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Plumbing in the Home/Questions Answered by Expert Cortez (cort) Cate
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Electric Hot Water --not staying hot | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: I have a whirlpool 40gal. electric water heater, 2 yrs old. Model# E2F40RD045. Two days ago my ... A: Electric heaters do not all work the same way; most will have the top element on to heat the water ... | |
| Basement Plumbing | 1/6/2012 |
| Q: we purchased this new house several years ago and we are now finishing the basement, please forgive ... A: There is no simple and legal way to do what you ask. You have not provided enough information to ... | |
| sump pump | 1/4/2012 |
| Q: Our sump pump will not kick on automatically. We have to manually hit the reset and then it works ... A: So sorry that I was away from email a couple of days and missed your question. Yes the float is ... | |
| fixture leak | 1/1/2012 |
| Q: I have a common (cheapo) Delta single handle kitchen faucet, the kind with the stainless steel ball ... A: That faucet should be guaranteed and if you contact Delta Faucet they will advise you on ... | |
| black water | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: i live on a farm and last night i was filling the cement water trough and the 50 gallons of water ... A: I would guess that a hunk of sludge that forms typically inside galvanized pipe fell off and ... | |
| sewer gas | 1/3/2011 |
| Q: My girlfriend and I purchased a house in August. The inspection was clean and we love the house, but ... A: Most of the issues like this that I have had involve a hole in a fitting/cap etc. or a crack in DWV ... | |
| 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: A-ha, okay, it can be a bit tricky but if you are mechanically inclined you can probably do it ... | |
| Toilet install | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I am installing a toilet in my basement. It was "roughed-in" so there is a 3" PVC pipe coming out ... A: The top of the closet flange that you must install should be ¼” above FINISHED floor (3/8” Is ... | |
| Pressure & Leaking Valve | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I need help, please. It is a multi-fold problem. First of all, I need to ask about turning the ... A: You are certainly doing the right thing by turning the water off when it is going to be cold and/or ... | |
| well pump pressure sensor | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: This morning we woke up to no water. Not surprising sense the temp was 18. Although I had left the ... A: First off, if you know it is going to be that cold you had better shut the pump down (both well and ... | |
| air in water pressure | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: Recently we have been exsperincing alot of air coming out of our spickets when we turn on the water. ... A: You will need to determine if the well pump is filling the pressure tank. This can be a complex ... | |
| Freezing Temps .... | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: Last night we had freezing temperatures. This morning all sinks and toilets work, but the master ... A: Of course it is going to freeze harder on the outside wall. When it thaws out and starts leaking ... | |
| pipe moans like a sick cat | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I just moved into a 20 year old house. At different times during the day, the pipes moan. It ... A: Yes, that is more than likely the cause of the sound. I would like to see it and try to see how the ... | |
| State water heater duron seamless tank | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I believe a while back I had a leak in my water heater and the unit was replaced with a state water ... A: If you do not have an invoice/receipt for the heater the Company will go by the coded numbers on the ... | |
| pipe moans like a sick cat | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I just moved into a 20 year old house. At different times during the day, the pipes moan. It ... A: Well Marc, it looks like you are heading in the right direction; There are a number of similar ... | |
| State water heater duron seamless tank | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: I believe a while back I had a leak in my water heater and the unit was replaced with a state water ... A: If it is a gas water heater there are no heating elements in the tank as opposed to an electric ... | |
| LP gas line | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: I am installing a tankless water heater (Bosch Aquastar 2700ES LP) in my basement but I first have ... A: *****CAUTION***** First, make sure that LP is legal in a basement and under no circumstances should ... | |
| Outside faucets - winterizing | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: We live in Texas and as a rule, don't need to worry about this, however, we are in for a cold snap ... A: Without going to the expensive of the electric wire warmers that require you to wrap around the ... | |
| Increasing Water Pressure in Bathroom | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: Cortez, We have a condo that resides in an historic building that has low water pressure due to age ... A: There are methods that could achieve your objective but they are all expensive and all have side ... | |
| Replumbing a house | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: Our house was built in 1958 and still has the original metal pipes. It is a pier and beam foundation ... A: No, I have no clue what it would cost in Texas as I am in California and I am sure the prices would ... | |
| possible blockage | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I'm having a problem with the 2 downstairs toilet not flushing. And, when anyone runs water in the ... A: Sounds right to me; You know for sure that there is a blockage somewhere beyond your toilets. The ... | |
| Plumbing Problem | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: My husband and I are having difficulty solving a plumbing problem in our 38-year-old home. When ... A: I think you said that the shower in the tub did not produce the residue and it only came from the ... | |
| radiator | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: we had an engineer come out to repair or combi boiler in the early summer, he went upstairs and did ... A: I am not an expert on boilers and hot water heating but I will help as much as I can. If I were ... | |
| Basement Toilet Sump Pump | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I visited my friend recently in Gilbert, AZ. Their home has a finished basement with two bedrooms & ... A: You are correct. There is no reason not to use the pump for solid waste if it is properly sealed and ... | |
| sewage sump pump | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: We are looking at a house in north central Florida, that has a sewage sump pump beside the garage. ... A: My experience with the sewer pumps has led me to believe that they are very reliable and last a long ... | |
