The Top Renovations that Increased Home Value in 2024

The Top Renovations that Increased Home Value in 2024 


2024 might not have been the easiest time to buy a new home. With home prices at historic highs, many aspiring homeowners were willing to buy a place that needs substantial work if it’s the only way to make a purchase happen. Meanwhile, elevated mortgage rates caused many current homeowners to not buy, but to stay put and upgrade their homes instead. In fact, a survey by Discover Home Loans, found that more than half (55 percent) of American homeowners would rather renovate their current home than move to a new place. All of which is lending a new significance […]

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Unclogging Methods that could Save you Money

Unclogging Methods that could Save you Money 


Dealing with a clogged toilet can be frustrating, but before calling a plumber, there are several effective DIY methods you can try. Whether the blockage is caused by excess toilet paper, organic waste, or even an unexpected object, the right technique can help restore proper flushing without professional assistance. From using a flange plunger to natural cleaning solutions and even a wet and dry vacuum, we’ll walk you through six tried and true ways to unclog your toilet—so you can get things flowing again in no time. 1. Flange plunger A flange plunger differs from traditional plungers in that they […]

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How Much Does a Water Line Replacement Cost?

How Much Does a Water Line Replacement Cost?


Ensuring clean, uninterrupted water flow is vital to the comfort and functionality of your home. At the heart of this system lies your water line—the main channel delivering water from your local supply to your taps. Over time, these lines can wear out due to age, environmental factors, or even heavy water usage, making replacement necessary. But how much does it cost to replace a water line? What factors influence the price? And, most importantly, how can you save while ensuring quality work? This guide breaks down the costs, factors to consider, and tips for replacing your water line, helping […]

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Plumbing News Roundup: January 2025

Plumbing News Roundup: January 2025


A lot is happening in the plumbing industry in the month of January. Continue reading our news roundup to learn more about what’s happening in the industry this month. Bill Offering Utility Companies Safeguards for Replacing Lead Pipes Indiana lawmakers agreed to House Enrolled Act 1519, which established Indiana’s Lead Service Line (LSL) program. This program was created to help utility companies cover the cost of replacing customer-owned lead service lines, which are lead pipes that connect street lines to a building or home. Prior to HEA 1519, property owners were responsible for replacing or decommissioning pipes, which can be […]

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Lowering the Risk of Toxic Fumes after a Cheap Pipe Repair

Lowering the Risk of Toxic Fumes after a Cheap Pipe Repair


Across the United States, families are increasingly exposed to harmful chemicals whose source few people know. It begins on a street in front of your home, where a worker is repairing a sewer pipe in a manhole. The craftsman inserts a resin-soaked sleeve into the buried pipe and then heats it, turning the resin into a hard plastic pipe. This is one of the cheapest and most common methods of pipe repair, but it carries a serious risk: heating the resin creates harmful fumes that can travel through the sewer lines into surrounding buildings, sometimes several blocks away. These chemicals […]

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3 Simple Rules to Follow when Mixing Metals

3 Simple Rules to Follow when Mixing Metals


Metal faucets and hardware are an important part of both kitchens and bathrooms and can really enhance the entire space. However, choosing the right colors is crucial. The wide range of lighting colors – from brass to chrome – should harmonize with the style of your room and complement other elements. But it’s not always that easy, especially if you want to mix different metal colors in one room. To point you in the right direction, we are sharing our best tips for mixing metals. Keep on reading to ensure you achieve a cohesive result that looks visually balanced. 1. […]

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Conversation-Worthy Fittings and Fixtures

Conversation-Worthy Fittings and Fixtures


The right fittings and fixtures make any interior feel more like a retreat. From colorful stained-glass tiles to sleek faucets and architectural-inspired shapes, these kitchen and bath accents double as conversation starters. Mosaics from New Ravenna The interior designer behind these works of art drew inspiration from his travels to Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. These mosaics are made of honed basalt, natural stones, and marbles; each handmade in Virginia.  Tile by Michael Anastassiades for Mutina The latest from the London-based designer are floor and wall tiles in rectified porcelain, engraved with parallel lines that can be filled with matching or […]

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Plumbing News Roundup: December 2024

Plumbing News Roundup: December 2024


A lot is happening in the plumbing industry in the month of December. Continue reading our news roundup to learn more about what’s happening in the industry this month. Residential Plumbing Market 30th Indian Plumbing Conference Concludes The event featured a comprehensive parallel exhibition covering over 5,325 square meters with more than 95 exhibitors presenting innovative technologies in water and wastewater treatment. The conference was supported by 22 industry partners, demonstrating strong industry-wide collaboration. A networking dinner and music evening on November 21 brought together over 300 professionals from the construction and water industries. For more information on what you […]

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The Types of Pipes in Your Home

The Types of Pipes in Your Home


As homeowners, we often don’t think about our pipes until they’re broken. It is very important for homeowners to be aware of what pipes you have in your home so you’re aware of the pros and cons of each pipe type. Here’s a brief overview of popular plumbing pipes found in your residential, commercial and industrial plumbing systems. Clay Pipe Also known as terra cotta pipe. This is still found in older homes in the Pittsburgh area and should be replaced immediately. The clay can be easily penetrated or crushed by roots. It may seem like an expensive endeavor to […]

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4 Steps to Water Damage Restoration After a Frozen Pipe Leaks

4 Steps to Water Damage Restoration After a Frozen Pipe Leaks


There’s nothing like a lot of snow this time of year that lets us enjoy a winter wonderland. But one thing that’s not so wonderful is when pipes in our home freeze and burst. This can turn a happy season into the winter blues. The problem is not uncommon, especially in older homes with antiquated plumbing systems. Water, when it freezes, expands about nine percent, which puts pressure on pipes and can lead to cracking and bursting. A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can gush up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing major damage—not only to your home […]

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