: I will definitely not use greenboard. This is only my second tile job (and first vertical) so I'm ...
A: I have your new questions and I am working on answers today (have about 10 to answer). There is no ...
|
| Shower Valve Repair/Replace | 3/18/2006 |
Q: The shower is a shower only and has two handles. Our home was built in 1971 so I am sure they are ...
A: Frank, Not a problem, I am getting used to trying to figure out the variables. So often folks just ...
|
| Installing 4" deep Shower Mixing Valve | 3/18/2006 |
Q: I purchased a Kohler shower set to install in a new bathroom I am building in my basement. The ...
A: Glad you asked because you are about to make a couple of common mistakes. The ABSOLUTE key on the ...
|
| pipe sticking through sheetrock | 3/18/2006 |
Q: i installed a showerpan in my upstairs bathroom. this pan already has drain attached so it was a ...
A: Tray, If the drain is back graded and the arm is very long it could be a problem. I can't see it ...
|
| leaking lavatory | 3/18/2006 |
Q: We have two full bathrooms in our house, and the sinks in both bathrooms have been slow to drain ...
A: You should be a little more specific on where the leak is coming from but I will speculate a bit to ...
|
| pipe sticking through sheetrock | 3/17/2006 |
Q: i installed a showerpan in my upstairs bathroom. this pan already has drain attached so it was a ...
A: I am not sure I totally understand your question or what you have done or what you are going to do. ...
|
| rough-in/drain lines through concrete | 3/16/2006 |
Q: We are getting ready to add an addition onto our home. We are planning on adding a laundry room, ...
A: You can use three-inch ABS DWV or PVC DWV pipe and connect to the existing sewer outside. Of course ...
|
| hot water pressure | 3/16/2006 |
Q: We are having a problem with the hot water pressure. The hot pressure is about 40% of the cold water ...
A: The lack of pressure does not necessarily have any relation to the water heater beginning to fail. ...
|
| bathtub drainage | 3/15/2006 |
Q: Simple question, is the soap scum from soap or body washes worst on the drain. We always have a ...
A: I disagree, if it were that simple you wouldn't be asking me. I have never conducted any type of ...
|
| Do macerating toilets work well? | 3/15/2006 |
Q: I'm looking at finishing my basement in a residential house (build @ 1994) in Colorado Springs. It ...
A: The macerating units are great. You can also drain the sink and shower in to the toilet tank which ...
|
| glue | 3/15/2006 |
Q: what is used to join abs pipe together and what is used to join the abs to the showerpan drain which ...
A: As long as you have at least a ¼” on the short side I think you will be okay. That happens more ...
|
| Shower temperature control | 3/15/2006 |
Q: I replaced the Moen shower knob (it was cracked... replaced with identical knob), and now the shower ...
A: The Moen valves have a hot water stop adjustment just under the handle to prevent the water from ...
|
| Condensation on toilet tank | 3/15/2006 |
Q: Is there any way to prevent condensation from building up on the toilet tank? It gets so bad I have ...
A: Where has it been warm (hot) enough to cause condensation lately? I don't think that is ...
|
| Water Pressure | 3/15/2006 |
Q: Am just wondering if there is a way that I (know very little with plumbing, but do lots of minor ...
A: There is nothing you can add that will do what you are asking. The pressure setting should be ...
|
| flushed, next? | 3/14/2006 |
Q: Cort, as per your instructions, I flushed the water heater and removed a lot of resin as you ...
A: Rich, On your regular faucets all you need do is remove the aerator (screen on the end of spout) ...
|
| hot water heater | 3/14/2006 |
Q: Cort, I began the process and a TON of resin is coming out!! I will follow your instructions once it ...
A: That's great Rich, This is what we expected and it confirms what I was assuming. We want to get as ...
|
| hot water heater | 3/14/2006 |
Q: The initial problem was, a pipe inside the softener cracked and allowed the gold colored resin to ...
A: Rich, You may be getting too much information at one time. I am going to sort out as best I can ...
|
| Vibrating Pipes | 3/13/2006 |
Q: Whenever we start our dishwasher, the pipes seem to vibrate while it takes in water, until it fills, ...
A: What you describe is usually caused by an internal restriction in the supply angle stop or in the ...
|
| glue | 3/13/2006 |
Q: what is used to join abs pipe together and what is used to join the abs to the showerpan drain which ...
A: You use standard ABS cement and ABS to PVC transition glue. I will give you the URLs so you can have ...
|
| Water heater draft diverter/pilot light | 3/13/2006 |
Q: I am a master plumber and I am having a little trouble understanding this one. I have a 50 gallon ...
A: Let's just go over some basics in case you missed something. I have to assume this is a newer model ...
|
| Bathroom drainage | 3/13/2006 |
Q: My bath drain pipe is connected to the soil down pipe (about 4 metres run). About 2 metres away ...
A: If you need more help do not hesitate and I will certainly try. thanks, cort A check valve is not ...
|
| new modular house and well septic... | 3/12/2006 |
Q: I recently noticed a bad taste, kind of metallic, from one of our faucets. We have a well and have ...
A: Mike, it is highly unlikely that the copper pipes are the problem. There are many issues that could ...
|
| hot water heater | 3/12/2006 |
Q: Cort, is there anything an idiot like me can try on my own? I ask this because I live in a fairly ...
A: You have not given me enough information to do all the diagnostics and this is a complex problem for ...
|
| 3" pvc (thin wall) help | 3/12/2006 |
Q: I have an existing drain line this is 3 inch thin wall PVC. I need to install a regular 2 inch line ...
A: Fittings are available for the pipe you describe. You can either use glue fittings or rubber ...
|
| in-sink-erator question | 3/12/2006 |
Q: I removed an old in-sink-erator and installed a new 60ss model.I attached it to the old sink drain ...
