I recently had a plumbing emergency in my own home. The main drain pipe under the basement floor got clogged with toilet paper. The culprit is a newer low-flush toilet in a basement bathroom. I’ve ...

Have you heard the old saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know”? It’s an axiom homeowners should always keep in mind when thinking about the mechanical and structural systems hidden behind the ...

Q. Hey, Tim, I had the opportunity to tour a house under construction. All the plumbing drain lines were in, but I also saw all sorts of other extra pipes that connected to the drain pipes and ...

Plumbing vent pipes have to be sized correctly, they need to have a slope to them to drain any condensate back to the drain pipes, and they must be installed with great care. (iStock) Perspective by ...

The white pipe sticking up out of the roof is a plumbing vent. The rubber boot at the base of the plumbing vent is part of the flashing kit for this vent, and the boot has dried out and split. Here's ...

Q: I have a remodeling project coming up and I intend to do the plumbing work. I’m good to go on the waterlines, but the drain lines and plumbing vents are my weak spot. Can you give me the executive ...

Modern air admittance valves are designed to protect trap seals and maintain proper drainage—but understanding exactly what they do and how to install them correctly is key. An installed AAV under a ...