Plumbing Blog

What Is a Recirculating Pump? Ask a Plumber…

Posted on October 2, 2025October 3, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

The Dual Roles of a Recirculating Pump A recirculating pump (also referred to as a Circulating Pump or Circulator Pump) in your basement could serve one of two functions. It might be part of your hot water heating system, or it could be an integral component of your plumbing system. In the context of a […]

What’s the difference between a Drum Trap and a P-Trap? Ask A Plumber…

Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

Historical Context of Drum Traps In the early 20th century, drum traps were a common fixture in residential plumbing systems, particularly under bathtubs. These cylindrical devices, typically measuring about the size of a large coffee can, played a crucial role in maintaining household sanitation. The primary function of drum traps was to create a water […]

Dealing with Clogged Pipes? Ask A Plumber…

Posted on September 18, 2025September 19, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

Slow drains? It may be clogged pipes. It’s only a matter of time before you experience clogged pipes in your home’s plumbing system. Eventually, one or multiple pipes in your home will become plugged. Because pipes leading the wastewater out and away from the house are usually concealed beneath the floors and inside the walls, […]

Faucet Repairs: DIY or Call a Professional? Ask A Plumber…

Posted on September 11, 2025September 12, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

Are common faucet repairs DIY projects, or should you call a professional plumber? St Paul Pipeworks plumbers recently arrived at a job where the homeowner had tried to repair a shower valve themselves. They were unsuccessful and damaged the valve badly enough that it had to be replaced. We encourage people to understand and work […]

Why is my plumbing making noise?

Posted on September 4, 2025September 5, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

What Is That Noise in My House? Homes often make sounds, but while some noises are entirely normal, others can signal trouble with your plumbing or fixtures. Understanding common noises like gurgling, banging, or whistling can help you pinpoint—and resolve—potential issues. Common Plumbing Noises and What They Mean Gurgling: Is Your Wastewater System Talking? Gurgling […]

When a Plumbing Water Re-pipe is Necessary in an Older Home and What it Will Correct. Ask A Plumber…

Posted on August 28, 2025August 29, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

Is it time to replace the pipes in your older home? Most homes built before 1960 were originally piped with threaded galvanized water pipes in either part or all of the home. Most of the time, when people begin to have clogging problems in their houses, they call it water pressure. It is actually a […]