A: Well, it has happened to me too. The unit is hard to hold and get the tightening ring started ...
|
| hot water heater | 3/12/2006 |
Q: Cortez, here is my issue.....we had some problems a few months back with our soft water system that ...
A: It sounds as though you may have some foreign material in the valves and they need to be ...
|
| Hot water | 3/11/2006 |
Q: We recentley bought a house with some hot water issiues. We have hot water at every point in the ...
A: Ninety-nine percent of the time the problem you describe is going to be a single lever faucet that ...
|
| septic system questions | 3/11/2006 |
Q: have a question regarding our septic system. the other night notices a gurgleing sound from the pipe ...
A: I empathize with you and agree it always happens at the most inopportune time. It is very probable ...
|
| Leaking Bath Faucet | 3/10/2006 |
Q: Cort, My 3 handle bath faucet leaks from the spout and there is also a leak coming from the handle ...
A: It all depends on what is actually defective in your faucet. The rubber or Teflon washers in a ...
|
| Plumbing- tapping sound when water turned on | 3/9/2006 |
Q: My husband and I moved into a 90 year old home about 4 months ago. During our home inspection it was ...
A: We have been having some technical problems and our communication is not at the level I strive to ...
|
| tankless system in older condo building | 3/8/2006 |
Q: your answers have been very helpful so far. Answering your questions: I serve on the condominium ...
A: Two things come to mind that you have not mentioned. First make sure there is a check valve in the ...
|
| Poor water pressure | 3/8/2006 |
Q: I live in a small community of eleven houses in Nova Scotia. We have a water system that was ...
A: Koszyca, You already know the answer to your problems. You have to install a storage tank and ...
|
| hot water heater | 3/7/2006 |
Q: I have a 12 year old electric hot water heater recently it started only making about 10 minutes of ...
A: Each of the elements has a thermostat connected to it. If you did not change the settings they ...
|
| central heating | 3/7/2006 |
Q: I am wanting to know, is it more cost effective to run your gas central heating constantley with the ...
A: You most likely do not want to fire 24/7 as that will definitely put a hole in your bank account. ...
|
| pvc drain | 3/6/2006 |
Q: I AM REPLACING AN OLD SHOWER PAN WITH ONE THATS A LIITLE BIT LARGER THAN WHAT WAS THERE. THE ...
A: The inch might be okay but I don't know about the “SO”. Is this a raised floor where you have access ...
|
| Replace a tub drain | 3/6/2006 |
Q: I'm working on a duplex that was built in about the 60's and I'm trying to just replce the top ...
A: Unfortunately you have hit on a problem that I have had more than once and there has never been an ...
|
| young and retless song | 3/6/2006 |
Q: Today March 6th 2006 there was a song on the young and the retless rescue or rescue me at the end of ...
A: Somehow your question was misdirected; I am a Plumber and my expertise is in “Plumbing in the Home”. ...
|
| Sump Pump Crock | 3/6/2006 |
Q: my sump pump crock is made of plastic and it appears that someone intentionally punched out holes ...
A: I suspect the holes are there for a reason. If you were getting a lot of ground water and there were ...
|
| Summing values between 2 numbers | 3/6/2006 |
Q: I have two parameters, namely Q and r. I +1 and have to find the sum of all values between r+1 and ...
A: I am not sure how your question ended in my stack but I am under the category of “Plumbing in the ...
|
| tankless system in older condo building | 3/5/2006 |
Q: I live in Atlanta where our condo association (twelve 1 bedroom/1 bath units in a 3 floor ...
A: This is the type of situation that one (such as me) needs to be able see in order to evaluate what ...
|
| water heater | 3/5/2006 |
Q: My friend told me about this site and thought maybe you could help me. When I take a shower or have ...
A: It sounds like you most likely have a faulty dip-tube. The situation you describe is the main ...
|
| Plugged urinals | 3/5/2006 |
Q: I am a member of a VFW Post with about 200 members. We also rent out the hall for events up to ...
A: Chances are very good that the drain lines are calcified. The best shot at clearing the lines is to ...
|
| venting basement bathroom | 3/4/2006 |
Q: Followup To Question - I have read some questions regarding venting but have yet to find the ...
A: just a small thing but we really appreciate folks acknowledging what we try to do. We like to help ...
|
| combi boilers | 3/4/2006 |
Q: can i use a combi boiler for hot water only,we have an old gas water heater at the moment and a back ...
A: I will gladly help you but you have to be more specific. Do you want to use the boiler that you have ...
|
| venting basement bathroom | 3/4/2006 |
Q: I have read some questions regarding venting but have yet to find the situation I have. For the ...
A: Jason, you did not leave me any feedback? Yes, there is a drain that allows you to slip a rubber ...
|
| shower stopped working | 3/3/2006 |
Q: Cort, Thank you for your response. I have learned since I emailed you that the "thingamajig" is ...
A: This would be the easiest fix of the scenarios that we went through. If you are at all mechanical ...
|
| Dishwasher Drain Question | 3/2/2006 |
Q: I was looking around that site for the supply line that you mentioned, but couldn't find it. Do you ...
A: Here is a link for the hot-water supply line. ...
|
| clogged bathtub drain | 3/2/2006 |
Q: The problem: My bathtub drain has been draining slowly so I have tried to fix it with a couple of ...
A: You will need to get into the plumbing space behind the tub and you will have to partially ...
|
| Dishwasher Drain Question | 3/2/2006 |
Q: Cort, Thanks for the reply. I live in Illinois (Chicago suburbs) and I dont think that air-gaps ...
