Journal
The plumber's notebook.
Plain-English guides on costs, leaks, emergencies, drains and sewers, water heaters, old pipes, pressure and hard water, written for Middle Tennessee homeowners.
Costs and PlanningHow to Hire a Plumber in NashvilleA short, practical checklist for choosing a plumber you can trust, whether it is an emergency or a planned project.
Costs and PlanningPlumbing Checklist for Buying an Older HomeWhat to look at, ask about and test before you buy a home built decades ago, in Nashville or anywhere…
Water HeatersRepair or Replace Your Water Heater?A simple way to decide when a water heater is worth repairing and when to replace it before it fails.
Leaks and EmergenciesHow to Protect Your Pipes in a FreezeMiddle Tennessee freezes are short, but they are enough to split pipes. A short checklist before the next cold snap.
Pipes and Water QualityCauses of Low Water Pressure and How to Fix ThemWeak showers and slow faucets have a cause you can find. Here is a simple order for tracking it down.
Pipes and Water QualityHard Water in Middle Tennessee: What It Does and What to DoLimestone country means hard water. Here is what it does to your home and your appliances, and how to deal…
Pipes and Water QualityGalvanized, Polybutylene and Cast Iron: What Old Pipes Mean for YouThree old pipe materials turn up again and again in Middle Tennessee homes. Here is how to spot them and…Leaks and EmergenciesHow to Shut Off Your Water MainEvery household member should know where the main shutoff is and how it works. Here is how to find it…
Drains and SewerWhy Does My Drain Keep Clogging?A drain that clogs again and again has a cause. Here are the usual culprits and what actually fixes them.
Drains and SewerSigns Your Sewer Line Is FailingGurgling drains, sewage smells and soggy spots in the yard can all point to a failing sewer line. Here is…
Leaks and EmergenciesHow to Find a Hidden Water LeakA rising water bill with no explanation often means a hidden leak. Here are simple tests you can do before…
Leaks and EmergenciesWhat to Do When a Pipe BurstsThe first ten minutes of a burst pipe decide how much damage you get. Here is the order of operations.
Water HeatersTank vs Tankless Water Heaters: Which Fits Your House?How tank and tankless heaters differ in cost, space, efficiency and lifespan, and how to decide for your family.Costs and PlanningHow Much Does a Plumber Cost in Nashville?A plain-English look at what plumbing work commonly costs, what changes the price and how to compare written estimates fairly.