| plumbing squealing | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: We get a squealing sound (at first thought it was an animal outside the house) after we use the ... A: Wow, I have been getting a rash of these guessing mysterious types of problems. There is not much ... | |
| Plumbing Problem | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: My husband and I are having difficulty solving a plumbing problem in our 38-year-old home. When ... A: I am going to respond, but it is almost like one would have to have magical insights to answer this ... | |
| bathroom sink | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: My bathroom sink will not drain. Ive taken the trap out and snaked directly to the drain. Found ... A: 1/5/2010 3:42:07 PM Hi Todd, The only other thing to do is PROVE that the sink dumps directly into a ... | |
| Basement Rough In vent question | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: My plan is to install a sink and toilet down here (no shower or tub). Judging from this photo it ... A: Yes, you need to vent anything you install. Functionally, the vent begins where the waste from the ... | |
| Stink Pipe | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: We are smelling sewer gas coming from our stink pipe on the roof. We live high on a hill and ... A: Brrr, I can feel the cold; I live in sunny So. California and we consider 50 degrees cold… Eduardo ... | |
| Sewer gas in the shower | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: You may have addressed this already, but I figure there are always variations on plumbing problems. ... A: That is one of the more pesky plumbing problems I have been confronted with quite a number of times ... | |
| Stackablewasher and dryer | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I am going to install a stackable washe and dyer and I have not purchased them yet so I don't have ... A: 1/1/2010 7:34:25 PM Hi Michael, I don’t have any specific knowledge about the stackables. The ... | |
| Knocking sound | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: Whenever I turn my water off I get a knocking sound through the plumbing. The pressure guage ... A: Usually this problem will be related to pipes that are not firmly secured; it is also usually ... | |
| Roots in plumbing pipes | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: Our toilet recently backed up. I finally called a plummer and he "snaked" the toilet and it now ... A: Roots are a very common problem especially with older sewer lines. There are additives that you can ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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: Hello again Lee, Okay, now I know you know how it is supposed to work but you ... | |
| drain issue | 5/31/2005 |
| Q: My daughter bought a 100 year old house. Sometimes the kitchen sink will just fill up via the ... A: Forgive me; sometimes I forget that most folks know very little about the fundamentals of a plumbing ... | |
| bathroom drainage | 5/30/2005 |
| Q: I don't know how to send it through allexperts, so i sent it to your other email. THanksHi, Can I ... A: What you have drawn will work but it is not a legal assembly. What you are doing is called ... | |
| Recirculator | 5/29/2005 |
| Q: I purchased a RedyTemp recirculator but I'm having a problem. At first I thought I had a defective ... A: The RedyTemp is designed to be used in a house that does NOT have a recirculation system. If you ... | |
| replacing bathtub faucet | 5/26/2005 |
| Q: I have a single handle Delta tub faucet, it is dripping. The shower is ceramic tile, can we just ... A: You can replace the rubber washers and springs that fit beneath the ball and that usually corrects a ... | |
| Bathtub drain | 5/25/2005 |
| Q: my bathtub has a 1 1/4" plastic drain pipe. Next to the trap is a 1 1/2" Pro Vent thing. Is this an ... A: Yes, the Pro Vent is a substitute for extending the vent up the wall and through the roof like it ... | |
| No water outside | 5/25/2005 |
| Q: I live in southern Wisconsin and have an exterior faucet where I attach a garden hose. I used the ... A: Roger, I would turn the water supply off to the house. I would remove the hose bibb and inspect ... | |
| Water pouring from under toilet | 5/25/2005 |
| Q: For the past few days, everytime someone takes a shower in either of my two bathrooms, water pours ... A: Lisa, call the plumber; your line is plugged, most likely it is a root problem but who knows for ... | |
| TOILET | 5/24/2005 |
| Q: WHY DOES MY AMERICAN STANDARD TOILET NOT FLUSH ALL WATER OUT OF THE BOWL? ALL WASTE SEEMS TO GO OUT ... A: David, There are several things that will cause this symptom. First one should make sure the water ... | |
| sewer smell in house | 5/24/2005 |
| Q: We have a sewer smell in the house for a couple weeks that is getting worse. It comes and goes. ... A: What you have is a frustrating difficult problem, but you already know that. There is very little I ... | |
| Pipe Insulation | 5/22/2005 |
| Q: I want to insulate some PEX piping that I am installing under my mobile home. I would estimate that ... A: They make the foam in several thicknesses and they have degree ratings on the insulation. Just ... | |
| angle valve | 5/21/2005 |
| Q: Greetings from South Texas, I am trying to remove an angle valve (shut off valve for toilet) so ... A: Chances are that your pipes coming out of the wall are copper and that the angle stops are the ... | |
| pvc removal | 5/17/2005 |
| Q: I want to change an outside faucet that is leaking. It's glued to a 1 inch diameter pvc pipe which ... A: Sorry, it appears your email was misdirected, but I have it now and will try to help and hope it is ... | |
| Gas Pipes | 5/17/2005 |
| Q: The pipes are under a mobile home and are black. They've been exposed to some plumbing leaks and ... A: Herb, They are fairly well protected there and as long as they are not contacting soil or get too ... | |
| ack pipe for natual gas | 5/16/2005 |
| Q: Bl Why is black pipe used for natual gas and can galvanized pipe used as well? speedball1 A: How have you been, I have been thinking about you lately? Black is used because it is less ... | |
| Wet Venting | 5/16/2005 |
| Q: Just want to make sure I understand you. The way I have it set up (see crude diagram below - a "u" ... A: Steve, it is a little confusing--two-inch is not large enough for the toilet, it has to be a minimum ... | |
| Toilet flange and lead pipe | 5/15/2005 |
| Q: Ok, Im a novice to say the least. I live in an old house with an old bathroom so I decided to do a ... A: What you need is an “instant-set” closet flange. It will be cast-iron with a rubber-gasket and you ... | |
| Wet Venting | 5/15/2005 |
| Q: I'm instaling a separate tub and shower in a bathroom. They are along one wall along with the ... A: Wet venting is frequently used in the situation you describe. As far as legalities according to ... | |
| venting dryer through stone wall | 5/14/2005 |