A: According to code (both UPC and IBC) they are required. I am not sure what code Chicago operates ...
|
| venting basement bathroom | 3/1/2006 |
Q: I have read some questions regarding venting but have yet to find the situation I have. For the ...
A: More than likely the three-inch is intended to be the clean-out and the lava drain as well as the ...
|
| shower stopped working | 3/1/2006 |
Q: This morning when my husband went to take a shower it didn't work. It was working fine yesterday ...
A: I need to know what the “thingamajig” is? Do you have a single lever control valve, a three-handle ...
|
| clogged bathtub | 3/1/2006 |
Q: About a week ago my toilet kept backing up, overflowing, wouldn't flush. Had to call in Roto ...
A: Ni Nelci, It is difficult for a drain cleaning person to know exactly how open the drain is when ...
|
| Horrible Backup In The Home | 2/28/2006 |
Q: Where do I begin? Shortly after the New Year we realized something was wrong with our Plumbing. ...
A: Sorry I have not responded sooner. We are experiencing some technical difficulties the past two days ...
|
| Tapping into a cast-iron trunk to add second bath | 2/28/2006 |
Q: We are interested in adding a half bath to our 1200 square foot ranch home. The utility room is ...
A: You did not say if your floor is concrete or if you are on a raised foundation with access to the ...
|
| Dishwasher Drain Question | 2/28/2006 |
Q: Im planning on re-doing our kitchen and the dishwasher cannot be installed next to the sink (we ...
A: Normally I would have had your answer much sooner but we have had some technical difficulty the past ...
|
| leaking drainbody in bathroom sink | 2/27/2006 |
Q: I just replace the pop-up drain in an old (60's era) American Standard bathroom sink. I used putty ...
A: Every plumber has had his/her share of leaks at that fitting. A lot of plumbers and advisers will ...
|
| Broken Shower Head | 2/27/2006 |
Q: Quick question - my shower head broke off. A portion of the threaded end of the shower head is ...
A: There are two good easy-out wrenches made that should retrieve your dutchman. The best one is a ...
|
| Plumbing, natural gas black pipe | 2/27/2006 |
Q: As in a similar question to you I am finishing my basement and installing a gas fireplace. The ...
A: Is the meter on the opposite side of the wall where the gas pipe enters the building? The gas pipe ...
|
| Low flow in showers | 2/27/2006 |
Q: I just renovated, and have almost all new plumbing in a 2 story house. Municipal water supply is ...
A: Two things come immediately to mind. First, not many systems and only a few tankless heaters will ...
|
| 1.5" inlet | 2/26/2006 |
Q: The three way inlet under my kitchen sink rotted out, so I went to Home Depot and bought a 1.5" x ...
A: Usually there are two inlets to the waste tee; one will be the tailpiece from one of the basket ...
|
| Clogged bathtub drain | 2/26/2006 |
Q: We have a clogged bathtub drain, I know its a simple fix to clean the drain " plug ".Its a standard ...
A: Good Morning Al, Normally this type of plug is threaded into the shoe and needs to be un-threaded ...
|
| tub faucet leak from behind wall | 2/25/2006 |
Q: I was in the process of re-caulking my bathtub and after I removed the caulk at the front of the tub ...
A: So far you have taken the correct steps or the same steps that I would have taken to this point. ...
|
| residential plumbing (venting) | 2/25/2006 |
Q: I know code spells how to lay out venting, but my question is: is there any specific locations or ...
A: Good Morning, The code only mandates what you must provide but does not spell out how to do it. ...
|
| septic float | 2/24/2006 |
Q: I have a three year old septic system and there is an alarm box in the basement that alerts if the ...
A: Correct me if I am wrong but I am going to assume that when you say “septic system” you are ...
|
| Kitchen plumbing installation | 2/24/2006 |
Q: I am making a basement suite and need to install the kitchen sink, there is already a bathroom with ...
A: For a kitchen sink it is very likely that you can avoid having to go into the floor of the basement. ...
|
| waste systerm | 2/24/2006 |
Q: i am done with the supply lines, finally, and i am about to start the waste system. I have a small ...
A: Okay, let me get it straight. The 4” line that looks like a stack---must be vertical?? Where does it ...
|
| SINGLE SHOWER CONTROL | 2/24/2006 |
Q: It is a Moen. I tried to take it apart, took off the round face plate and two other plastic pieces ...
A: Russ, First, let me know if you have looked at the website I gave you and if you have attempted to ...
|
| bathtub faucet drip | 2/23/2006 |
Q: My house has a 1 piece fiberglass tub and surround with a three handle faucet (hot, cold, and shower ...
A: You are correct; it is basically the same procedure. Remove the handle and flange to gain access to ...
|
| Faucet (bath) | 2/23/2006 |
Q: This is crazy. about 2 yrs ago i had a home built with 2 full baths. i only visit occasionally and ...
A: This could be one of several things. First, code requires that the tub/shower valve be of the type ...
|
| waste systerm | 2/23/2006 |
Q: i am done with the supply lines, finally, and i am about to start the waste system. I have a small ...
A: Are you replacing existing lines or starting on something new? We may have talked about before but ...
|
| no water | 2/22/2006 |
Q: We have no water going to any faucet in our house. We have our own well and the water seems to be ...
A: I just happen to be up late tonight and saw your message as I was turning off the computer. Yes ...
|
| Loud Toilet hissing when flushed | 2/21/2006 |
Q: our toilet just started having a loud hissing when it is flushed and I am trying to track down why. ...
A: What you describe is most often inside the tank and it is always related to the ball-cock if it is ...
|
| Hot Water Heater | 2/21/2006 |
Q: How long should a hot water heater last? We have a two person office, and I think we are replacing ...
