Questions About Plumbing

Costs for a Water Heater or Circulation Pump

We added a kitchen last year and now we're not getting enough hot water on that end of the house. I've heard that circulation pumps are more expensive to buy but cheaper in the end since you don't have to run the water while it heats. Is that true?

Icemaker Water Line: Quick Fix or More Expensive Fix

We have a new fridge with icemaker. The pre-existing water line (copper) has never been used – put in with a remodel 7 yrs ago, is not yet connected to the water source. We called in a plumber who advised against using it: 1) it shows some signs of oxidation; 2) it’s threaded behind solid wood cabinets, and somehow was threaded over/around a doorway (it must be inside the wall) and 20+ feet later, reaches the fridge alcove. Plus, we have very hard water (no water softener). Instead, he proposes running an aqua flex line from an upstairs bathroom line, through the ceiling, and down to a box behind fridge (shorter distance, less risk of leakage) – for $1000+ (will include some other minor plumbing issues). Is he overselling the risk? He said the original lin e would be a home inspector’s red flag, and he wouldn’t guarantee the quick fix, other than the installation of the valve. What do you think?

Why is my toilet water drained when I wash clothes?

Every time I wash clothes, it seems as though the water is being sucked away from the toilet when the washer spins. I am not sure why that is happening. Please help!!

Laundry Room Flooding Problem

When I wash clothes in my laundry room it floods my living room, and my kitchen sinks won't drain. I have had 2 plumbers come out and they dont tell me anything, but your sink is holding water which apparently I already knew! Obviously, it would be hard without being here to look, but what is your take (or guess) on this? What could be the problem?

Moisture on floor and wall. Where is it coming from?

I have what appears to be water (moisture) on the floor and wall in one of the bedrooms. I asked a roofer to check is see if I needed a new roof. I was told that my roof is fine. What else could this be? I see what looks like little water marks on the wall and floor.

Why does my toilet keep loosing water from the tank?

I have a toilet that seems to keep loosing water from the tank - fairly slowly. It looses close to 1/3 of the volume then fill back up on its own or if the pressure in the house changes. I have changed the rubber flapper several times but the problem persists. I can't afford to call a plumber, what do you think could be the cause, and how do I correct it?

Which is better for sealing a shower surround? Acrylic sealant or silicone based?

I just installed a 3 piece shower in the basement during a renovation project and noticed the contractor had sealed the joints with silicone as recommended. However he did not do a very good looking job and I want to tidy it up as well as seal around the perimeter to the drywall. Local suppliers have told me not to use silicone on acrylic surfaces as it will not hold. They suggest I use mono Ultra which is an water based acrylic latex product.

How Can I Stop Tree Roots from Growing into my Water Lines?

How do I get roots out of my water lines?

What type of drill bit can be used to cut-in holes on ceramic for wall/shower plumbing?

What type of drill bit can be used to cut-in holes on ceramic for wall/shower plumbing? I Need to cut holes in ceramic tile for pedestal sink plumbing and shower components. Can a Rotozip be used? If so, what bit? Any info you can pass along would be great. Thanks!

How to Run a Water Line for an Icemaker

How can I run a water line to my refrigerator when I don't have a crawl space to reach the plumbing?

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