Plumbing

Most home plumbing issues are avoidable with a bit of preventative maintenance. That said, keeping your home flush and flowing requires a basic understanding of how plumbing works. We’ve compiled a library of articles to help you tackle the most common plumbing repairs and who to call when you need a professional opinion.

Modern white bathroom
Photo: Minette Hand / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
Modern white bathroom
Photo: Minette Hand / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Mom bathing her toddler son
Heather Ayer
•
May 22, 2024
May 22, 2024
Looking to estimate the cost of rough-in plumbing for your new home? We’ve got you covered with a guide that covers the different cost factors for this type of job.
A mother with her kid doing the dishes in the kitchen
Justine Harrington
•
Aug 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
Main water line repair cost varies depending on the issue, labor costs, and materials needed to perform the repair. Read on to find out what you need to know.
Woman using fridge water dispenser at home
Allie Ogletree
•
Apr 30, 2024
Apr 30, 2024
The cost to install a water line for refrigerators typically falls between $75 and $130 depending on the materials, labor, and equipment. Read on to learn more.
Family sitting at Thanksgiving dinner
C.E. Larusso
•
Aug 30, 2024
Aug 30, 2024
Learn why Brown Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—sees a surge in plumbing issues and how to prevent common household plumbing problems during the holidays.
Father showing son how to brush his teeth in the bathroom
Allie Ogletree
•
Sep 6, 2024
Sep 6, 2024
Plumbing a bathroom starts with knowing the steps for a successful DIY project. Follow this guide to learn how to plumb a bathroom yourself.
woman filling up water bottle in sink
Timothy Moore
•
May 15, 2024
May 15, 2024
Looking for the best person to install a water filtration system? Our guide details what you need to know.
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A person filling a watering can from an outdoor faucet
Kelly Weimert  •  Sep 9, 2024
14 Must-Know Winter Plumbing Tips
Plumbing problems can lead to costly damage to your home, and they occur most often during winter. Use this guide to protect your home and wallet from winter plumbing problems.
Close-up of a boiler
Tyler Lacoma  •  Sep 9, 2024
A Complete Boiler Maintenance Guide for Homeowners
Boilers work best with the right maintenance. Here’s how owners should keep an eye on them, from periodic inspections to regular care.
Flooding from a hurricane
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Sep 9, 2024
What to Do When A Sump Pump Alarm Goes Off
Why is my sump pump alarm going off? Take a look at what to do when your sump pump is beeping with these DIY steps.
connecting hose to water heater
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Sep 9, 2024
Water Heater Not Draining: Top Reasons
If your water heater isn't heating up properly, you could have a drainage issue. These common causes of water heater not draining could be to blame.
Close up water tap on plastic pipe
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Sep 6, 2024
14 Types of Pipe Fittings and Their Uses
Tee, cross, wye, elbow, coupling, bushing, adapter, union, and more. Know the most common 14 types of pipe fittings and what they are suited for.
Father showing son how to brush his teeth in the bathroom
Allie Ogletree  •  Sep 6, 2024
How to Plumb a Bathroom Yourself and Save Money on a Plumber
Plumbing a bathroom starts with knowing the steps for a successful DIY project. Follow this guide to learn how to plumb a bathroom yourself.
A girl washing her hands
Mariel Loveland  •  Sep 4, 2024
How to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet: A Complete DIY Guide
If your faucet hasn’t been working like it used to, you might need a replacement. Here’s how to replace a kitchen faucet like a plumbing pro.
A spacious modern bathroom
Lauren Bongard  •  Sep 4, 2024
How to Vent a Toilet, Sink, and Shower
Read how to properly vent your toilet, sink, and shower and learn the importance of effective plumbing ventilation to ensure a well-functioning and odor-free bathroom.
Bathroom with a toilet installed next to a shower stall
Mariel Loveland  •  Sep 3, 2024
Standard Toilet Drainpipe Sizes: Which Size Do You Need in Your Bathroom?
Most toilets use a 3-inch drainpipe, but certain toilets may deviate from the norm. This guide will help you understand toilet drainpipe sizes to avoid clogs.
Gray tiles installed on the wall and floor of the bathroom
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Sep 3, 2024
Can Toilets Freeze in Cold Weather? What You Need to Know
If your toilet won’t flush on a frosty morning, you may have a frozen toilet. Here’s how to tell and some tips for thawing it out.
Family sitting at Thanksgiving dinner
C.E. Larusso  •  Aug 30, 2024
What Is Brown Friday? Key Mistakes to Avoid
Learn why Brown Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—sees a surge in plumbing issues and how to prevent common household plumbing problems during the holidays.
Toilet bowl with lid open in a bathroom with patterned tiles
Lauren Bongard  •  Aug 30, 2024
8 Reasons All the Toilets In Your House Aren’t Flushing and What To Do About It
Are all the toilets in your house not flushing? It could be a clog, pipe damage, or water supply issues. Learn how to diagnose and fix flushing problems.