How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank

How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank


Maintaining your septic system might not be at the top of your to-do list—but it should be. After over 35 years serving families throughout the region, we’ve seen what happens when folks put off septic tank maintenance. The good news? Taking care of your system doesn’t have to be complicated. So, how often does a septic tank need to be pumped? The straightforward answer is every 3 to 5 years for most homes, but your specific situation might call for a different schedule. Let’s walk through what you need to know to keep your system running smoothly. Understanding Your Septic […]

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How to Replace a Toilet Shut-Off Valve

How to Replace a Toilet Shut-Off Valve


After 35+ years of plumbing work across Northern Pittsburgh, we’ve seen our fair share of toilet shut-off valve problems. It’s one of those small components that you don’t think about until it stops working—and then it becomes a big deal real fast.  In this blog we walk you through everything you need to know about toilet shut-off valves, from spotting problems early to tackling the replacement yourself (or knowing when to give us a call). What Exactly Is a Toilet Shut-Off Valve? Think of your toilet shut-off valve as the gatekeeper for your toilet’s water supply. This small but mighty […]

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Power Flushing: What Homeowners Need to Know About Hydrojetting

Power Flushing: What Homeowners Need to Know About Hydrojetting


After 35+ years of clearing drains throughout Northern Pittsburgh, I’ve seen just about every type of clog you can imagine. From grease buildup in Baldwin to tree roots wreaking havoc in McCandless, we’ve handled it all. And if there’s one method that consistently saves homeowners time, money, and future headaches, it’s power flushing—also known as hydrojetting. Let’s walk through what power flushing is, how it works, and why it might be exactly what your plumbing system needs. What exactly is Power Flushing? Power flushing, or hydrojetting as we call it in the trade, is a drain-cleaning process that uses high-pressure […]

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Plumbing News Roundup: September 2025

Plumbing News Roundup: September 2025


A lot is happening in the plumbing industry in the month of September. Continue reading our news roundup to learn more about what’s happening in the industry this month. Industry Trends & Statistics Key Events & Industry News Contact Super Terry Today! Are you experiencing a plumbing emergency? Make sure to contact us, and Super Terry will be on the way!

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How to Pet-Proof Your Plumbing

How to Pet-Proof Your Plumbing


With over 35 years of experience, Terry’s Plumbing has seen it all—and that includes the creative ways four-legged family members can turn a simple plumbing system into an expensive headache. From curious cats to digging dogs, pets have a knack for finding trouble in places homeowners never expect. While pets bring joy, they can also create unique plumbing challenges. The experienced team at Terry’s Plumbing has crawled under countless homes throughout the North Hills, Ross Township, McCandless, and surrounding areas to fix pet-related plumbing disasters. The good news? A little prevention goes a long way. The Muddy Pittsburgh Reality: Smart […]

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Water Softeners vs. Whole-House Filtration Systems

Water Softeners vs. Whole-House Filtration Systems


After 40 years in the plumbing business here in Pittsburgh, we’ve seen just about every water quality issue you can imagine. From rusty-tasting tap water to stubborn mineral buildup clogging pipes, water problems are more common than most homeowners realize. That’s why we get asked almost daily: “Should I get a water softener or a whole-house filtration system?” The truth is, both can dramatically improve your water quality, but they tackle different problems.  What Exactly Does a Whole-House Filtration System Do? Think of a whole-house filtration system as your home’s bouncer – it stops the bad stuff from getting in. […]

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3 Creative Ways to Plug Your Bathtub Drain When You've Lost the Stopper

3 Creative Ways to Plug Your Bathtub Drain When You’ve Lost the Stopper


There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to take a relaxing bath only to discover your drain stopper is missing, broken, or simply won’t seal properly. Whether you’re dealing with a lost plug or a faulty drain stopper, you don’t have to skip your bath night. At Terry’s Plumbing, we understand that plumbing issues never happen at convenient times. That’s why we’ve put together these three simple, temporary solutions to help you plug your bathtub drain using common household items. 1. The Coffee Capsule Solution If you’re a coffee lover with a single-serve machine, those empty coffee capsules can serve a […]

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4 Easy Steps For DIY Water Heater Thermostat Repair

4 Easy Steps For DIY Water Heater Thermostat Repair


A broken water heater thermostat is an easy problem to fix. Follow these simple steps for a DIY water heater thermostat repair, and be sure to always turn off the power at the main breakers before you attempt any kind of work that deals with electricity. To avoid any and all risk altogether, get in touch with Terry’s Plumbing today. If you aren’t comfortable working with live wires or plumbing that contains pressurized water, it is best to contact a professional. Terry’s Plumbing always places your satisfaction above all else. Contact us for all your water heater thermostat issues. When […]

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How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank

Can’t Find Your Septic Tank? Here’s Your Complete Guide to Locating It


Picture this: you’re planning a beautiful garden expansion or need urgent septic maintenance, but there’s one problem – you have no idea where your septic tank is buried. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This is one of the most common questions we get at Terry’s Plumbing, especially from new homeowners. Knowing your septic tank’s location isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for proper maintenance, landscaping decisions, and emergency repairs. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to become a septic tank detective. Understanding Your Septic System Before we start digging (literally), let’s cover the basics. Your septic tank is […]

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Understanding Sewer Camera Inspections: A Modern Plumbing Solution

Understanding Sewer Camera Inspections: A Modern Plumbing Solution


When mysterious plumbing problems strike your home, traditional diagnostic methods often felt like solving a puzzle blindfolded. Fortunately, modern plumbing technology has introduced a game-changing solution: sewer camera inspections. This innovative approach has transformed how we identify and resolve underground plumbing issues, eliminating much of the guesswork that once plagued the industry. The Technology Behind Sewer Camera Inspections Sewer camera inspections utilize advanced waterproof cameras mounted on flexible cables that can navigate through your plumbing system. The process starts when technicians locate an access point, typically through existing cleanout ports or by creating a small entry point into the main […]

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