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Plumbing Issues

Bathroom Sink Aerator Can Not be Removed – or Can It?

First, what is a sink aerator and why have it? As explained in detail on wikipedia, a sink aerator is the wire mesh cap that typically is screwed onto the end of the faucet. It’s main purposes are to reduce splashing, create a more uniform stream, reduce water usage, and increase the water pressure (yes – it increases the pressure while reducing the amount of water used). Here’s a basic… Read More »Bathroom Sink Aerator Can Not be Removed – or Can It?

Sewer gas smell in basement after ejector pump repair

Last week I had the pleasure of learning what happens when the ejector pump in our basement fails. Very messy and stinky to say the least. I’m driving home and get a panicked call from my wife that we have a problem in our basement. She of course asked if I used the toilet the prior night assuming I’m responsible for blocking the toilet (again). For once, this wasn’t my… Read More »Sewer gas smell in basement after ejector pump repair

Battery for backup sump pump – testing and replacement

We had our sump pump system redone after basement flooding issues in 2009.  One of the upgrades was putting in a more powerful back-up sump pump.  Our plumber used one that is comparable to the Zoeller Aquanot II pedestal pump.  It will run off of the AC wall current when we have power, but runs off DC current from a large battery when the power is out. These types of… Read More »Battery for backup sump pump – testing and replacement

Garbage Disposal causes water to back up into second sink

I’m a novice when it comes to plumbing issues, but I did learn a bit with this episode.  We have a dual sink in our kitchen, and one side has a garbage disposal.  The sink seemed to be going down fine, but then when we ran the garbage disposal, the 2nd sink on the other side started to back up messy water filled with food bits.  I assumed the garbage… Read More »Garbage Disposal causes water to back up into second sink