Trusted Plumbing How To's, Hiring Advice

Plumbing glossary

Confused about the jargon? Don't know a float valve from a flapper? Here's an Angie's List glossary to plumbing-related terminology.

When hiring a plumber -- especially for an expensive project for which you have time to plan -- make sure the plumber you hire is fully qualified and licensed in your state. A plumber may be an apprentice in training, a journeyman or a highly qualified master plumber depending on the level of training and experience.

Toilets

A product of thousands of years of human thought, the modern toilet is ingeniously shaped to flush away its contents whenever sufficient water is dumped into the bowl. The mechanical parts inside the tank merely supply that water -- but these are the parts you need to fix.

Sump pumps

A submersible sump pump detects increases in ground water levels and kicks on when needed.

A sump pump is like a sturdy, hardworking little robot that stands sentry in your basement, alert and waiting to detect any rise in groundwater levels that might cause a flood were it not for its diligence. When its services are needed, it goes to work pumping out the encroaching water, working tirelessly as long as necessary until the threat passes. Then it quietly stands down, expecting no thanks, and puts itself back on guard awaiting the next call to duty.

Septic Tank Installation

Septic systems

Cleaning a septic system needs to be done every couple of years.

Septic systems are commonly used in rural areas and sometimes in areas not served by a municipal sewage system. Septic systems absorb household sewage and distribute the liquid waste into a designated leach field where natural processes can reclaim it. However, solid wastes and grease must be pumped out of the septic system periodically.

How to maintain a septic system

Follow these five tips in order to maintain your septic system. (Image courtesy of FloHawks Plumbing)

A highly rated Angie's List service provider describes how to properly maintain your septic system and drain field. Here are five tips to help.

3 tips to prevent tree roots from invading your sewer line

As a homeowner, you probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about overgrown tree roots and their effect on your sewer system (if you do, might we suggest checking Angie' s List for alternative entertainment options like music lessons, cooking classes or personal trainers).

Avoid septic backups with preventive maintenance

Chicago homeowners with septic systems who perform annual maintenance can avoid costly backups.

See More About Septic Tank Installation

Water Heater Installer

Water heaters

Installing a water heater is best left to a professional while homeowners can perform key maintenance.

Standard storage tank water heaters typically need to be replaced after about a decade, but they can last years longer with some homeowner maintenance. When the time comes to buy a new one, there are more options for consumers to consider.

Does a leaking water heater violate code?

Anytime a contractor tells you that you have a code violation, seek the opinion of at least two more reputable professionals in your area to help make sure what you’re being told is legitimate. When in doubt, contact your local code enforcement agency. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Michael K.)

Dear Angie: My water heater is leaking. The plumber I hired said it would cost $150 for a water heater code violation. Do you know what he is talking about? Is there such a thing? – G.C., Columbia, S.C.

Temperature relief valves critical to water heater safety

A T&P relief valve is a two-in-one safety device, which, as its name implies, responds to both excessive temperature and to excessive pressure in a water heater. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Robert B.)

Water heaters have many critical components, but none are more critical than the temperature relief valve. Learn how to make sure that your both T&P valve and thermal expansion tank are both working properly

How much should water heater installation cost?

The cost for a professional water heater depends on more than just the unit itself - meeting current plumbing codes, and ensuring safety and proper installation are important factors, too.

See More About Water Heater Installer

Water Softener Maintenance

Water softeners

Even if your tap water comes from a reservoir, chances are it previously passed through underground caverns where it absorbed mineral deposits. Water with a high concentration of minerals is referred to as "hard" water. It's safe to drink but can harm your plumbing and appliances.

Do water softeners need regular maintenance?

The advantage of water softeners is they can extend the life of your water-using appliances, your plumbing and even your clothes. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Kevin F. of San Antonio.)

Dear Angie: I have well water for my residential water and use a water softener for it. I have not had the water softener system serviced for the past two-and-a-half years. How often should I have it serviced? What should an inspection/service include and how much will it cost? What can happen if I don’t have it serviced? – S.P., Fair Lawn, N.J.

Best San Antonio Contractors of 2012

Father and son Allen and Trevor Townsend install locally-built water softeners in San Antonio. (Photo courtesy of Alamo Water Softeners)

Angie's List names the Best San Antonio Contractors of 2012.

