Pipes form the circulatory system of your home, quietly carrying water and gas to where they are needed most. Understanding the different types of pipes in your home can be invaluable, as it allows you to make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs. Let's take a closer look at the various materials used for residential plumbing.

1. Copper Pipes

Copper pipes have long been the gold standard in plumbing. Their durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand high pressure make them a popular choice. While they can be pricier upfront, the longevity of copper pipes often justifies the investment.

2. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes

PVC pipes are widely used for both water supply and drainage systems. They are lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion and chemicals. Their affordability makes them a common choice for residential plumbing projects.

3. PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) Pipes

PEX pipes have gained popularity in recent years due to their flexibility and...

Selecting the right water heater is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your household's comfort and energy efficiency. With various types and models available, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a water heater for your home.

1. Types of Water Heaters

a. Tank Water Heaters. Tank water heaters store and heat a specific amount of water in a tank. They are available in various sizes and are a good choice for households with consistent hot water demands.

b. Tankless Water Heaters. Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters heat water as it flows through the unit, providing a continuous supply of hot water. They are energy-efficient and ideal for homes with limited space or varying hot water needs.

c. Heat Pump Water Heaters. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from the air or ground to heat water. They are highly energy-efficient and work well in moderate climates.

d. Solar Water Heaters. Solar...

Your plumbing system is the unsung hero of your home, tirelessly working behind the scenes to ensure clean water flows in and waste flows out. However, like any other system, it can encounter issues from time to time. Here are some of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face, along with practical solutions to address them.

1. Leaky Faucets

A dripping faucet isn't just annoying; it can waste a significant amount of water over time. The most likely culprit is a worn-out washer or O-ring. To fix it, turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, and replace the damaged parts.

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a prevalent headache. They can result from a buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, or foreign objects. For minor clogs, a plunger can often do the trick. For tougher ones, consider using a drain snake or an eco-friendly drain cleaning solution.

3. Running Toilets

A toilet that keeps running long after it's been flushed can waste a considerable amount of water. Often, this is due to a faulty flapper or a worn-out fill valve....

There are so many methods to unclog a drain, but it’s not always clear which method is appropriate for your home’s plumbing. As a rule of thumb, it’s always best to start out with the most gentle solutions to avoid damaging your pipes before moving on to more aggressive measures

Here are 10 easy DIY methods to unclog a drain in your home!

1. To Unclog a Sink – Use a Bent Wire Hanger

Hair, skin, dirt, and food particles can easily clog your drains as they bind to the soap scum that accumulates on your drain pipe walls. Over time, this can slow down water flow.

A simple hanger can effectively unclog a blocked sink. Take a regular coat hanger, straighten it out, and create a small hook shape at one end of the wire. Push this end slowly down the plughole and begin to “fish.” Avoid pushing the hanger downwards, as this can move the blockage further down the drain. Instead, use gentle “prodding” and “hooking” motions to help dislodge and remove the gunk that’s clogging your drain.

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Your kitchen drain has been moving pretty slowly lately, but now it’s totally clogged! Because the kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in any home, its plugged-up drain is a huge inconvenience.

When your kitchen drain is clogged, count on Knockout Plumbing & Mechanical to get it back running smoothly. We know all about the nuisances and frustration that come with a clogged kitchen drain. Knockout Plumbing & Mechanical’s drain specialists—and, in fact, all of our employees!—are excellent at their jobs. If you live in or near Seattle, don’t wait to call on us for top-notch customer service and satisfaction!

Vegetables and fruits are good for your health, but some of them are disasters for your sink, especially if it includes a garbage disposal. Stringy fibers from celery, asparagus and pineapple can easily wrap around the blades and bring it to a standstill. Things such as nuts, seeds and corn also aren’t a sink’s friend.

The blades of your garbage disposal may be sharp, but they can’t handle chicken, beef or lamb bones. They may even break...