Replacing a water heater... to power-vent or not to power-vent? That is the question. [more inside]
posted by sesquipedalia on Nov 4, 2009 - 15 answers

My shower (an in-stall water heater) sometimes smells like something rubber is burning. It's a strong acrid smell that I only notice while in the shower and usually only after a sweaty workout. There is no sign of smoke like you would expect with burning rubber. Is this just some sort of weird sweat and treated water chemical reaction? Anybody heard of something like this?
posted by srboisvert on Jul 24, 2009 - 11 answers

When our pool equipment runs, it triggers the sound of a leaky pipe in a wall adjacent to our hot water heater. By triggering the valve on the hot water heater when the water to the house is off, I can stop the noise. How can I fix this? [more inside]
posted by pokeedog on Feb 15, 2009 - 5 answers

Why is my bath not hot anymore? [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist on Oct 19, 2008 - 5 answers

How much higher would a water utility bill be with a toilet that runs 24 hours a day? [more inside]
posted by kmtiszen on Aug 9, 2008 - 11 answers

Plumbing enabled folks please read on. My exterior sump pump installed at bottom of the stairway landing outside my walk down basement is working itself out of its hole. I need a sanity check on the contractor's planned repair. [more inside]
posted by COD on Jan 3, 2008 - 11 answers

How do I circumvent the wildly variable water pressure and temperature in my apartment building? [more inside]
posted by proj on Dec 9, 2007 - 9 answers

I remember reading about a device that measures the temperature of the water at a bath or shower faucet and opens the water valve when the temperature reaches a preset temperature. Purpose is to reduce water wastage while one is waiting for the warm water to reach the bathroom from the tank. Can anyone link me to this product?
posted by lapsang on Sep 24, 2007 - 6 answers

When I turn the cold water tap, the faucets in my upstairs bathroom are putting out room temperature water. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by ND¢ on Aug 23, 2007 - 15 answers

Why is the water pressure in my house so variable? [more inside]
posted by mzurer on Apr 12, 2007 - 6 answers

How long would a 3/4 inch inner diameter pipe need to be to hold exactly 27 gallons of water? [more inside]
posted by putzface_dickman on Mar 22, 2007 - 33 answers

It's 4 am and I just woke up to a bathroom full of water. I'm renting in the Sierra's and it's been really cold, so one of the pipes burst and started leaking (the heat was on and I was home all day, though..). I called the emergency plumbers and they came to turn off the water. Now the situation is under control. How do I break this to my landlord? Should I call her now or can it wait till morning?
posted by mrunderhill on Jan 14, 2007 - 10 answers

Plumbing question. Bring your knowledge of water use. [more inside]
posted by NekulturnY on Jan 3, 2007 - 16 answers

Which is safest, hot or cold water from the tap? [more inside]
posted by MintSauce on Nov 9, 2006 - 20 answers

A water main leak was repaired in front of our house. Our facets spewed muddy water. Now possibly contaminated dirt is settled in the water pipes. Health and mechanical/structural risk of dirt and debris settled in water pipes? If, and how to remove? Where for water sample test? How to deal with the Water co. on liabilities? Attorney recommendation? [more inside]
posted by MD06 on Nov 8, 2006 - 5 answers

Can I replace the water pressure regulator in my home by myself or do I have to have a licensed plumber do it? [more inside]
posted by thewiseacre on Sep 24, 2006 - 7 answers

Green "rocks" in my plumbing fixtures: what are they? [more inside]
posted by chazlarson on Jan 31, 2006 - 15 answers

Should I be concerned about excessive rust in my apartment's water supply? [more inside]
posted by helios on Jan 3, 2006 - 7 answers

Recently, when I turn on my shower in the morning, the water runs clear for a few minutes, then a spurt of black inky water comes out for anywhere from two to 10 seconds, then it starts running clear again. I haven't noticed this with any of my other faucets/water sources. What might be causing that black water (I assume something's collecting in the pipes somewhere) and is it something I should be worried about? As a side note, my hard, hard water does seem to eat through my plumbing like it was made of spun sugar.
posted by willnot on Apr 28, 2005 - 2 answers

WaterFilter : I switched off the water at my mother-in-law's house to switch a tap, and now the hot water has stopped. [The more inside is depressingly dry...]
posted by talitha_kumi on Jan 1, 2005 - 6 answers