| Q: We want to install a deck where the dryer vent exits the house so we need to move the vent and make ... A: You are right; it is difficult to make the hole in the stone wall. Problem is that not many ... | |
| solar water heating | 5/13/2005 |
| Q: I live in Western Mass. I have a raised ranch, the water system has 3 solar panels on the roof. In ... A: It is good that you have the expansion tank because it is an important safety feature for that type ... | |
| solar water heating | 5/12/2005 |
| Q: I live in Western Mass. I have a raised ranch, the water system has 3 solar panels on the roof. In ... A: I am not going to be much help to you on this one because all solar systems have several different ... | |
| New home with low pressure or low flow? | 5/11/2005 |
| Q: I have just moved into my new home which was just finished being build 2 weeks ago. The first thing ... A: No, the larger service line or anything short of a pressure pump/tank can change the provided water ... | |
| Kitchen Faucet Install? | 5/11/2005 |
| Q: that is ok though - as long as it works. My faucet is a regular pull out faucet with one handle - ... A: Go to this link and browse around and it should help you. http://www.moen.com/ The ball is ... | |
| plumbing noise | 5/10/2005 |
| Q: Live in North Texas. I recently installed a new shower valve in a tub shower combination. When I ... A: Since about 1995 all shower valves are supposed to be “scald-guard”. Yours sounds like it is and it ... | |
| New home with low pressure or low flow? | 5/10/2005 |
| Q: I have just moved into my new home which was just finished being build 2 weeks ago. The first thing ... A: My oh my. Static pressure for water is about .43 lbs per foot if I remember correctly, it could be ... | |
| BATHTUB DRAINS | 5/9/2005 |
| Q: I LIVE IN NJ. I HAVE A CLOGGED BATHTUB DRAIN THAT I CANNOT UNCLOG. I HAVE TRIED CONTAINERS OF DRAINO ... A: Sounds pretty grim, but let me go over a few possibilities. I take it the house is single-story and ... | |
| Kitchen Faucet Install? | 5/9/2005 |
| Q: I am replacing my kitchen faucet and have recently bought a new pull-out faucet from ebay and it ... A: You need to know the manufacture brand name and model number to be successful in getting repair or ... | |
| may 7, 2005; very complicated | 5/7/2005 |
| Q: My husband and I live alone in a (1995) manufactured home in Houston, Tx. We have well water which ... A: I doubt that I am going to be able to give you much help but I am going to try because I feel your ... | |
| drain pipe | 5/5/2005 |
| Q: I live in South Texas and recently bought a home with a concrete foundation (no basement). After ... A: From the information you have given I can only guess at what you have. It is most likely a cleanout ... | |
| Bathroom... Durock.. greenboard... etc. | 5/5/2005 |
| Q: we live in Maryland and would like to put a bathroom in our basement. A rough in needs to be done ... A: The question you ask or the questions you have are perfectly normal. I won't be able to answer all ... | |
| gas leaks | 5/4/2005 |
| Q: what is the best method to check for gas leaks. I have tried soapy water to no avail. Maybe there is ... A: There are some commercial products that work very well. Snoop, my favorite, is but one of several. ... | |
| plumbing supply | 5/2/2005 |
| Q: Why do plumbers use plumbing supply houses and not go to Home Depot or Lowe's? I renovate houses, my ... A: Plumbing supply houses have a more thorough supply of what a plumber needs and it costs the plumber ... | |
| Garbage disposal drain connection | 5/1/2005 |
| Q: I live in High Point, NC, and have been remodeling my kitchen. I just had new cabinets installed. We ... A: Unfortunately there is no acceptable method to do what you want. There are ways to mickey-mouse it ... | |
| Disposal Problem | 4/26/2005 |
| Q: I recently had the plumbing removed under the sink in my kitchen. (We had new cabinets installed.) ... A: Call the plumber back and tell him to do his job properly. Normally there is a baffle-tee that ... | |
| No water pressure in from bathroom faucet | 4/25/2005 |
| Q: I have water pressure in all the faucets expect one the downstairs bathroom faucet. It starts out ... A: Scott, you have left me a little short on specifics here but I am going to give you the basic ... | |
| propane vs electric | 4/24/2005 |
| Q: We are in the process of building a new home in California. We do not know whether to install ... A: It does not cost very much more to have the electrical circuits installed to the appliances you may ... | |
| Toilet Problem. | 4/15/2005 |
| Q: I replaced a supply line that was leaking on my toilet earlier and I noticed that it wasn't flushing ... A: The problem you describe is probably responsible for more water closet replacements/sales than any ... | |
| Wall Mount Lav Faucet | 4/15/2005 |
| Q: I heard somewhere that the height of the faucet to the bottom of the basin bowl is important to ... A: The standard height to the top of the basin (top=where the water would spill over to the edge of the ... | |
| Thermal expansion tank | 4/13/2005 |
| Q: I was looking in our equipment room the other day and noticed that the thermal expansion tank on the ... A: No, it is correctly mounted on the cold water side. The way the expansion tank functions allows any ... | |
| Stuck Shower Valve | 4/12/2005 |
| Q: I have a push-pull type shower valve in our bathroom. It showed symptoms of being hard to push in ... A: The problem you describe is not uncommon with, particularly, the Moen single lever valve. One ... | |
| Tankless Water Heater | 4/11/2005 |
| Q: What is your opinion on tankless water heaters? I am considering replacing my gas W/H with a ... A: I will give you the response I just two days ago gave to another inquirer. Tankless makes perfect ... | |
| toilet reinstallation | 4/10/2005 |
| Q: Cate, I am installing ceramic tiles in my bathroom. After removing the toilet and installing the ... A: Yours is a common problem yet easy to solve. I have enclosed a link that will show you a picture ... | |
| Tanklss water heater | 4/9/2005 |
| Q: I live in Colorado, foothills of the Rocky Mountains at about 8500 feet above sea level. I am ... A: I will give you some generic information. If you have anything specific afterwards you can always ... | |
| hot water | 4/6/2005 |
| Q: I have a hot water tank which isn't working properly no hot water. It has 2 side entry points one at ... A: I will try to help you Mike, but you really need someone who is more familiar with your area. I am ... | |
| Water pressure sudden drop | 4/5/2005 |
| Q: I found out what the problem was with the kitchen sink, the water shut off valve under the sink was ... A: Good, you got part of it so we are down to just the bathtub hot water. The stripped washer retainer ... | |
| Water pressure sudden drop | 4/4/2005 |
| Q: I am having a problem with the faucets in my house. I turn on the water, and it runs fine for about ... A: I will try to help some Matt, but we need more information. Are you on city water? Are you on a ... | |
| Outdoor faucetss | 4/3/2005 |