A: The manufacturer would likely know the correct answer to your question. I have always estimated the ...
|
| slow hot water in bathroom shower | 2/21/2006 |
Q: I have a bathroom shower and tube with the single control for the hot and cold water. The house is ...
A: Not too likely. This should be a single handle tub and shower valve. These valves are required by ...
|
| Gurgling Sink | 2/21/2006 |
Q: Cort, Thank you for your answer! I have a few follow-up questions: If the gurgling sound is due ...
A: I mentioned the kitchen because it is often near the bathroom in older homes but mostly to let you ...
|
| Repairing cast iron pipe | 2/21/2006 |
Q: I discovered a small hole in a cast-iron drain pipe leading from my kitchen sink to the main stack ...
A: You have to make the call. This is merely a repair job on top of several prior repairs. You have to ...
|
| Gurgling Sink | 2/21/2006 |
Q: My husband and I purchased our 57 year old home in April. Recently, within the past 2 months, the ...
A: With a fifty-seven year old home you are certainly aware that there are potentially numerous repairs ...
|
| dripping shower | 2/21/2006 |
Q: Have a non stop dripping shower head for 2 weeks. It's in a one piece fiberglass shower. Is there a ...
A: If you have to ask I think you need to call a plumber. There is a valve behind the handle that you ...
|
| Plumbing | 2/20/2006 |
Q: Recently I noticed a "Gurgling" sound coming from a toilet (after flushing). The sound only lasted a ...
A: It is not uncommon for a water closet to make a gurgling sound occasionally near the end of a heavy ...
|
| Mucky Water from Faucet | 2/20/2006 |
Q: I have 25 yr old 3 story home in a very cold climate. I was running hot bath water 2 nights ago when ...
A: Strange things do occur from time to time. There are a multiple potential incidents that could have ...
|
| Air lock? | 2/20/2006 |
Q: I live in an older home that was converted into a four-plex back in the 60's. When I woke up the ...
A: First let us get one thing clear, you are not an idiot or in any way impaired and you had a perfect ...
|
| Stuck Delta shower handle | 2/19/2006 |
Q: I am trying to fix a dripping Delta shower faucet handle, but after getting the hex screw out, the ...
A: If this is a “metal” single lever style handle (and since you said you removed the hex set screw it ...
|
| plumbing | 2/19/2006 |
Q: NW Florida. I am replacing a single bathroom lavatory with a double sink vanity. Is it preferable ...
A: Each sink should have an independent p-trap to conform with the building/plumbing codes. If you can ...
|
| Drain pipe for shower base | 2/19/2006 |
Q: Cort, Thank you for the great information. It's becoming apparent to us how daunting this job ...
A: Paul, You can email me with the pictures --- cecate@pacbell.net ---- Do not be discouraged, it ...
|
| Cold Water- Yes Hot Water-NO | 2/19/2006 |
Q: I ran the water into the Washing Machine which is right next to the water heater and it got Hot ...
A: You are making me guess. How did you do that? Did you disconnect the heater and do it as I had ...
|
| Rusty Water | 2/19/2006 |
Q: The water in my bathroom toilet turned a rust color last night. When I checked the sink and bath ...
A: If you are on a well the source of the problem could be related to the well. I will assume you are ...
|
| Cold Water- Yes Hot Water-NO | 2/19/2006 |
Q: Help. We installed a brand new Electric Water Heater about two months ago and everything has been ...
A: The situation you describe can only be one thing. Your hot water pipe is plugged with something. To ...
|
| drain pipe/drain hole positioning in a shower base | 2/17/2006 |
Q: Cort, Thank you for your prompt reply. I normally receive email responses but for some reason I had ...
A: Doggone hard to keep up with email these days what with all the junk mail…I have to go through my ...
|
| Toilet Leak___Still | 2/16/2006 |
Q: Sorry I wasn't specific enough. It's an Eljer two-piece. I think it has a Fluidmaster 400 fill ...
A: Okay, you are right on, just get a good flapper and you will (should) be okay. Only thing, you ...
|
| Drain pipe for shower base | 2/16/2006 |
Q: We are currently demolishing a small shower stall that's approximately 45-years-old. Grout failure ...
A: Apparently something has gone amiss this is the same question I answered two days ago. Perhaps you ...
|
| Tankless water heater and the UPC | 2/16/2006 |
Q: !! It's to replace a 20gal standard water heater in a house in San Bernardino County, California. ...
A: You have to know what jurisdiction you are under and deal with that because some counties and or ...
|
| sputtering faucets and toilets | 2/15/2006 |
Q: I live in Olympia, WA. Just moved into a 1937 built home and am having many issues, including ...
A: Sounds like you are not likely to run short of problems anytime soon. You have several distinctively ...
|
| Tankless water heater and the UPC | 2/15/2006 |
Q: I bought a Bosch 125HX-NG and want to know if it has the UPC stamp on it. The inspector told me we ...
A: For absolute confirmation you need to go back to the place you purchased the heater. As far as I ...
|
| Toilet Leak___Still | 2/15/2006 |
Q: Hey, cort. I'm in Topeka, KS and have a leaking Eljer toilet. I replaced the entire flapper ...
A: Okay, but you didn't say where the tank is leaking. That is why you did the food color test so what ...
|
| Septic Pumps | 2/15/2006 |
Q: I live in Georgia. I am having problems with my septic pump. My System: There is a tank a couple ...
A: Your leech field must be higher (in elevation) than your tank, correct? The problem that I have ...
|
| Home Sewer Connection | 2/14/2006 |
Q: I am building a new home and want to make sure the plumbing contractor installs my sewer line from ...
A: That scares me when the builder makes that type of statement. The building drain is the main ...
|
| slow leak @ tub waste shoe | 2/14/2006 |
Q: I just installed a tub, and have a very slow drip at the waste shoe. The shoe is two piece in that ...
