Houston HVAC and Plumbing Blog

When you flush the toilet, a bunch of mechanical parts let wastewater drain, clean water flow to the bowl, and the tank refill. You probably don’t think too much about how this works. But if something goes awry, the toilet overflowing is an experience you’re not likely to forget. Panic will not help the situation. But you’re not destined to have dirty water all over your house. If the water rises and starts to overflow, here are immediate steps you

Properly maintaining your plumbing system isn’t only about conserving water. It can avoid serious situations that can be inconvenient and costly. Plumbing emergencies and many repairs and premature replacements are often preventable. You can therefore save quite a bit of money with these essential plumbing tips: Don’t Ignore a Leak Plumbing leaks are more common than you think. On average, leaks waste close to 10,000 gallons of water a year per household (and 10% of homes leak at least 90

Cross-linked polyethylene pipe, or PEX, has made a big difference in the world of plumbing. Flexible tubing is easier to install and is durable compared to metals that can corrode. With PEX A pipe, you can install expandable PEX pipe fittings using the right tool and don’t need a plumbing license. PEX A is popular for its high degree of flexibility and ability to shrink back to size. Its “memory” is so good it can form a tight seal around

Cross-linked polyethylene pipe is suited for many different applications. Otherwise known as PEX, it is flexible, durable, and easy to install as well as affordable. It can also be run for long distances with fewer fittings. Running PEX pipe underground is possible, so long as you adhere to local building codes. Below, we will detail how to connect PEX to PVC underground, so your installation is safe, successful, and code-compliant. Is PEX Suited for Underground Use? A PEX pipe will

A whole-house water filtration system is installed in-line with your plumbing, so it’s best to hire a licensed plumber to do the work. The job is more complex than most DIYers can handle. You would need a complete understanding of how your plumbing system works and how to cut, place, and connect pipes. It’s therefore wise to have a plumber install a water filtration system for many reasons. First, installing the system requires cutting into your plumbing. One mistake can

A clogged toilet is a stressful experience we’ve all faced. Most often, unclogging a toilet doesn’t require calling a plumber, or expensive repairs. We’ll start with the simplest ways to resolve the problem and discuss some other steps you can take. Plunge the Toilet Before plunging, you can prevent an overflow by removing the tank lid, closing the toilet flapper, or turning off the toilet’s water supply. Water might splash as you plunge, so place towels or newspapers on the

Water, when it’s not contained in piping or a tub, sink, or appliance, can quickly do major damage to your furnishings and the structure of your home. The unfortunate reality is that many plumbing leaks aren’t easy to find. While our plumbers can use leak detection technologies to identify the source of a problem, you can estimate the location of a leak without hi-tech tools. Or, you can at least determine if there’s a potential leak to call a plumber

Blockages can occur in your plumbing for various reasons. Food, grease and paper products are common causes, but fortunately, you can avoid washing these down drains and they’re relatively easy to clear up. If you have hard water, it’s a different story. You may then be facing issues related to calcium build up in your pipes. Why Is Calcium a Problem in Your Plumbing? Calcium is a mineral humans need for good health. However, it can slowly build up in

Chances are, you’ve probably heard loud banging and knocking sounds from your pipes at some point. Fluid motion can create a lot of pressure in your plumbing system. Water hammer in plumbing occurs when valves are used to manage the flow of liquids or steam close; it’s essentially a result of a pressure surge. A shockwave travels through a plumbing system at high pressure, causing fluid in motion to suddenly stop or change direction. How Water Hammer Is Triggered When

Seeing the water rise instead of disappearing into the drain when you flush can bring on a wave of panic. But the problem can often be resolved quickly. Common tools for doing so include a toilet auger and a toilet snake (at first, both look quite similar). Here, we’ll look at the differences between a toilet auger vs. snake and how each works. And, most importantly, when to call a plumber. Toilet Auger vs. Snake   Toilet Auger A toilet