ask a plumber Archives

Gas Leaks: Do You Smell Gas In Your House? Ask a Plumber…

Posted on October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

What to do if you think you have a gas leak in your home. In the plumbing industry, we have a healthy respect for the dangers of gas leaks. If there is too much gas and a flame occurs, an explosion can happen. Detecting Gas Leaks There is a distinct odorant called Mercaptan added to […]

Smart Home Water Shutoff System: Ask A Plumber…

Posted on October 23, 2025October 24, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

What is a Smart Water Shutoff System? Smart water shutoff systems are cutting-edge plumbing devices designed to detect unusual water flow in your home. These innovative tools can prevent extensive water damage by automatically shutting off the water supply when necessary. Installation and Functionality Professional plumbers typically install these systems due to the need for […]

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, […]

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 […]