How to Fix a Running Toilet Yourself
Key Takeaways How to fix a running toilet yourself are easy tips to save water and reduce your bill. Most of them are caused by a bad flapper, an out-of-adjusted float, or mineral build-up in the fill valve. Simple things like pliers and a sponge are usually all you need. Parts are inexpensive and simple […]
What Is a Pressure Balancing Shower Valve
Key Takeaways A pressure balancing valve in a shower is a device that keeps water temperature steady by matching hot and cold pressure. It detects pressure changes in either supply and moves to maintain a fixed mixture, minimizing abrupt scalds or chills. Widely found in single-family dwellings and multi-unit buildings alike, these valves operate without […]
How to Choose the Right Water Heater Size for Your Home
Key Takeaways How to choose a water heater size for your home concerns matching household hot water demand with the unit’s capacity and recovery rate. Important considerations are occupants, peak hour use, fixture flow rates in liters per minute, and desired temperature rise. Tank and tankless options require different calculations: tanks focus on first-hour rating […]
How to Stop a Leaking Outdoor Faucet
Key Takeaways They’re as common as a leaking outdoor faucet and as wasteful. These small drips frequently originate from old washers, loose packing nuts, or corroded valve seats. They vary from replacing a washer or cartridge to tightening fittings and winterizing the spigot with insulation. Certain fixes demand simple instruments and a few minutes, while […]
Warning Signs Your Well Pump Is Failing (and What to Do About It)
Key Takeaways Signs your well pump is failing include the obvious and subtle shifts that indicate diminished water delivery, erratic pressure, or weird noises coming from the system. Typical signs are sputtering faucets, short cycling, and pressure drops at peak consumption. Electrical issues, such as tripped breakers and burning smells, indicate pump trouble. Early detection […]
What Is a Bladder Tank in a Well System and How Does It Work?
Key Takeaways A bladder tank in a well system is a pressure vessel that stores water and keeps steady pressure for household use. It contains a compressed air pocket and a flexible rubber bladder separating air and water. When the water flows, the bladder compresses air to maintain pressure and minimize pump cycles. Typical sizes […]
How to Improve Private Well Water Quality: Testing, Treatment, and Maintenance
Key Takeaways Improve water quality from a private well involves testing and treating the well to provide safe drinking water. Testing for bacteria, nitrates, and metals on a regular basis will provide definitive results. Treatments range from chlorination to UV light to point of use filters rated for contaminants. Regular maintenance includes sealing, pump inspections, […]
Benefits of Whole Home Water Filtration Systems: Types, Costs & Health Advantages
Key Takeaways Advantages to whole home water filtration are consistent clean water at every tap and reduction of chlorine, sediment, lead and other contaminants. They enhance flavor and smell, shield piping and equipment, and reduce bottled water dependence. Most are multi-stage filters with customizable filter types, measurable flow rates and certified contaminant reduction. They install […]
What is a UV Water Purification System – Benefits, Considerations & Warranty
Key Takeaways A UV water purification system uses ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in water. It provides a specific UV dose in millijoules per square centimeter to damage microbe DNA and prevent reproduction. Units vary from small under-sink models to whole-house systems and need clear water and occasional lamp changing. […]
How to Test Your Water for Contaminants and Safety
Key Takeaways Drinking water is often polluted with common contaminants such as lead, nitrates, and bacteria. Home test kits and lab analyses provide varying levels of accuracy and price, with kits good for fast screens and labs for in-depth results. Seasonal changes and local sources influence contamination risk. The following sections detail which tests to […]