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11 Common Plumbing Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Many costly plumbing repairs are caused by simple homeowner mistakes. Learn the 11 most common plumbing mistakes, why they happen, and how to avoid expensive water damage and plumbing repairs.
Mike Smith
3 days ago7 min read


Faucet Check Valve vs. Flow Restrictor: Don't Remove the Wrong Part
Think the black piece inside your faucet is a flow restrictor? It may actually be a check valve that helps protect your home's drinking water.
Mike Smith
Jul 54 min read


How to Unclog a Slow Bathtub Drain (Before Calling a Plumber)
Learn how to unclog a slow bathtub drain using a shop vacuum before calling a plumber. This simple DIY method can remove hair and soap buildup without harsh chemical drain cleaners, saving you time and money.
Mike Smith
Jun 284 min read


How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink: 3 Methods That Actually Work
Learn how to unclog a kitchen sink using three proven methods: a plunger, manual drain snake, and electric drain auger. This step-by-step DIY guide explains when each method works, why plungers sometimes fail, and how to safely clear stubborn kitchen sink clogs before calling a plumber.
Mike Smith
Jun 275 min read


Silicone vs. Plumber's Putty for Kitchen Sink Drains: Which One Should You Use?
Wondering whether silicone or plumber's putty is better for a kitchen sink basket strainer? In this hands-on comparison, a licensed plumber demonstrates the installation, removal, cleanup, and long-term pros and cons of both sealants. Learn which option works best for stainless steel sinks, when silicone is the better choice, and the mistakes that can make future drain repairs much more difficult.
Mike Smith
Jun 204 min read


Should You Silicone Around a Toilet? A Plumber Explains the Right Way
Many homeowners seal around their toilet the wrong way. Discover why plumbers leave a small gap in the silicone and how it can help prevent expensive hidden water damage.
Mike Smith
Jun 154 min read


Why Does My Toilet Refill Every 10 Minutes? The 3 Most Common Causes
A toilet that refills every 10 minutes is usually wasting water and increasing your utility bill. Learn the three most common causes and how to fix them yourself.
Mike Smith
Jun 86 min read


Double Kitchen Sink Drain with AAV (Cheater Vent) Installation
Learn how to properly install a double kitchen sink drain with an air admittance valve (AAV), commonly known as a cheater vent. This step-by-step guide covers drain layout, cleanout installation, P-trap assembly, and proper venting techniques to help prevent sink gurgling, improve drainage, and simplify future maintenance. Ideal for homeowners and DIYers tackling a kitchen sink plumbing project.
Mike Smith
Jun 55 min read


How to Properly Install a Double Kitchen Sink Drain with an Air Admittance Valve (AAV)
A properly installed air admittance valve (AAV) can solve kitchen sink gurgling, improve drainage, and simplify plumbing repairs. Learn how to install a double kitchen sink drain the right way.
Mike Smith
May 304 min read


Why Baking Soda and Vinegar Doesn't Fix Most Sink Clogs
If your bathroom sink is draining slowly, baking soda and vinegar may not be the solution. Learn what causes sink clogs, why the popular DIY method often fails, and how to clear a blockage using a simple plunger.
Mike Smith
May 295 min read


Kitchen Sink Gurgling? Here’s How to Install an AAV Sink Vent the RIGHT Way
Kitchen sink gurgling or smelling like sewer gas? Learn how to properly install an AAV sink vent the right way to fix drainage and venting problems fast.
Mike Smith
May 274 min read


How to Install a Kitchen Sink Drain From Start to Finish
Learn how to install a kitchen sink drain from start to finish, including basket strainers, P-traps, trap adapters, and leak-free drain assembly tips from a licensed plumber.
Mike Smith
May 265 min read


Don’t Make This Kitchen Sink Venting Mistake (DIY Drain Vent Guide)
How to install and kitchen sink drain with a proper Automatic air vent or AAV cheater vent
Mike Smith
May 256 min read


How to Fix a Leak Under the Kitchen Sink (Without Calling a Plumber)
Learn how to fix a leak under your kitchen sink without calling a plumber. This step-by-step DIY guide covers common causes of kitchen sink leaks, including drain connections, slip joints, and worn plumbing parts, helping homeowners stop leaks quickly and save money.
Mike Smith
May 255 min read


How to Properly Hook Up a Kitchen Sink Drain (And Stop Sink Gurgling)
Learn how to properly hook up a kitchen sink drain and stop sink gurgling issues caused by improper plumbing layout, bad drain slope, and incorrect fitting direction. Real plumbing repair tips from a licensed plumber.
Mike Smith
May 243 min read
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