A: I don't need to tell you how difficult installing the tub shoe can be. I would be hesitant to use ...
|
| Drain pipe/drain hole positioning in a shower base | 2/14/2006 |
Q: We are currently demolishing a leaky 45-year-old shower stall that was custom built with ceramic ...
A: You are one-hundred per-cent correct; you will have to redirect the pipe. You mentioned sub-floor so ...
|
| pipe size | 2/14/2006 |
Q: I am about ready to rebuild the line from my street connection to my house. I've already rebuilt my ...
A: I hope everything is going well for you. Your friend is 100% correct. Your volume of water will be ...
|
| water pressure dropped in whole house | 2/13/2006 |
Q: Cort, I live in Atlanta. My house is 20 years old. Everything worked fine until a few days ago when ...
A: That always helps and you would be surprised at how many folks won't take the time to give us ...
|
| banging pipes | 2/12/2006 |
Q: I live in south Georgia and I have a deep well and every time I turn on the water inside of the ...
A: The problem you describe is generally going to be one of two things; either you have a ...
|
| Well pump | 2/10/2006 |
Q: I live in a farm house in Ohio. My well pump is in a covered, insulated well pit outside the home. ...
A: I have to assume (because you have not given me very much to go on here) that you are reading the ...
|
| Loud Toilet Noise | 2/10/2006 |
Q: Cort, thanks for the info! I think I narrowed down the problem. It seems like one toilet is making ...
A: There should not be a drip. The water level in the tank should be at least one-inch or so below the ...
|
| water pressure dropped in whole house | 2/9/2006 |
Q: Cort, I live in Atlanta. My house is 20 years old. Everything worked fine until a few days ago when ...
A: This is a follow-up to the previous question---- Hi Sonny, There is no logical reason for the ...
|
| Kitchen sink drain & disposal drain height | 2/9/2006 |
Q: Without question I have been playing fair ... the ENTIRE time. In the scope of life ... no one has ...
A: My main concern is for your well being. These things play on ones mind and can cause a lot of ...
|
| Kitchen sink drain & disposal drain height | 2/9/2006 |
Q: I've been insisting the installation is not correct and all he wants to do is give me a smaller ...
A: First I will answer your questions then I will add a comment or two. The UPC (Uniform Plumbing ...
|
| Kitchen sink drain & disposal drain height | 2/8/2006 |
Q: I live in Montgomery County MD. We just had our kitchen redone. The new sink is deeper than our ...
A: It would be a technical violation if you do not have the proper grade which is by code ¼” per foot. ...
|
| Dishwasher/Disposal issue | 2/8/2006 |
Q: I live in Missouri City, Texas. Issue: I have a GE dishwasher that began to hold water at the ...
A: From what you describe the disposal switch in the wall (or wherever it is) has either gone bad or ...
|
| Loud Toilet Noise | 2/8/2006 |
Q: ...I was hoping you can help with a question about my toilets. Both toilets make this loud flushing ...
A: Sounds like someone has installed new ball cocks and failed to place the air gap on the relief line ...
|
| knocking sound from pipe | 2/8/2006 |
Q: Please help...I had my home re-piped in July 2005 with copper pipes. Since then when I turn on ...
A: Noise from pipes can certainly be irritating. Unfortunately it is not always that easy to correct. ...
|
| Leak in Ceiling below Bathroom | 2/8/2006 |
Q: I live in Northern NJ in a 98 year old colonial. After the shower on the second floor has been on ...
A: I am going to guess that it will have to be opened to find the cause. You know it is after the ...
|
| pump cycling | 2/8/2006 |
Q: cort We have well and a pump for our water supply and it seems to be cycling more often than it ...
A: It sounds like you have a waterlogged pressure tank. There is a tank somewhere in your system that ...
|
| leak | 2/7/2006 |
Q: .i have a leak in the bathroom; when you turn off the water to the bathtub, the water keeps leaking ...
A: I would be glad to help you but you will have to give me more information before I can give you any ...
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| Cast Iron Drain Pipe | 2/6/2006 |
Q: I just bought an old (circa 1911) two flat in Oak Park, Illinois, just west of Chicago. The entire ...
A: The fact that you have done a lead caulk joint does in fact lend to your credentials and I doubt you ...
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| Main drain backing up. | 2/6/2006 |
Q: I am assuming that my main line is backing up….well it's. I have a cleanout (?) access pipe, in ...
A: You are right on target, but you have to realize that the line could be completely full of roots or ...
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| Installing Greenboard Above Tub | 2/6/2006 |
Q: When installing greenboard around a tub with an integral "tiling flange," should I install the green ...
A: Good, you already see from your experience that greenboard is not the answer. Like I said before ...
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| leaking angle stop | 2/6/2006 |
Q: Westcoat florida. Problem is I noticed the kitchen sink faucet (two handle faucet) had small drips ...
A: Let us start with the angle stops as this is a quick easy fix normally. The stem extends out through ...
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| Installing Greenboard Above Tub | 2/5/2006 |
Q: When installing greenboard around a tub with an integral "tiling flange," should I install the green ...
A: The board should extend over the tile flange but you have to understand that a 3/8” thick flange was ...
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| expansion tank | 2/5/2006 |
Q: This week I am going to connect the remaining galvanized risers to the new copper system I installed ...
A: The expansion tank is not necessary in most residential buildings. A closed system can exist when ...
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| Residential Shower Leak | 2/5/2006 |
Q: Cort. Happy Superbowl Sunday (or not?). Anyway, I got the shower apart and got all the water up. ...
A: Yeah, anything to speed up the drying out process. Get it good and dry and there should be no mold ...