Are salt-free water softeners effective?

Angie Hicks responds to a member who wants to know if salt-free water softeners are as effective as traditional water softeners. She describes how they work and explains the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

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Well Pump Service

Wells and pumps

Homes not supplied with city water rely on well water. Here, a well is being drilled onto a property where the owner was building a new home. (Photo courtesy of Loren Harris)

Water supplied by wells is just as safe, convenient and reliable as municipal water supplies and millions of homes around the country rely on wells. But relying on a well requires an understanding of its components, and regular maintenance and testing.

Should I turn off my well pump when I leave town?

A well pump is about to be lowered into a well. (Photo courtesy of the National Ground Water Association)

Angie Hicks responds to a member who wants to know if shutting off power to his well pump while away from home will cause his pipes to freeze or burst.

Cisterns: Deep trouble or untapped resource?

In its heyday, this pump moved rainwater from the backyard cistern to a tub for washing clothes and dishes. Robert Proctor found this cistern while remodeling a house near downtown Indianapolis.
Photo by Brandon Smith

Indianapolis area homeowners discuss utilizing the underground caverns beneath their homes.

Don't let water quality slide down the drain

See More About Well Pump Service

Drain Pipe

Main sewer drains

The main sewer line is the homeowner's responsibility up to the edge of the property.

A home's main sewer drain carries all household sewage to municipal sewer lines or to an on-site septic system. Older drains can become invaded by tree roots, causing blockage that can lead to sewage backing up into the house. Replacing a drain can be expensive, though newer techniques can lessen the amount of digging required.

Why dig? Trenchless sewer line replacement bypasses the backhoe

Pipe lining and bursting replacement techniques offer alternatives to traditional sewer line excavation.

Sidewalk can make sewer break city's problem

Chicago's private drain program saves homeowners money by requiring the city to pay for some sewer line repairs.

Indianapolis plumber clears difficult clog in drain

After one plumber broke a pipe that spilled sludge on his basement walls, a homeowner turned to Angie's List to find a qualified Indianapolis plumber to make repairs the first one didn't.

See More About Drain Pipe

Gas Leak Repair

Washington, D.C., fence company disputes homeowner's complaint

A Washington, D.C.,-area homeowner says a fence company owner took payment without resolving his issues.

Arlington HVAC company refunds service charge

Arlington HVAC company fails to fix gas log fireplace. Homeowner gets a refund.

See More About Gas Leak Repair

Sewer Cleaner

3 tips to prevent tree roots from invading your sewer line

Tampa ponders sweet sip of (treated) sewage

Converting waste water into drinking water is controversial to many, but using "Toilet to Tap" technology is becoming a more popular option.

Redirect pipes to prevent sewer backup

Chicago experts share advice on how to avoid basement flooding from city sewers.

Sidewalk can make sewer break city's problem

Chicago's private drain program saves homeowners money by requiring the city to pay for some sewer line repairs.

See More About Sewer Cleaner

Drain Cleaner

How to choose a drain cleaning service

The price you get over the phone isn’t necessarily the price you will pay, Parker says. (Photo courtesy of CK Mechanical Heating & Plumbing)

A stopped drain in your home can be cause for a panic, but don't forget to make the right hiring choice, a highly rated Mills, Wyom., plumbing company explains.

How often should a sewer drain be cleaned?

Angie's List member Ronald C. of Roseville, Mich., had to install a new drain pipe after tree roots grew into the old pipe forming a clog.

Dear Angie: How often should a sewer drain be cleaned? Is this something that should be regular maintenance or just as needed? A local plumber mentioned he’s running a “special” of 50 percent off the sewer drain cleanout service for a total cost of $200. Should we do it?

Best St. Louis Contractors of 2012

A & J Drain Service employees use camera lines to find problems before removing drain clogs. (Photo courtesy of A & J Drain Service)

Angie's List names the Best St. Louis Contractors of 2012

3 steps to a clear drain

If you have a clogged drain, there are some home remedies that may provide a quick fix or buy time until a professional can arrive. (Photo by Grant Smith)

There are few things more bothersome than a clogged drain. Trying to unclog a drain can be a lot of trial and error, leaving you frustrated. So what are some good remedies to unclog drains, and do they work?

See More About Drain Cleaner

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