Frozen pipes: thaw safely and prevent a repeat
A frozen pipe can split the moment it thaws. Here is how to warm it safely, what to check afterward and how to keep it from freezing again.
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Plumbing Guides for Westminster Homeowners
Everyday explanations of the plumbing puzzles homeowners bring up most, from stubborn leaks and surprise bills to drains, heaters, sewer odors and shutoff valves.
All guides
Every article describes the likely cause, the checks you can run on your own and the point where a professional should step in.
Finding a hidden water leak at home
A moving meter, a damp basement wall or a bill that jumped. A handful of quick tests tells you whether you have a leak and roughly where.
Reasons your water bill jumped
A bill that suddenly climbs normally traces back to just a few culprits. Check the meter, the toilets and the sprinkler before you call.
Water heater leaking from the bottom
Water at the base of the heater is either a loose fitting or a failed tank. A few checks tell you which, and what to shut off first.
Low water pressure: causes and fixes
Weak flow at one tap is a different problem from weak flow everywhere. Work through the usual causes before you call.
Sewer smell in the house: causes and fixes
A sewer smell can come from a dry trap, a cracked pipe or a blocked vent. Here is how to narrow it down and when it needs a plumber.
Tree roots in your sewer line
Roots enter a sewer lateral through tiny cracks and joints. Learn the signs, the options and how to protect the line.
Toilet won't flush: what to check
A toilet that will not flush has a short list of causes. Check the tank, the clog and the bigger line before you call.
Running toilet: how to find and fix it
A toilet that runs on and off wastes water all day. A dye test finds the leak, and most fixes cost little.
PEX vs copper pipe: which is better?
PEX and copper both work. The choice depends on cost, freezing risk, water chemistry and how the pipe will be run.
Water hammer: why pipes bang
Banging pipes when a valve closes have a simple physical cause and a few common fixes.
Winterize sprinklers and outdoor faucets
Fall prep for outdoor water prevents split spigots, cracked backflow assemblies and spring leaks.
Shutting off the main water valve
Know where the main valve is before you need it. This guide covers where to look, how to turn it and what to do if it sticks.
How to flush a water heater
A yearly flush removes sediment, quiets the tank and helps it last longer, especially in moderately hard water.
Basement floor drain backing up
A floor drain that bubbles or fills is usually the first sign of a blocked main line. Here is what to do and how to tell groundwater from sewage.
Prefer a conversation?
Ring the all-hours number, describe the situation out loud and the dispatcher will take down the particulars.