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| Toilet Tank problem | 2/4/2006 |
Q: I am an American Standard Toilet/Flush two piece gravity fed system installed two years ago. Not ...
A: First, please accept my apology for not getting back to you a little quicker. I had to go out of ...
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| Residential Shower Leak | 2/4/2006 |
Q: Cort. Hope this query finds you well. Last year I replaced a tile shower with a modular fiberglass ...
A: Yeah, those darn showers look easy to install but they are a real pain and consider you have a ...
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| Gurgling/backup in kitchen sink | 2/2/2006 |
Q: Whenever toilet is flushed or washing machine drains my kitchen sink gurgles and shoots out water. I ...
A: My guess is that you have a root-problem in your front yard or wherever the main sewer line from ...
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| Repainig leaky shower | 2/2/2006 |
Q: We have a older Delta shower that the water has a leak when we shut it down. this has a ball with a ...
A: Agreed, you should have no problem repairing the delta. They can be a little cantankerous at times ...
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| Basement Bathroom Plumbing | 2/1/2006 |
Q: I am putting a bathroom in our basement, but I am not quite sure what to do about the venting of the ...
A: If the horizontal run is not too long. Code mandates that you can run 1/3 of the developed length in ...
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| Plumbing and water | 1/30/2006 |
Q: Location: Alberta, Canada Question 1: I have a home water tank (approx 33 L) and when I take a ...
A: Normally the flakes, if they are from calcium build-up, would not come through the hot water pipe ...
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| new supply line | 1/28/2006 |
Q: Soon I will be installing a new copper supply line from the street to the house. By the way, I live ...
A: The trench for a water service line is normally required to provide 18” minimum cover BUT normally ...
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| mixed material plumbing connections | 1/27/2006 |
Q: Follow-up Question. What is the normal maximum working pressure for the expansion coupling you ...
A: Bob, the tested working pressure has to be above 125 psi in order to be an approved material. ...
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| Noise from pipes in attic | 1/26/2006 |
Q: I live in South Texas. Seems like the noise happens only in the winter months than summer. It does ...
A: I appreciate you giving as many details as you did because that always helps. Unfortunately, as I am ...
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| teflon tape | 1/26/2006 |
Q: what is the proper way to put on teflon tape. i get mixed up which way counter clock wise or clock ...
A: The way I do it is as follows. I hold the piece that I am applying the tape to in my left hand (or ...
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| Second water heater | 1/26/2006 |
Q: I currently live in a 3500 square foot house that has 3 full bathrooms and its mostly on one level. ...
A: Well, you at least have a solvable problem. It is inconceivable for me to understand why anyone ...
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| kitchen sink | 1/26/2006 |
Q: We live in East Tenneessee, Knoxville. This may not be your area of expertise. Our kithen sink has ...
A: Jim, I have had to deal with similar a few times. Without going to a great expense the best thing ...
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| mixed material plumbing connections | 1/25/2006 |
Q: I am replacing several freeze-proof farm hydrants (Merrill brand) in my barn. I have a 3/4 inch pvc ...
A: No problem with what you describe. Brass and copper are interchangeable since both are non-ferrous ...
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| tile-in toilet removal | 1/25/2006 |
Q: To answer your question as to why replace the toilet. I have cleaned the small vent hole (in front ...
A: No, I think you have the right idea. When the toilet has those symptoms it will drive you nuts so ...
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| tile-in toilet removal | 1/25/2006 |
Q: Sir, I have an old American Standard toilet taht was tiled-in securely. I am looking for advice ...
A: I am reluctant to tell you how to do this (because it is ever so easy to muff this job) but I know ...
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| Closet flange leaks | 1/25/2006 |
Q: Follow-up Thanks for the quick reply. If I were to add a spacer on top of the flanged lead I am not ...
A: The spacer rings I am referring to are flat on both sides and about 1-1/2” wide, the bottom surface ...
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| getting sewer hook up to new house | 1/25/2006 |
Q: We are purchasing a piece a property in Marietta GA (suburb of Atlanta). Before we close we are ...
A: There are too many variables for me to give you a satisfactory answer. I don't understand why the ...
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| Water Pressure | 1/25/2006 |
Q: Cort, The conditions you described don't exist so I'm more pursuaded to believe there may be a ...
A: Okay, we need to verify how many gallons per minute you are getting at the entrance to your house. ...
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| Closet flange leaks | 1/25/2006 |
Q: I live in northeast PA. I have an old house with old plumbing. Recently I added tile to the ...
A: Your problem is solvable but you may have to try a couple of methods to get it done. We have closet ...
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| Water Pressure | 1/25/2006 |
Q: Cort, Thanks for your insight thus far. My house was built in 1968, and the inlet main line is 3/4" ...
A: Bill, All systems will operate within their volume and pressure parameters. If there is nothing ...
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| bathtub plumbing problem | 1/25/2006 |
Q: I followed your advice, and unfortunately, it hasn't worked yet. Should I just leave the water ...
A: You can leave the water running and it may help but if it is not clear or better after working it on ...
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| Water Pressure | 1/24/2006 |
Q: I live in Atlanta, GA, and my problem is the pressure drop in a running faucet's pressure, when a ...
A: The pressure is not as important as the volume. If your house is old and has steel pipes then the ...
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| angle stops | 1/24/2006 |
Q: I have cpvc running all the way up out of the floor and the wall. I had already installed the ...
A: Okay, the angle (or straight) stops are to control the flow to the fixture and to allow you a place ...
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| angle stops | 1/24/2006 |
Q: I have cpvc running all the way up out of the floor and the wall. I had already installed the ...
A: Okay, the angle (or straight) stops are to control the flow to the fixture and to allow you a place ...