| Q: We live in Kansas City, Mo. Both our outdoor faucets leak badly and are very hard for our old ... A: Yes, the weather and age do have harsh effects on the plumbing in general. I am assuming that you ... | |
| Subpump Clogged? | 4/1/2005 |
| Q: I am a fellow expert in the Optometry section and thought I would use the service myself. Recently ... A: Sorry I didn't get back with you but I was out of town this weekend. Yeah, I used one of the ... | |
| Dielectric nipples-Can they totally replace dielectric unions? | 2/3/2005 |
| Q: am replacing a water heater that has a passive recirulating system and the new water heaters now ... A: Randy, Actually these nipples will work very well for that. I have always found the best ... | |
| Bathtub Repair | 2/3/2005 |
| Q: Arizona. Cort the dilemna I face is one in which I have a garden style Jacuzzi tub that was ... A: Dave, this is not so serious that there are no remedies. The best thing I have found for this ... | |
| Bathtub Repair | 2/3/2005 |
| Q: Arizona. Cort the dilemna I face is one in which I have a garden style Jacuzzi tub that was ... A: This is not at all uncommon. You will have to caulk it about once a year to keep it from leaking. ... | |
| ------------------------- ... | 2/3/2005 |
| Q: I have what looks like a boiler faucet on an outdoor water line. This faucet is of the type that I ... A: Okay, it is definitely a backflow device. You have two options IF you can't make it quit leaking…. ... | |
| I have what looks like a boiler... | 2/2/2005 |
| Q: I have what looks like a boiler faucet on an outdoor water line. This faucet is of the type that I ... A: More than likely that is a hose bibb backflow preventer. These have been required per UPC for about ... | |
| pipes underneath house | 2/1/2005 |
| Q: My question is in regards to the plumbing underneath my house. It seems there are leaks in the pipes ... A: I would not recommend you trying to do the under house drainage plumbing unless you know a lot about ... | |
| ejector pump | 1/31/2005 |
| Q: Cate, We live in a two story condominium outside of Boston, MA with a lower level. In our lower ... A: Gotta get in there and see what is going on. IF you are sure that the pump is not working it could ... | |
| Slow Toilet Stool | 1/30/2005 |
| Q: I have a toilet stool that does not drain well. It fills and slowly flushes but not like the other ... A: There are quite a few variables concerning any water closet including age, condition of water, and ... | |
| Bathroom Fan | 1/30/2005 |
| Q: I Just purchased a bathroom fan for my second floor bathroom, and instead of cutting a hole in my ... A: You do not want to do that. I am assuming that you are referring to your sanitary sewer vent stack. ... | |
| We live in Toronto, Canada.... | 1/29/2005 |
| Q: We live in Toronto, Canada. Since the city fixed an outdoor water pipe during a very cold night ... A: I doubt that I will be much help here. The problem you describe happens frequently when repairs ... | |
| hot water | 1/28/2005 |
| Q: I live in Memphis, TN and recently our 65 gal RUUD electric water heater was replaced by our home ... A: Normally the specifications will be very close if not identical with each water heater manufacture. ... | |
| tb replacement | 1/2/2005 |
| Q: how do i remove my old bath tub and disconnect it from the drain? A: I am assuming it is a cast-iron tub? Remove the waste drain fitting, this is the flanged 1-1/2 ... | |
| Object down the toilet | 12/26/2004 |
| Q: I mistakenly flushed a 3 x 3 inch gauze down the toilet, will this cause problems with my homes ... A: It could cause a problem. Chances are good that it will not or you would have know by now. Not a ... | |
| toilet | 12/25/2004 |
| Q: My toilet keeps running water when I flush It. I notice the tank will slowly empty then refill ... A: Sorry you did not receive this answer more timely because I attempted to respond the same day you ... | |
| Leaking shower hose inside enclosed jacuzzi | 12/23/2004 |
| Q: We recently had a construction person repair a leaking Jacuzzi in our condo. It was leaking down to ... A: Actually, I am a bit hesitant to try to answer your question(s). However, in the spirit of the ... | |
| Howling from water pipes | 12/23/2004 |
| Q: I hope you can help me identify and resolve my plumbing problem. With winter approaching here in ... A: I don't know what it is. If I were there I would try everything I could think of to resolve the ... | |
| Sump Pump Working Too Much | 12/19/2004 |
| Q: I live in NorthEast Ohio-weather now is 20F and my sump pump keeps running as often as every 15 ... A: Happy holidays to you and your family. Sorry I am late responding to your question but I was ... | |
| Plumbing | 12/17/2004 |
| Q: How do I connect a Culligan Reverse Osmosis system with a 1/2" plastic line using a 1/4" plastic ... A: Sorry I did not get your message sooner. Our internet access has been disrupted. You can use a ... | |
| tapping into a natural gas pipe | 12/10/2004 |
| Q: Greetings, I live in Ozark, MO. I am starting to finish my basement in a house of 5 yrs of age. I ... A: Before I tell you how to correctly do this I will tell you what should not be done. Then I need you ... | |
| Bathtub spout | 12/9/2004 |
| Q: How do you replace it. I do not see any screws or nuts. How do you take it off and put a new one ... A: Patrick, It will be one of two designs....One has female threads like any fitting and screws on to ... | |
| pipe problems? | 12/7/2004 |
| Q: I live in So. Cal and I am having plumbing problems. The problem started a few days ago. Our ... A: Doggone, that is always a problem that makes one suspicious….or at least skeptical. ... | |
| How to remove old garbage disposer? | 12/1/2004 |
| Q: Yes Cort. I think this is the answer. Last night I kept trying to push, pull, raise, lower that snap ... A: You got it Marylyn; I knew you would get it…. The new one (most likely) will have a snap ring, but ... | |
| How to remove old garbage disposer? | 12/1/2004 |
| Q: I can't thank you enough for trying to help me. I have further information that's important to this ... A: Right on, just loosen those screws ( think there are three) and then the snap ring should come loose ... | |
| Gas Flex Line | 12/1/2004 |
| Q: We live in Montana & my husband is a retired HVAC Mechanic. I tell him he knows a little bit about ... A: Wow, this should not be….First; it is strictly illegal to have a flex line under the house unless ... | |
| Toilet stuff | 11/26/2004 |
| Q: Many thanks for offering your expertise here! My girlfriend had an old toilet that needed ... A: This is a frequent complaint that I have had to deal with in the past. Several things could be the ... | |
| shower pressure | 11/26/2004 |
| Q: I have high pressure for the cold water supply but gravity feed for the hot.I cannot raise the hot ... A: I am not sure what you are dealing with, so I will try to give you some basic information. If this ... | |
| using a garbage disposal with a septic system | 11/24/2004 |
| Q: My son has a new house that has a septic system. He has asked for a garbage disposal for Christmas. ... A: Happy Thanksgiving. It is okay to use a disposal with a septic system however the disposal should ... | |
