If you’ve got a little DIY experience and you think you can fix plumbing problems, think again. Sure, there are some small issues that the average homeowner can rectify, but most problems should be handled by professional plumbers. Here’s why: Toilets: If a toilet won’t flush at all, or if the water drains slowly, something could be blocking the pipes. You might be able to unclog it with a plunger, but if not, there’s a much bigger problem. And if your bathroom sink has the same issue, you might have a septic problem or a blocked sewer line. These...

Water lines carry sewage and gray water out of your home. To keep these lines flowing clearly, regular drain cleaning is of paramount importance. All too often, people disregard their drains until something goes wrong. By then, filthy bacteria-infested water could have soaked into your walls and floors. The damage has already been done. Clogs don’t only occur in drains that directly lead from plumbing fixtures – they also occur in large sewer lines. Your plumbing fixtures are connected to these lines, which run under your home and out into the yard. Tree roots can easily block them, which...

According to the ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy), more American homeowners use natural gas to heat water than other fuel sources, with 40 percent of the population using electricity. A small percentage use heating oil or propane. Water heaters in the U.S. are typically ‘atmospheric natural gas’ or ‘electric resistance’. An electric water heater usually has an efficiency rating of 0.9, while a gas unit has a 0.6 rating. There’s good news because manufacturers are now bringing advanced water heaters onto the market which have a much high efficiency rating. If you use electricity for your...

Have you just survived a disaster caused by a blocked toilet? If so, you’ll never want that experience again! It’s now time to kick into preventative maintenance mode by making sure toilet clogs don’t happen in the first place. Here are a few simple rules to follow: Place a small garbage can next to the toilet. You won’t be tempted to throw things like wet wipes, diapers, heavy tissue or other items into the toilet. Use the garbage can instead. Line the garbage can with a plastic bag – the kind you get at the grocery store with handles....

From the very outset, Delta has strived to seek innovative solutions to help consumers use water wisely. Delta calls these ‘smart’ features, and they are found on many products that not only conserve water, but enhance the lives of people just like you. Let’s take a brief look at some cool faucet innovations. Multi-Flow: A toggle on the faucet wand increases its stream from the standard 1½ GPM (gallons per minute) to a much higher flow that fills the sink, pots, and other large containers quicker. An excellent water-efficient faucet for kitchens! See how it works by watching this...