What do cows in Chicago have to do with water in Boston? As it turns out, cows in Chicago are behind the reason we chlorinate municipal water. Slightly more than 100 years ago, the cows in the Chicago Union stockyards weren’t gaining weight. In fact, the only time the cows would gain weight was when [...]
Get Ready For Holiday Plumbing Emergencies
November 25th, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Plumbing · Tips and Tricks
According to Angie’s List, plumbers are the most searched-for service providers on Thanksgiving. There’s no hard evidence to prove it, but the number of increased visitors often put stress on plumbing systems, and can lead to a Boston plumbing emergency just when you need it least – during a holiday! Here are a few tips [...]
Basement Flooding Can Cause Big Boiler Problems
November 18th, 2011 · DIY Air Conditioning · DIY Blog · DIY Heating · DIY Plumbing · Water Heaters
Flooding is among homeowners’ worst nightmares. The damage occurs fast – it’s often unstoppable – and water does a very good job of ruining a lot of things! It’s easy to see how carpeting, furniture, walls and wood can be damaged by water. Other items that might be in the basement – like laundry equipment, [...]
Copper in Boston Plumbing Still A Target Of Thieves
November 3rd, 2011 · DIY Air Conditioning · DIY Blog · DIY Heating · DIY Plumbing
Copper theft is on the rise and Boston has seen a rash of thefts involving copper plumbing. Boston Housing Authority employees are facing a Civil Service Hearing related to accusations that they illegally removed copper plumbing from a public housing complex in Roslindale. Last month, two men were arrested in New Hampshire in connection with [...]
Earthquakes In Boston? Could (And Did!) Happen!
September 2nd, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Heating · DIY Plumbing
Last week, there was a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on as an earthquake centered in Virginia rattled much of the East Coast, including Boston. No significant damage to buildings was reported here, but infrequently, earthquakes can and do happen along the East Coast. When they do occur, it’s a good idea to have plumbing and [...]
Test The Pressure Relief Valve On Your Water Heater
August 18th, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Plumbing · Tips and Tricks · Water Heaters
Last week, I gave you a procedure to use for draining your hot water tank. You should perform water heater maintenance annually to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently, and does not accumulate sediment that can cause your water tank to fail prematurely. As part of your annual water heater maintenance routine, you can [...]
It’s hard to think about flooding during the driest part of a Boston summer, but this is actually a great time to protect your home against water damage. Water damage from flooding can occur with little warning, and can be the result of severe storms or plumbing problems within your home. Regardless of the water [...]
Your home may contain an odd collection of pipes, with some runs being made of one material, and other runs being made of other materials. Often, a mixture of materials can signal problems that may have been addressed by former owners of your home in Boston. Plumbing materials have changed over time, and I thought [...]
Insulating Boston Plumbing Can Save You Money
June 9th, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Plumbing · Water Heaters
If you’re looking for an easy way to save money and improve the performance of your Boston plumbing system, consider insulating your pipes. Insulation is highly cost-effective, easy-to-do and can help your hot water stay hotter and your cold water stay colder. Insulting your pipes also doesn’t take any special equipment or tools and the [...]
The good news is that I’m not in the shower this week, but I am still in the bathroom. Virtually, that is. A couple of weeks ago, I profiled a couple of low-flow showerheads that are designed to save water. This week, I’m featuring a dual-flush valve kit that can work with any conventional toilet. [...]