| Tankless Water Heater | 11/22/2004 |
| Q: I am looking into replacing an electric water heater that supplies two bathrooms and was wondering ... A: I do not have a lot of experience with the tankless heaters per se. I have install and used a lot ... | |
| Bath Tub plugged with some type of metal cap or toy | 11/21/2004 |
| Q: Aloha Cort, My troubles are bathtoub related probable metal cap or toy interupting water drainage. ... A: First go to this website and look at the pictures of the waste and overflow(s) that are pictured ... | |
| ear deafening noise from cold water tap | 11/20/2004 |
| Q: Firstly hi and hopefully you'll be a godsend. Every time i turn on the cold water tap in the ... A: Is this the bath room lavatory? I am going to guess that it is. More than likely there is a loose ... | |
| main water supply line | 11/18/2004 |
| Q: We are building in TN. The water pressure at the road is 160lbs. Our line will be approximately 600 ... A: I would not use any less than the 2 inch line that has been reccommended. The 100 foot elevation ... | |
| Shower plumbing | 11/16/2004 |
| Q: In my shower I only have one handle. If you turn in right it gives you cold water, if you turn it ... A: Plumbing codes after 1995 required that all shower valves must provide either pressure balancing or ... | |
| Shower faucets are leaking | 11/15/2004 |
| Q: Home was built in 1977. Neither the hot or cold water in the main bathroom shower will shut off ... A: This is a little late getting to you and please accept my apology. I did answer immediately but due ... | |
| Water Hammer? | 11/13/2004 |
| Q: I live in upstate NY. My home was built in 1989. It's a two story residential with 3 bathrooms and ... A: The primary cause of water hammer is loose pipes. Your situation may be different, and the pressure ... | |
| Torches to sweat copper | 11/13/2004 |
| Q: I'm wondering what is the best kind of torch to sweat copper. I have used Mapps gas and propane in ... A: I use the Mapp gas because it is a little hotter than propane. I am refering to the small ... | |
| installing dishwashers | 11/11/2004 |
| Q: I have a 2002 Kenmore dishwasher that I bought at Sears. I had been doing dishes by hand for over 4 ... A: I hate it when that happens. It was the salesperson. Unless they (Sears) make a model that I am ... | |
| Basement | 11/8/2004 |
| Q: I have a rental home with a usable basement with a concrete floor. A couple of years ago, I had a ... A: My guess is that the 4" is for the water closet, but it depends on where it is in relation to the ... | |
| Toilets | 11/8/2004 |
| Q: Cortez hi, I would like to install a powder room in my basement but the problem is that I do not ... A: Short answer is no. One way or the other you will have to pump the soil and waste from a sump ... | |
| Basement "stub out" | 11/7/2004 |
| Q: I have a rental home with a usable basement with a concrete floor. A couple of years ago, I had a ... A: I have to have more information in order to answer your question. When one stubs out for future ... | |
| water sputtering | 11/3/2004 |
| Q: The house is a single story, 2000 sf in north Texas. It has two seperate hot water systems. The ... A: The malfunction that I was thinking of involves an electric heater up stream of another heater and ... | |
| water sputtering | 11/2/2004 |
| Q: No one has worked on the plumbing for years. The water source is city provided. House is on a slab ... A: The two hot water heater configuration is most likely causing the problem. How is the hookup of the ... | |
| water sputtering | 11/1/2004 |
| Q: For the past few days the water has been spitting or sputtering for about 2-3 seconds after the ... A: I would need more information to give you a more accurate answer. I will try to give you some ... | |
| Kohler toilet | 10/25/2004 |
| Q: I didn't make any changes, it just started acting this way. Yes if you hold the flush lever aq bit ... A: There is no baffle at the overflow. Think about it...what difference does it make? The water level ... | |
| Lazy flush - 1.6 gallon toilet blues | 10/25/2004 |
| Q: I recently moved into an older house (circa 1925). On the main floor, there is a closet that was ... A: It is unlikely that a vent is causing the problem. The old drain lines is another story and they ... | |
| Kohler toilet | 10/24/2004 |
| Q: I have a Kohler toilet that sometimes it flushes good and sometimes the flap valve closes to fast. I ... A: Most of the time with your symptons it is either the flapper chain is too loose or you have the ... | |
| Replacing toilet interior | 10/23/2004 |
| Q: I have written in the past and taken the suggestion to replace the flapper/ballcock etc in my toilet ... A: Don't dispair too much, this happens to all of us at some time or the other. Sometimes it is ... | |
| shower | 10/21/2004 |
| Q: Mr.Cate, A few minutes ago I turned on the hot water in my shower.The pipe stared to bang.The ... A: It is very possible the chatter was caused by a worn out or loose washer. With a two handle valve ... | |
| Pipes noise | 10/21/2004 |
| Q: I have very little information to give you unfortunately, as I know next to nothing about pipes and ... A: The one thing you can do is have the users open the taps a little more when they are using. Some of ... | |
| Bathroom Taps | 10/20/2004 |
| Q: I live in Southend on sea, I needed to replace my bathroom taps on my bath,so I turned off all the ... A: Often when the water is shutoff after a long period of time and the shutoff valve is a gate-valve ... | |
| shower | 10/17/2004 |
| Q: Mr.Cate, A few minutes ago I turned on the hot water in my shower.The pipe stared to bang.The ... A: Any banging or rattling noise in water pipes will always be associated with loose pipes. Having ... | |
| Installing a toilet | 10/15/2004 |
| Q: I just installed a new eljer two piece toilet It seems to be well tigtened. I used a new wax ring ... A: Toilets can be difficult to set. First you need to use a straight edge and determine if the floor ... | |
| Main Line Drain | 10/12/2004 |
| Q: Over the years we've regularly had our main drain line cleaned out due to root problems. With our ... A: You are right because it is high. It is high because they can get it and there is a lot of work ... | |
| Shower | 10/12/2004 |
| Q: I just moved to Salt Lake City, and my new place has a shower with 3 knobs (hot water, cold water, ... A: The center valve is the diverter stem. It has a seat and washer for each direction. In other words ... | |
| PLUMBING | 10/12/2004 |
| Q: I'm on the 3rd floor of a 3 level condominium and all of a sudden the bathtub drain had reverse ... A: I would like to help you, but you have what could be a major problem. If you were not using the ... | |
| Toilet Is Hard to Flush | 10/11/2004 |
| Q: I have a toilet that was VERY difficult to flush. It is a standard ballcock assembly although it ... A: You should not have to change the flush valve under normal circumstances. The exception is if the ... | |
