Plumbing

Most home plumbing issues are avoidable with a bit of preventative maintenance. That said, keeping your home flush and flowing requires a basic understanding of how plumbing works. We’ve compiled a library of articles to help you tackle the most common plumbing repairs and who to call when you need a professional opinion.

Modern white bathroom
Photo: Minette Hand / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
Modern white bathroom
Photo: Minette Hand / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Professional plumber is shaking hands with happy client
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
Emergency plumbers cost between 1.5 and 3 times as much as a typical plumber. Get specifics for your plumbing issue and city in our guide.
A cozy minimalist bathroom with a white bathtub
Margaret Wack
•
Feb 26, 2025
Feb 26, 2025
We’ll cover the cost of replacing a shower or bathtub drain, whether you can tackle this repair yourself, and what other projects to consider along the way.
Girl using kitchen faucet to fill up a water bottle
Samantha Velez
•
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
Whether you’re changing your home’s floor plan in a remodel or just replacing old, worn-out plumbing, this guide will help you estimate the cost of repiping a house.
Father helping son wash hands in the bathroom
Amy Freeman
•
Mar 3, 2025
Mar 3, 2025
Dealing with low water pressure? There could be a leak in the water main. Find out how long it takes to fix a water main break.
Shutting off main water valve in the basement
Amy Freeman
•
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
Water main problems can range from small, easily fixable issues to extensive projects. Ask your plumber these questions to help expedite water main repairs.
A woman rinsing strawberries in the kitchen sink
Kyle Schurman
•
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
Learning how to turn off a water main shut-off valve is easy as long as you know where it is during a plumbing emergency.
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Little girl helping dad wash the dishes
Amy Freeman  •  Mar 3, 2025
What's the Difference Between a Septic Dry Well vs. a Leach Field?
In rural areas, the type of septic system you choose makes a difference. Learn more about a septic dry well versus a leach field to see which one is right for you.
Father helping son wash hands in the bathroom
Amy Freeman  •  Mar 3, 2025
How Long Does It Take to Fix a Water Main Break?
Dealing with low water pressure? There could be a leak in the water main. Find out how long it takes to fix a water main break.
A house with a large yard and blooming gardens
Veronica Sparks  •  Mar 3, 2025
What to Do If You Can't Afford a New Septic System
Septic failure is no picnic, but it needs to be addressed. We explore cost-saving and financing options for those who can’t afford a new septic system.
Nicely landscaped yards
Gemma Johnstone  •  Mar 3, 2025
Replacing a Sewer Line From Your House to the Main Line: 8 Things to Consider
It’s a big job to replace a sewer line, so it’s important to consider all of your options. Learn why it’s important to get a pro to investigate the cause of your sewer line problem, how much a replacement will cost, and if you really need it.
Large house with huge garden
Kyle Schurman  •  Mar 3, 2025
How Much Weight Can a Leach Field Hold?
How much weight can a leach field hold? To avoid damaging it, focus on items with limited weight when deciding what to put over the top of the leach field.
Couple cooks meal in a pan on a gas stove
Allie Ogletree  •  Mar 3, 2025
How Much Do Gas Line Installation or Repairs Costs?
Whether it's time for pipe replacement or to hook up the range of your dreams, gas line installation cost is an important line in your budget. Let's take a look.
Bubbling water in the hot tub
Allie Ogletree  •  Mar 2, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Water Heater Repair
If your water heater needs a professional's attention, prepare for their visit with these water heater repair questions​.
A little girl drinking water from a glass
Allie Ogletree  •  Mar 2, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Water Treatment and Purification
Here are the top questions about water treatment and purification systems you should ask a contractor before adding one to your home.
A person installing a tankless water heater
Allie Ogletree  •  Mar 2, 2025
7 Questions to Ask About Tankless Water Heaters
Ask your pro these tankless water heater questions before you have one repaired or installed to ensure you’re on the same page.
Septic system tank installed in the yard
Amy Freeman  •  Feb 27, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Your Septic System
Slow drains, gurgling, and foul smells are signs your septic tank may need to be emptied. Here are questions for your septic system pro on how to maintain it.
Shutting off main water valve in the basement
Amy Freeman  •  Feb 27, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Water Main Repairs and Installation
Water main problems can range from small, easily fixable issues to extensive projects. Ask your plumber these questions to help expedite water main repairs.
A person unclogging a main sewer line
Amy Freeman  •  Feb 27, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Your Sewer Main
An unpleasant smell in your house may signal that your sewer main needs to be cleaned. Ask your plumber these sewer questions before the scent gets worse.