Plumbing guides
Plumbing guides for homeowners
Each guide starts with the short answer, then explains the details and when it is time to call a plumber.
Emergencies
How to shut off your water in an emergency
Find your main water shutoff valve, close it the right way and learn how to shut off a single fixture or the water heater when a pipe leaks.
How to prevent frozen pipes
Which pipes freeze first, what to do before a hard freeze and how to protect a house while you are away. Practical steps for cold and warm climates.
What to do when a pipe bursts
A burst pipe can release gallons a minute. Follow these steps in order: shut off the water, drain the lines, protect the electrics and document the damage.
What affects the cost of emergency plumbing?
Emergency plumbing costs more than a scheduled visit. See the factors that set the price, the fees to ask about and how to keep the bill down.
Drains & sewer
Sewer line repair vs. replacement: how to decide
When a spot repair or lining makes sense, when the whole sewer line should be replaced and how a camera inspection drives the decision.
Why does my drain keep clogging?
Recurring clogs have a cause: buildup left behind, a venting problem or a defect in the pipe. Learn how to tell which, and when cleaning is not enough.
Signs of a sewer line blockage
Several slow drains, gurgling toilets and water backing up at the lowest fixture point to a blocked sewer line. Learn the signs and the next steps.
How to prevent drain clogs
Most drain clogs are preventable. Keep grease, hair, wipes and food out of the pipes with these habits for the kitchen, bathroom, toilet and main line.
Water heaters
How long does a water heater last?
Typical lifespans of tank, tankless and heat pump water heaters, how to read a heater's age from its serial number and the signs it is time to replace.
Tankless vs. tank water heater: which is right for your home?
Compare tankless and tank water heaters on upfront cost, lifespan, hot water supply, maintenance and what installation requires in your home.
Water heater not heating: causes and what to check
No hot water or only lukewarm water? Check the breaker, the reset button or the pilot first, then see which parts usually fail on gas and electric heaters.
Water heater leaking: where it is coming from and what to do
Water at the base of a water heater may be a loose connection, a valve or a failed tank. Learn how to tell which, how to shut it down and when to replace it.
Looking for a quick answer?
The plumbing questions page covers costs, permits and common household problems in a sentence or two each, and the plumbing glossary defines the terms plumbers use. For anything urgent, go to emergency plumbing.
Need a plumber today?
Call and tell us what's going on. Calling is free, and the plumber confirms the price before any work starts.