Leaky Outdoor Faucet
What makes a hose bib drip, how a frost-free sillcock fails in winter, and when a repair turns into a replacement.
Read the guide →These guides explain common plumbing problems in plain language. Each one covers what is happening, what you can safely do yourself and when a licensed plumber is the better call. If water is moving where it should not, skip the reading and call (860) 397-8103.
How to use these guides
Start with the symptom you can see. Most guides have a short answer near the top, then the causes, a comparison of options and a list of common mistakes. Cost sections show what changes the price, not a quote.
Our plumbing services pages cover the repair side, and the service area page shows where we work.
Talk to a licensed plumber now
Call (860) 397-8103Call the 24/7 line, describe the problem, and we confirm what it will cost before any work starts.
When to stop reading and call
Guides cannot see your pipes. If you smell gas, see water near outlets, or have sewage on the floor, leave the area and get help first. For a burst pipe, close the main shutoff and call.
For anything else, the guides help you decide whether it is a quick fix or a job for a licensed plumber. You can read about our drain cleaning and water heater repair work on the service pages.
Latest guides
Pick a topic below. Every guide was written for homes in Rocky Hill and nearby towns.
Leaking Bathroom Faucet
Why a bathroom faucet drips or leaks at the base, how cartridge and ceramic disc faucets are repaired, and when to call a plumber.
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Tankless Heater or Boiler
A boiler can heat your home and your hot water, while a tankless unit only heats water. Here is how to compare them and what to ask.
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Kitchen Sink Repair
How to trace a leak under the kitchen sink, what clogs and failed supply lines look like, and when to call a plumber.
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Toilet Flange Install
What a toilet flange does, how to tell when it is broken, how wax rings and closet bolts fit in, and when to call a plumber.
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Water Heater Replacement Cost
The unit is only part of the bill. Here are the factors that move a water heater replacement price, plus typical ranges that are not a quote.
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Tankless Water Heater Cost
A tankless heater often costs more to install than a tank. Here is what drives the price, what upkeep it needs and how payback really works.
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Waterproof a Basement From Inside
Sealers, interior drains and sump basins each solve a different problem. Here is what works from the inside, what does not, and when to call a plumber.
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DIY Water Heater Replacement
Replacing a water heater yourself is possible in some cases and risky in others. Here is where DIY is reasonable and where to call a licensed plumber.
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PEX Pipe Installation
PEX is flexible, fast to install and common in repipes. Here is how types A, B and C differ, what fittings to use and which mistakes to avoid.
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Water-Powered Sump Pumps
A water-powered backup pump runs on household water pressure, not electricity. Learn how it works, what it uses and how it compares with battery backup.
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Dish Soap and Clogged Drains
Dish soap can loosen grease in a slow drain, but it will not clear a solid clog. Here is the science and the safe order of steps to try.
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Does Sand Clog Drains
Sand settles instead of flowing, so it builds up in traps, bends and floor drains. Learn the sources, the warning signs and what to do.
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Disposal on a Double Sink
How a disposal connects to a double bowl kitchen sink, including the trap arm, dishwasher knockout, power safety and when to call.
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Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
Roots grow into sewer joints and cracks, then keep coming back. Compare cabling, jetting, lining and replacement, and see how to stop a repeat.
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