Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Information & Resources

Checking for Toilet Leaks

This Home Service Buyer's Guide article provides homeowners with a practical guide to detecting and fixing a leaking toilet, a major cause of water waste and high utility bills. Homeowners can perform a simple dye test to check for a "silent leak" past the flapper valve. The guide suggests DIY fixes like replacing the flapper and adjusting the fill valve to regulate the water level. However, issues like a failed wax ring at the base or a cracked porcelain tank require a licensed plumber. 

All About Heat Pump Water Heaters

A heat pump water heater (HPWH), often referred to as a hybrid water heater, represents a significant leap forward in home water heating technology, offering a highly efficient alternative to traditional electric or gas models. Instead of generating heat directly, an HPWH works by moving heat from the surrounding air into the water tank—much like a refrigerator in reverse. This process makes it two to three times more energy-efficient than a conventional electric resistance water heater, which is its primary benefit for homeowners.

All About Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement

This article provides a homeowner's guide to trenchless sewer line replacement, a modern, minimally invasive alternative to the traditional method of open-trench excavation. It explains the two main techniques: pipe lining (CIPP), which involves inserting a resin-saturated liner to create a durable "pipe within a pipe" to repair minor damage; and pipe bursting, which uses a bursting head to simultaneously destroy the old pipe and install a new HDPE pipe for complete replacement of severely damaged lines. The key benefits of trenchless repair include minimal disruption to landscaping and property, faster completion time, and potentially lower overall project cost when factoring in restoration savings. Homeowners are advised to get a camera inspection to assess the damage, vet contractors for expertise and a solid warranty, and budget for an expected cost typically ranging from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope of the project.

All About Water Softeners

This guide for homeowners demystifies the use of a water softener, explaining how these systems use ion-exchange to remove harsh calcium and magnesium minerals—the cause of hard water. The numerous benefits include protecting expensive water-using appliances from scale buildup, increasing their lifespan and efficiency, and reducing costs on energy and repairs. Soft water also improves the effectiveness of soap, leading to brighter laundry and gentler results for skin and hair. When considering costs, homeowners should budget for the unit price (typically $\$1,500-\$2,500$) and professional installation, noting that the maintenance cost for salt-based systems is low, generally under $\$100$ per year for replenishing salt. The key to buying the right system is correct sizing, based on your water's grain capacity (gpg), and looking for features like an NSF/ANSI 44 certification. Finally, tips for optimal performance involve regular salt level checks and preventing salt bridging.

All About Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters offer homeowners an energy-efficient alternative to traditional tank systems by heating water on demand. They save space, reduce utility bills, and provide endless hot water, making them ideal for modern homes. However, higher upfront costs, installation requirements, and maintenance needs are important considerations before making the switch. Learn the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, how they compare to conventional models, and whether they’re right for your home at Home Service Buyer’s Guide, where we help homeowners make informed decisions about plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services.

All About Low Flow Shower Heads

Low-flow shower heads are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to conserve water, lower utility bills, and reduce energy costs. These eco-friendly fixtures typically use 1.5 to 2.5 gallons per minute, offering significant savings without sacrificing comfort thanks to modern pressure-enhancing technology. While benefits include water conservation and long-term cost savings, drawbacks may include reduced pressure in homes with already low water flow and slightly higher upfront costs. Prices range from $20 to $100, and most installations can be a simple DIY project with basic tools, though hiring a plumber for complex situations may cost $75 to $150. Choosing the right low-flow shower head ensures efficiency, performance, and sustainability for your home.

Are plumbing maintenance plans worth it?

Plumbing preventative maintenance plans help homeowners avoid costly surprises by offering benefits like annual inspections, free sewer line checks, priority service, and discounts on plumbing repairs. With major plumbing repairs often running into thousands of dollars, these plans can pay for themselves if even one significant issue arises. Many providers also include HVAC and electrical service discounts, making them a smart choice for comprehensive home care. If you’re wondering whether a maintenance plan is worth it, ask yourself: Do you trust your plumbing system? For more tips and to find trusted contractors, visit The Home Service Buyer’s Guide, where our mission is to empower homeowners to make informed decisions in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services.

5 Common Kitchen Sink Problems

Kitchen sinks face common issues like clogged kitchen sink, slow draining sink, leaky kitchen faucet, garbage disposal not working, and low water pressure in kitchen. Homeowners often encounter problems such as kitchen sink leaking underneath, smelly kitchen drain, gurgling sink drain, and foul odor from sink, which can lead to costly cabinet water damage if ignored. Preventive steps include avoiding grease clogs, regular P-Trap cleaning, and aerator cleaning to prevent faucet mineral buildup. DIY solutions like unclog kitchen sink, dripping faucet fix, and using the garbage disposal reset button can solve minor issues, but persistent drainage problems, pipe leak repair, or corroded pipes require a professional plumber. For trusted help, visit The Home Service Buyer’s Guide, where our mission is to empower homeowners to make informed decisions and connect with qualified contractors through our contractor referral service.