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Every once in a while, or perhaps too often, in some cases, the tranquility of our time at home is interrupted by a strange sound we just can’t place. There are the usual suspects, of course. Things like houses settling or that one creaky floor board. But oftentimes, these sounds come from plumbing. Learning to identify them could help you determine if there’s a problem. Or if these sounds are normal. Rattling Pipes Water moving through your pipes will always cause some vibration. However, if this rattling becomes audible enough to notice, it might be an issue. If you can […]
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There’s nothing more frustrating or inconvenient than dealing with drain clogs. Not only can this type of plumbing issue pop up unexpectedly, it can be hard to determine what to do once it has occurred. That said, it is always better to prevent an issue from happening before one takes place. Here are three tips for keeping your drains clean. Tip #1: Don’t Dump Cooking Grease Down the Drain One of the biggest plumbing mistakes most people make is dumping cooking grease down the drain or directly into the garbage disposal. While it isn’t a big deal when the grease […]
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At Terry’s Plumbing, we know how tempting it can be to save a dollar or two on plumbing repairs by tackling the project yourself. However, there are certain tasks that are better left to the professionals due to safety or difficulty concerns. In fact, there are certain scenarios where attempting a repair by yourself can lead to bigger and more expensive issues than the initial problem! Here are three plumbing projects you shouldn’t do yourself. Project #1: Installing or Repairing a Hot Water Heater Hot water heaters don’t get nearly enough credit for making our lives comfortable and convenient. But […]
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There are few things more irritating than a clogged drain. It can lead to unclean sinks or showers, potential odor issues and unnecessary costs if you need a plumber to unclog it. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent drain clogs and minimize those issues. With some easy proactive steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of clogs in your kitchen and bathroom drains. Below are a few tips to consider: Rinse your drains regularly. Perhaps the easiest step you can take is to simply clean your drains on a regular basis. That’s especially true of your kitchen […]
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Summer downpours cause basement flooding. Depending on your situation, even just a little bit of rain can cause a huge mess. In climates like Pittsburgh’s, it’s pretty important to consider waterproofing your basement – whether it’s finished or not. Because you want to spend more time outside, and less time inside with the shop-vac. Find the Leak First The easiest way to find the leak is to cover the walls in your basement with plastic. Once it rains, see where the plastic gets wet and then patch the area. This is just the first step in waterproofing your basement. Once […]
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If you’re the outdoorsy type, summer is awesome. Warm weather. Maybe a summer vacation. Playing outside with your kids, or calling off work to spend the day at the pool. All in all, people love summer. There’s nothing like it – especially after a long Pittsburgh winter! However, one thing that can derail a perfect summer day is plumbing issues. Here are a few common plumbing issues we see come up each summer, as well as some tips to make sure you’re being proactive about them. Sprinkler Issues Not everyone has sprinklers, but those who do have probably run into […]
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Most companies send their utility bills electronically these days. So, there’s no need to dread heading to the mailbox to see if your kids racked up your water bill for the second month in a row. Now you just have to close your eyes when you log into your account. The summer can be a tough time for water usage. Just think about it: whether you have a pool, or the kids are home for the summer and everyone is taking more showers because it’s so hot, the water bill can take a significant hike during the dog days of […]
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Plumbing issues come up over the course of time. Whether you have a brand new home, or you’ve inherited a home built 100 years ago, chances are, you’re going to have to hire a plumber at some point during your homeowner adventure. It’s important to ask the right questions when contacting a plumber to ensure they’re qualified, capable and reliable. Experience is Key It’s a general rule of thumb that the more experience you have, the better you are. Sure, there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, an experienced plumber is a good plumber. If you […]
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Your water bill is high. Again. You know you’re not using nearly as much as the water company says you are, and, more importantly, is asking you to pay for. There are no new people in your house. You didn’t just fill your pool. You’re not showering 10 times a day. So why is the bill so high? Here are a few questions to ask before calling the water company. Are you neglecting that leaky toilet? We’ve written about leaky toilets before. We know how much of a pain they can be to fix, and how some members of your […]
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Plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, so be prepared! Homeowners who know what to do when plumbing emergencies occur can protect their property and avoid expensive repairs. Common Plumbing Emergencies Every plumbing emergency will have different symptoms. Here’s some of the most common problems to look for: Sewer or main line clog: You’ll see filthy – and smelly – water coming up through drains. If this happens, immediately stop using all water in the house and turn off all water-using appliances like the dishwasher and the washing machine. And don’t flush any toilets. Drain clog: ater may […]
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