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| getting sewer hook up to new house | 1/24/2006 |
Q: We are purchasing a piece a property in Marietta GA (suburb of Atlanta). Before we close we are ...
A: I can only guess, but the manhole at the church should be within a sewer easement and you should be ...
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| bathtub plumbing problem | 1/24/2006 |
Q: I live in central Illinois, in a home less than 2 years old. This morning, when I turned on the ...
A: Good Morning, Sort of reminds me of the Forrest Gump movie where Forrest says “mama says life is ...
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| cpvc | 1/23/2006 |
Q: I am running new plumbing and I'm using cpvc. I have everything all ran up to the fixtures but ...
A: It sounds like you are trying to use the cpvc all the way to the fixture? The cpvc should ...
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| clean out caps | 1/22/2006 |
Q: I am not on a city sewer, I have a septic tank. The trap I described is on the main line. All the ...
A: Getting a local plumber is a great idea. Had you said in the beginning that you were on a septic ...
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| clean out caps | 1/22/2006 |
Q: I thought I would explain to you my problem in greater detail to see your opinion. I live in NY and ...
A: Your house is not so old and it should be plumbed with plastic pipe and hopefully it is because ...
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| Clean out covers | 1/21/2006 |
Q: I've had a problem with slow drains, and my washing machine while discharging will sometimes back ...
A: Very common problem and I have had it ruin my day many times. Sometimes one has to drill out the ...
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| Hot Water Problem | 1/20/2006 |
Q: House is about 1+ yrs old built on concrete slab. For a guest bedroom on 1st floor, we had to have a ...
A: Plumbing code requires that all showers be protected with a scald guard valve. The temperature is ...
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| water pressure in home | 1/20/2006 |
Q: All of a sudden today we have very low water pressure in all of our taps and not sure why. We live ...
A: , I would not have a clue what your problem is but I will try to tell you how to check the ...
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| water heater | 1/19/2006 |
Q: I have a question about my water heater. Today, I noticed water on the concrete around and under the ...
A: What you describe should be the relief valve okay. Where do you live? The terminology you use leads ...
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| Sound of running water | 1/17/2006 |
Q: We live in Justin, Texas. It is in North Central Texas, close to Dallas. We are on a well and have a ...
A: Just have to get systematic on this one and trace it out. We can allude to the old saying that if it ...
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| Toilet/Washer problem | 1/17/2006 |
Q: I have a 1.5 yr old house in Las Vegas. We noticed a problem about 3-4 months ago. Whenever we run ...
A: Suds producing appliances has long been the source of similar problems in plumbing systems. The UPC ...
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| garbage disposal | 1/16/2006 |
Q: I live near Saginaw, Mi. There is a bad odor coming out of my garbage disposal. What can I do ...
A: What you describe is a very common complaint. Here is a website that offers some hints of what to do ...
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| water odor | 9/19/2005 |
Q: I live in rural Virginia/mountains. I have two houses feeding off one well. I'm getting a sulfur ...
A: What is up with that? Heck if I know. How long has it been going on? Have you done anything to your ...
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| Tankless water heater | 9/18/2005 |
Q: Renton, WA Just bought a tankless water heater. I have had to changed it twice (free from company). ...
A: Your problem(s) are several and I may not be able to answer them all with the information you have ...
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| bathtub faucet is constantly running | 7/17/2005 |
Q: it's a no name two handle faucet with a leaver for the shower and i've tightened the screw in the ...
A: What are you referring to when you say “screw in the inside of the hot handle”? If there is a ...
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| leaking pass-through | 7/12/2005 |
Q: My home is 16 years old. I have just dicovered that the sealing material for the water main and ...
A: No problem Steve, many different mixtures have been used in the past and just about anything that ...
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| Underground leak? | 7/11/2005 |
Q: Cort, Thanks again.We replaced all the house plumbing with copper 4 years ago when we bought the ...
A: Ed, I agree that the spinning of the meter indicates the pipe is empty and is refilling. While it ...
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| Underground leak? | 7/10/2005 |
Q: ------------------------- Cort, Thanks for your response. Your suggestions are about the same I got ...
A: Yes, that sounds about like what I expected. If it were me, I would just rent a trencher (if a ...
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| Underground leak? | 7/9/2005 |
Q: I live in Tenn in an old farm house.It appears the underground water pipe from the street to the ...
A: Sorry I was not able to answer earlier. First off, if the service line is galvanized you are going ...
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| Galv water pipes | 7/6/2005 |
Q: My daughter is purchasing a Condo & the inspection found low hot water pressure. I can think of ...
A: I agree; they certainly will not get better. It is unusual to find galvanized used in that era, but ...
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| junk built up in pipes | 7/6/2005 |
Q: Sorry for not revealing all of the background. The pipe is hte drain for a kitchen sink, so the ...
A: Yes, at least twenty-five years old possibly older. If you have frequent stoppages it would be ...
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| junk built up in pipes | 7/5/2005 |
Q: For more info, my pipes are 2" PVC. If I can boil down your answer, are you saying that the ...
A: You must be looking at a branch line? What does this 2” pipe serve? Generally speaking ‘properly ...
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| junk built up in pipes | 7/3/2005 |
Q: I recently had some plumbing work done. While the pipes were cut open, the plumber showed me the ...
A: The time involved to know if the manufacturer's claims regarding their product are usually, for me, ...
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| leak between p-trap and wall | 7/2/2005 |
Q: i have a leak where the horizontal pipe from the p-trap (under my bathroom sink) fits into the waste ...
A: I will assume that you have an older home and you are referring to a metal slip-joint washer ...
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| piping caps | 7/1/2005 |
Q: I live in Palm Bay, Florida and I'm having issues with my well system. The lawn service ran over an ...