| water softner | 10/4/2004 |
| Q: H i cort I live in N.J. I have a 22 year old Hague water softner it worked perfect untill 3 d ays ... A: I know of the Hague company, but I am not familiar with their valve. Some companies have ... | |
| Home Faucets | 10/2/2004 |
| Q: I want to change the faucets in my bathroom (sink & tub) from the boring fixtures I have now (Delta) ... A: Your thinking is correct assuming we are talking apples for apples. By that I mean if the delta is ... | |
| Cleanout Direction | 9/23/2004 |
| Q: Cort-- Thanks so much for the informative and speedy reply. I have 2 quick follow up questions: ... A: I live up the coast in Arroyo Grande. My mother-in-law lives in Ventura. First, you do not want to ... | |
| Cleanout Direction | 9/23/2004 |
| Q: I live in Ventura, California. I am trying to find out if it is against code to install a one-way ... A: The short answer is No. You can install a cleanout in the reverse direction if you choose to but ... | |
| Pipe location | 9/14/2004 |
| Q: my fuse box is in the laundry room (in basement). The water supply pipes for the washer run across ... A: There is no restriction on the distance of a water pipe from a fuse box to my knowledge. Prudence ... | |
| Well Water System | 9/12/2004 |
| Q: I live in Indiana. I have a "shallow" well water system where the pump (water ace) is located above ... A: I have a lot of people that ask about well systems and while I do have a good background with wells ... | |
| Toilet | 9/11/2004 |
| Q: About every five minutes I hear my toilet fill its tank for about 5 seconds and then turn off. I jut ... A: This is not an uncommon occurrence and you have to try to figure out where the water is going. I ... | |
| Well pipe extension | 9/10/2004 |
| Q: I realize you don't state wells in your area of expertize, but if U can't help, perhaps U could ... A: No, it is not a really big deal. However there are several other bits of information I need in ... | |
| Propane service lines | 9/10/2004 |
| Q: I need to bring in a new propane service into my house in Dexter Maine. It will serve an antique ... A: This link is to the Florida Building Code. I do not live in FL. I live in CA. but FL. is one of the ... | |
| Water Heater (Residential) | 9/10/2004 |
| Q: I recently replaced a 40 gallon gas water heater with a new electric 80 gal Rheem. The old one had ... A: Boy, these are the frustrating type of plumbing problems that we occasionally have to deal with. I ... | |
| plumbing materials | 9/7/2004 |
| Q: I live in oklahoma city. i have a house plumbed with pvc. it is located in the walls, hard to get ... A: If it is really PVC I would recommend cutting out a section and testing the pliability of it. PVC ... | |
| Low hot water flow | 9/7/2004 |
| Q: I think a piece of mineral buildup broke loose from the water heater and is restricting water flow ... A: I have had similar problems before and sometimes you will succeed and sometimes maybe not. Turn ... | |
| Silicone Sealant | 9/6/2004 |
| Q: It's not exactly a plumbing question I've got, but this is the closest I get to this category. I ... A: Typically you have described the method that I use. All of the sealants have some sort of ... | |
| Overflow Pipe | 9/3/2004 |
| Q: I live in Hertford and for the last few weeks, my overflow pipe has been dripping for periods of ... A: Where is Hertford? What overflow pipe? Is this a roof drain? If it is a roof drain overflow ... | |
| new construction water lines | 9/2/2004 |
| Q: This fall I plan to start building my new house in Orlando, Florida. I was planning on a 1" copper ... A: Big house! No less than 1-1/2” on the service line---(from the well to the house) and I strongly ... | |
| CPV leaking | 9/2/2004 |
| Q: I reside in District of Columbia. Question #1: One of my pipes are leaking,as it turns out there ... A: The cpvc (I assume it is cpvc? The other option is PVC which is not normally approved for use ... | |
| Water pump (well water) | 8/31/2004 |
| Q: This morning I noticed the water pump gage at the water tank(I have well water) was continuously ... A: Good work. This is what we used to call “water-logged”. The older pressure tanks did not have a ... | |
| finding an alternate drain | 8/28/2004 |
| Q: Ilive in st. louiis mo. I am planning on finishing my basement. My problem is I have a floor drain ... A: Sure, you can cut a new drain in at the main stack. You do have to use the proper fittings and ... | |
| In Home Plumbing | 5/25/2004 |
| Q: I am a civil engineer familar with the hydraulic properties of water in municipal water supply, ... A: You have been bitten by the novice plumber bug....I always try to rough the kitchen at about 12" ... | |
| vent | 5/22/2004 |
| Q: If I install a toilet in the basement of a new home do I have to put in a vent for it and run it up ... A: UPC requires a two-inch vent all toilets, it could tie back into one of your other vents of the same ... | |
| clogged toilets | 5/21/2004 |
| Q: There are two back to back toilets where I work that are both clogged. There is a bubbling sound, ... A: With back to back toilets and both with the symptons you describe you certainly have a main line ... | |
| Well pump | 5/21/2004 |
| Q: My home was built in 1993, we have a well and septic system. Recently we lost our water pressure. ... A: This sounds more like a short-cycling caused by waterlogging than any other thing. You should be ... | |
| bathtub faucet | 5/20/2004 |
| Q: two handle faucet turnes without stopping the flow of water. it is the cold water side A: You have not given me much information to go on but I will take a generic approach and assume a few ... | |
| hot/cold water shower problem | 5/19/2004 |
| Q: We have a 10-year old home with PVC piping for the water supply. If someone is taking a shower, ... A: This is a common problem. The factors are wide and varied but there is often only one really viable ... | |
| underground leak | 5/18/2004 |
| Q: I had an inspection done on a house in New York City. The inspector said that he can hear through ... A: This is the type of problem that will require a more "hands-on" approach in order to correctly ... | |
| roman tub repair | 5/16/2004 |
| Q: H E L P... I am trying to repair a leaking roman tub faucet. It's a Price Pfister RT6. I have ... A: I can't help you much from the information you have given me. Here are some numbers for ... | |
| venting | 5/15/2004 |
| Q: I am remodeling a bathroom--second floor. Downstream direction is wc, lav, tub. The soil pipe is 4" ... A: UPC requires that you have the aggregate area of vent that the proper building drain size is. ... | |
| wrapped pipes | 5/14/2004 |
| Q: About 10/15/20 years ago plumbers started covering up the metal pipes (drain and supply pipes, ... A: This practice was mandated by the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted by congress about 15 ... | |
| leak | 5/13/2004 |
| Q: I have a leak coming down throught the ceiling from the upstairs bathroom around the toilet. I ... A: It will usually be from one of the following. 1. The flange to bowl seal (this is a wax ring) and ... | |
| leaking utility pump | 5/10/2004 |
| Q: I appreciate your opinion on my problem. This question involves my utility pump. This pump looks ... A: Without being able to see the entire scope of your situation I will not try to give you an absolute ... | |
| gas flex hose | 5/9/2004 |
| Q: Are you supposed to use pipe dope on the male threads of the valves that hook up to the flex hose? ... A: Pipe dope is not required for this type of fitting since the seal is in the curvature of the fitting ... | |
| high toilet | 5/6/2004 |
| Q: I just installed a toilet after installing new tile and the toilet, after connection, sits about 3/8 ... A: I am assuming that you modified the toilet flange when you installed the tile floor because the ... | |
| commercial storage tank | 5/4/2004 |
| Q: The cold water feed on the bottom of the tank...How is that controlled so that it doesnt fill up the ... A: This is a gravity issue. When water is heated it expands and becomes lighter by volume and thus it ... | |
| What size water softener | 5/3/2004 |
| Q: I need to replace a water softener. We have (by test) very hard water but low usage. (two of us). ... A: You have the right idea, this is simply a math problem. It is important to know just exactly how ... | |
| Bathroom tub faucet changing | 5/2/2004 |
| Q: I can take off the handle on both of my faucet knobs in my bath tub, but I can't seem to get the ... A: Typically, tub faucets are either one, two or three handles. It sounds like you have a three handle ... | |
| Hi, thanks for entertaining... | 4/30/2004 |
| Q: In my home, I would regularly get a momentary "pause" in water delivery -- the water would stop ... A: I am not a well expert and there are a lot of variables that could be involved in your problem.... ... | |
| h/w heater (again) | 4/28/2004 |
| Q: Cortez, Your informative response was most appreciated. One more quwstion arises. How would one ... A: Without knowing a bit more history on your particular situation it is difficult for me to guide you ... | |
| hot water heater | 4/27/2004 |
| Q: I'm confused. I just put an upper heating element in my Hotpoint 40 gal. hot water heater. In ... A: Most electric heaters are wired so that the upper element comes on first and heats the upper portion ... | |
| low pressure from some sinks in brand new home | 4/26/2004 |
| Q: we just bought a brand new home and in the master bath there are two sinks w/ faucets (two handles). ... A: What you describe is usually clogged aerators. You must remove the aerator/strainer from the faucet ... | |
| plumbing | 4/25/2004 |
| Q: A few mos ago thought wtr/htr was going out, is still working fine. Had the Kickoff? valve replaced ... A: The Kickoff valve you refer to is a Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve, more commanly refered to ... | |
| Washer drain clogged up | 3/8/2004 |
| Q: When washing my clothes as soon as the water drains, I see water on my kitchen floor, and closet ... A: With a system that old I would not put any more chemicals in the drains. They are most likely ... | |
| Water pressure & leaky faucet | 3/7/2004 |
| Q: ------------------------- You answered my question expertly about the leaking tub faucet and ... A: Well, it is good that you discovered the filter had not been changed in so long. Luckily that type ... | |
| squealing shower | 3/7/2004 |
| Q: My shower makes a high pitched squealing sound that varies with the water pressure. When the pitch ... A: As to the pressure, forty psi is the low end of what you need for house supply. Sixty-five is ... | |
| Relief valve on hot water tanks leaks | 3/7/2004 |
| Q: I bumped the relief valve on my hot water tank and it is constantly dripping just enough to keep the ... A: I would be remiss not to explain that the relief valve should have a line attached that terminates ... | |
| Water pressure & leaky faucet | 3/7/2004 |
| Q: We turned off the water to fix a leaky bathroom tub faucet. It is a Price Fister (spelling?) two ... A: It is a common problem that happens with iron pipes. They get a lot of corrosion build up over the ... | |
| vents | 3/5/2004 |
| Q: Can you vent a toilet from a heel elbow , where and how is the best place to vent a toilet in a new ... A: The administrator says you may not have received my previous reply so I will do it again. Yes a ... | |
| plumbing | 3/5/2004 |
| Q: I have my hot water heater at one end of the house and there are two faucets that are about sixty ... A: Yes you do need a check-valve. Check valves are designed in both vertical and horizontal ... | |
| Circulating pump? | 3/4/2004 |
| Q: I manage a 20 unit apartment building. For the past few months, one of my tenants (the first to get ... A: I did answer this question a couple of days ago but maybe something malfunctioned and it did not ... | |
| Toilet odor | 3/4/2004 |
| Q: I sent this question to you a couple of days ago & just realized I probably gave you my email ... A: Yes, I did answer the question (as best I can guess only) a few days ago. The following is what I ... | |
| Toilet odor | 3/2/2004 |
| Q: I'm out of ideas for this problem & hope you can help. We installed a toilet about 3 years ago in ... A: This may be difficult without being there. Problem is that the odor is primarily of urine. If the ... | |
| hot and cold shower stems | 3/2/2004 |
| Q: My question is what is the difference between the hot and cold replacement stems for a shower. Both ... A: Good question. In many of the two handle and diverter valves there is no difference in the hot and ... | |
| Trickling sound | 2/28/2004 |
| Q: There is an intermittent trickling sound coming from inside the toilet. Sometimes bubbles come up ... A: First thing on your situation is check the air-gap on the overflow tube. This is the small 1/4" ... | |
| faucet problem | 2/27/2004 |
| Q: I hope I can explain this well enough to be understood. Whenever I turn the hot or cold water on in ... A: I really need to know what type of bathroom faucet you have but I will try to help anyway. It ... | |
| possible sources and help for whining sound | 2/26/2004 |
| Q: I live in the California Bay area, in a 1978 home I've lived in since it was built. In the last ... A: My best guess is that the noise is from the ball-cock of the toilet nearest the noise. You seem to ... | |
| Pressure Varies | 2/22/2004 |
| Q: I live in a typical 3 bed/2 bath house with a private well & submersible pump. My problem is that at ... A: Well systems typically should have two-pumps, one that pumps from the well to a storage tank and one ... | |
| hooking up an old dishwasher | 2/21/2004 |
| Q: I want to perminatly hook up a dishwasher to my sink. My sink now has a garbage disposal and my ... A: The answer to your question would be a bit easier if I knew what type of dishwasher you are ... | |
| vents | 2/21/2004 |
| Q: In new construction does every trap have to have it"s own vent pipe ? What about toilets, one vent ... A: Each trap must be protected by a vent. One vent-pipe may serve more than one-trap as long as the ... | |