A: Jason, this is a bit confusing to me because the solution should be painfully clear. If the broken ...
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| Septic pump Lift Station | 6/26/2005 |
Q: I really appreciate the information you provided. I live in Boston, MA and I believe the problem may ...
A: Like I told you earlier, you can expect about $200.00 to start anything on a sewer sump. Unless you ...
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| Septic pump Lift Station | 6/26/2005 |
Q: I have a septic pump lift station where I have to pump our sewage up the street into the town ...
A: Unless you know a little about the system and OR you have terrific confidence in your plumber this ...
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| plumber liability | 6/24/2005 |
Q: This is regarding a condo in Washington, DC. A plumber put a new bathtub in the condo above ...
A: You have broached on a very touchy area. I cannot and will not give you legal advice. I do suggest ...
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| galvanized steel water pipe | 6/20/2005 |
Q: I now have munipal water but my garden hose is still hooked up to the original well. I want to cut ...
A: I would think the best option would be to sever the pipe on the well side of the foundation. There ...
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| Tankless water heater - recirculating pump | 6/19/2005 |
Q: Woops, that was a typo. I meant to type 70 ft. But I'm not sure why the concern with distance ...
A: I assumed you meant seventy feet. I am very familiar with the pump that uses the cold water line ...
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| Switching Faucets | 6/18/2005 |
Q: Lets say i have a 6inch long bathroom sink faucet for a trailer and it has 2 knobs and i am planning ...
A: No problem as long as the replacement is the same width as the original. I mention this only ...
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| Tankless water heater - recirculating pump | 6/18/2005 |
Q: I gutted my house and it's torn down to the studs. I redid all the plumbing and installed a ...
A: The tankless water heaters are certainly becoming more popular but there are some disadvantages that ...
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| Mold in toilets | 6/15/2005 |
Q: I live in upstate New York. we recently purchased a classic 1960 brick ranch. Both toilets in this ...
A: I will not be much help to you on this one but it certainly is an issue you should get to the bottom ...
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| Hot water tap in tub | 6/14/2005 |
Q: It is as follows: I have no hot water pressure in my tub but plenty on every other tap. If I remove ...
A: I assume it is a two handle faucet? It was working okay until you replaced the washer? The water ...
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| Toilet Bowl Water Level | 6/8/2005 |
Q: Maryland. American Standard Toilet, made in 1937. Over a period of hours, the level in the bowl ...
A: If you have time to look at some of my responses to questions there was a similar one to yours just ...
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| bathtub drain | 6/5/2005 |
Q: Everytime we take a shower the water in the bathtub accumulates and is very slow to go down. My ...
A: You have given me a loaded question here and I can only speculate, but I will give it my best shot. ...
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| Plumbing | 6/4/2005 |
Q: my name is Christina and I live in Australia. Thank you so very much for taking the time to answer ...
A: What I want to know is if you are on a septic system or a public sewer? If it is a septic system ...
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| Drain Problems | 6/3/2005 |
Q: Recently, I had an issue with some drain plumbing in my house. I own a 2-story house with a typical ...
A: Of course, with a drain situation, anything I say is just speculation because one just does not know ...
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| no cold water | 6/3/2005 |
Q: i live in north central indiana, i live in a 70,s trailer, the problem is i can turn on the hot ...
A: Who knows what is going on? What I would do is turn off the hot water heater and work each valve ...
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| Plumbing | 6/2/2005 |
Q: I live in Maine My question is this, what should be the minimum size of the main water line feeding ...
A: The minimum legal size pursuant to the Uniform Plumbing Code is ¾” BUT this is an absolute minimum ...
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| tub | 6/2/2005 |
Q: I have a client who bought a house with a pink bathroom. The walls and floor are pink ceramic ...
A: That goes back a few years (pink). There are tub refinishing professionals who can do a terrific ...
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| what to do when the hot @cold water pipes make noise when turned on? | 6/2/2005 |
Q: single faucet.bathroom only .are the pipes too close together?
A: I would like to help you but I need a bit more information than you have provided. What kind of ...
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| toliet | 6/1/2005 |
Q: i live in crystal lake, il. the water wont stay in the toliet bowl after i flush. it fills up but ...
A: Usually that indicates a hole or crack in the throat of the trap. There are two ways to check it. ...
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| Copper pipe leak | 6/1/2005 |
Q: Just beyond the water meter (on my side), my water main has a slow leak cause by a tree root pushing ...
A: Be careful about turning the city water off. In my municipality it is a $10,000.00 dollar fine if ...
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| Gas Dryer Hook Up | 6/1/2005 |
Q: I appreciate your time and effort (and your knowledge) The laundry room is above a full basement ...
A: I am in California and our Gas Company is regulated rather strongly and are not allowed to do that ...
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| Gas Dryer Hook Up | 6/1/2005 |
Q: I recently purchased a gas clothes dryer. I now need to have a gas hookup run into our laundry room. ...
A: Any Plumber should be able to do this for you. Any estimate I give is going to be very rough and ...
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| Air in the pipes | 5/31/2005 |
Q: Live in Texas. In the master bath, we have a toilet which is roughly 3 feet away from a sink. When ...
A: All pipe rattle and noise is at least partially associated with loose or improperly secured pipes. ...
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| New pressure tank loss of drawdown. | 5/31/2005 |
Q: I just replaced my old pneumatic pressure tank (which was completely waterlogged) with a new bladder ...
A: Sounds like you are on the right track. You have to shut the pump off. Drain down some water to ...
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| Recirculator | 5/31/2005 |
Q: I purchased a RedyTemp recirculator but I'm having a problem. At first I thought I had a defective ...
A: Follow UP 5/31/05: |