| Plumming | 2/19/2004 |
| Q: My toilet is always getting stopped up from just a little paper. Latley even when it looks ok, when ... A: We get a lot of problems similar to the one you have. This is simply a matter of determining if the ... | |
| Problem with sink plug | 2/19/2004 |
| Q: The plug in my bathroon sink will not go up to let the water out of the sink or vise/versa. I have ... A: Something is retarding the flow of the water. It is likely hair caught on the mechanisims within ... | |
| shower drain | 2/16/2004 |
| Q: My shower drain has a stopper with a flip-up. The flip-up won't stay up to drain the tub. The ... A: That is called a trip-lever waste and over-flow. The trip-lever landle has broken a piece of the ... | |
| grundfos recirculating pump | 2/16/2004 |
| Q: I have a Grudnfos recirculating pump w/timer (Model UL 15-18) instaalled in my home. The pump quit ... A: All things being equal, you described exactly what you need to do. Nothing else is required just ... | |
| Air in the feed supply | 2/15/2004 |
| Q: We are getting air in the feed supply which can be heard in the kitchen or bath when the faucet is ... A: Certainly it is an abnormality to have air in the lines...It can only come from a malfunction ... | |
| Hot water leak | 2/15/2004 |
| Q: We have a leak in hot water line. We are on a concrete slab, in Calif. Have been feeling tile and ... A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Under slab leaks are never nice but sometimes they are a lot ... | |
| Toilet Flange Extender | 2/14/2004 |
| Q: I've recently installed a ceramic tile floor in my bathroom. The floor is now higher than the ... A: Just about anything will work for that purpose...a bead of plumbers putty or a bead of tub and tile ... | |
| House drain pipe | 2/12/2004 |
| Q: My friend emailed this to me and I'm going to her house next week to check out the problem. This is ... A: I really won't be much help to you here Randy, it appears that she covered the most obvious ... | |
| Cate, I have a new home.... | 2/12/2004 |
| Q: Cate, I have a new home. I have an electric hot water heater (40 gallons). It seems the hot water ... A: Basically you have a math problem...Perhaps your heater is not providing the water it is supposed ... | |
| plumbing | 2/12/2004 |
| Q: Ever since we had our new refrigerator hooked up (it has a water & ice cube despenser) the pipes ... A: You have not given me enough information for me to give you a good solution....Everything is ... | |
| water softener resin leaking | 2/11/2004 |
| Q: I just had a new water heater installed yesterday. When the plumber drained the old water heater, ... A: If the softner is loosing resin it is most likely because one of the screens inside the resin tank ... | |
| Pressure loss after dishwasher install | 2/9/2004 |
| Q: First of all, thank you for this great service!! This weekend I installed a dishwasher in my home ... A: Sounds like something (foreign material like rust or other corrosion) may have broken loose and ... | |
| Toliet backups | 2/9/2004 |
| Q: We have 3 new Gerber toliets that backup, with bowel movements, on a weekly basis. It always takes ... A: The 1.6 gallon flush can be a problem and sometimes seems like it takes more water rather than ... | |
| slow toilet | 2/9/2004 |
| Q: My toilet does not fully drain. I often have to flush several times to get the job done. Is this ... A: This could be a result of any of several problems. First you need to run a toilet auger through the ... | |
| "popping" sound heard when water is draining | 2/4/2004 |
| Q: When water is draining out of the bathroom on the main floor of my house there is a loud popping ... A: Smoot, A few years back I lived in a house that had similar noise. It was the plastic pipe that ... | |
| My toilet tank water runs... | 2/4/2004 |
| Q: My toilet tank water runs into the toilet at various times such as when the downstairs shower is on ... A: Check the airgap first and if that does not correct the problem go to a new ballcock. People often ... | |
| Interior plumbing pipes | 1/27/2004 |
| Q: My home is about 15 years old and the water here(Las Vegas) is extremely hard. Is there a chemical I ... A: Short of soaking the pipes with some solution and then flushing there is no way I know of to clean ... | |
Plumbing in the Home
Answers by Expert:
Cortez (cort) Cate
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer most questions related to residential and commercial plumbing for buildings up to ten-stories in height. I have excellent knowledge of the UPC and UMC. When I am not sure of the best answer or exactly what you want to know I will at least let you know what I think and try to give you realistic options. Many problems are unique and have no simple answer. In those cases I will try to give you some guidance and you should use that to refine the question further and we, together, can seek the answer via a follow up. Plumbing codes and practices vary around the world--If you don't tell me where you live the answer I give may not fit your locality. I no longer seek ratings for my answers and my time. I am giving my time to you as a way of fulfilling my perceived obligation to share. All the volunteers here deserve the highest rating all the time for their efforts to help and share. Many of you will not take the little time to say thank you; that's ok, it is not required. I am here to try to help you find a solution to your problem. If my answer solves your quest for knowledge that is great and you are welcome BUT most often I will merely be pointing you in the right direction and giving you a little knowledge boost to help you find your answer. REMEMBER, If you want a good answer you need to ask a detailed question and include where you live, type of pipes, type of building, water pressure if it is a water problem, type of heater, age of appliance & building all these and many more are variables that have an effect on various situations. We can't give you a good answer without good information.
Experience
Since 1972 a California licensed B-1 General Building Contractor, C-36 Plumbing and C-16 Fire Sprinkler Contractor; also installing and servicing Heating, Air Conditioning and Sheet Metal operating as C and C Building and Plumbing, California State License 279516. In 1995 I downsized the company to become semi-retired. Still I remain active in the construction industry.
As head of a company I placed personnel and job safety as the number one objective followed closely by training and continuing education. Always seeking to stay informed of leading edge technology in the industry.
Also I have spent several years as an Apprenticeship Instructor in the Pipe Trades Unions.
Additionally I am a certified OSHA instructor.
Education/Credentials
United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Instruction Training, Ann Arbor, MI
Bakersfield College, Bakersfield CA
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA
Foothill College, Los Altos, CA
California Licensed Contractor from 1971
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