Plumbing Tips, Guides and How Tos

Learn everything you need to know about plumbing here. From water heaters to leaky faucets, our expert tips and DIY guides will help you get it done!

Related Topics

Saving Water & Fixing Leaks

Water Filters & Dispensers

Stream flows from poorly closed faucet

Hard Water Statistics and FactsChalky faucets and squeaky hair? Your tap may be telling on itself.

HVAC units placed outside of the house

HVAC Facts and StatisticsHow big is the industry behind your thermostat? The numbers may surprise you.

Plumber hand repairing sink with adjustable wrench

Plumbing Facts and StatisticsAncient copper pipes, Einstein's backup career, and a $190 billion trade.

Male technician servicing the gas boiler for hot water and heating

Water Heater Facts and StatisticsEver wonder how much your hot water really costs you each year?

Dirty polluted water coming out of from tubes into the river

Water Pollution Facts and StatisticsHow polluted is the water we depend on? The numbers are sobering.

Metal faucet in the modern gray kitchen

How to Choose the Right Size Kitchen FaucetPick the wrong reach and every dish splashes the counter. Size it right instead.

Male plumber fixing faucet in the kitchen

Kitchen Faucet Installation CostSwapping a leaky tap? Here's what a plumber really charges.

Person adjusting a gas control valve

How to Replace a Water Heater Gas Control ValveCold shower again? The valve might be innocent. Test before you swap.

life comfort, Autonomous heating system in the boiler room. small boiler, water heater, expansion tank and other pipes, selective focus.

How Old Is My State Water Heater?Your tank's build date is hiding in the serial number. Here's how to read it.

how to replace a water heater pressure release valve

How to Replace a Water Heater Pressure Relief ValveA dripping T&P valve is the cheapest water heater fix you can do yourself.

Boiler repair, replacement of broken water heating element

How to Clean a Water HeaterPops and rumbles from the tank? That is sediment. Here is how to flush it out.

Underfloor heating with collector and radiator in the room. Concept of technology heating. The order of layers in the floor.

Hydronic Radiant Floor HeatingWarm floors, no vents, no noise. Here's how hot water under the floor pulls it off.

Circuit breakers panel at home

How to Fix Low Thermopile VoltagePilot won't stay lit? The millivolts behind that error point at the fix.

Repair water heater isolated on white

How to Wire a Hot Water HeaterFour wires, one 30-amp circuit, and the code points an inspector will check.

Tank for indirect heating of boiler, flow filter for cleaning, boiler piping and meters in boiler room of private house

How Indirect Water Heaters WorkAlready own a boiler? It can heat your hot water too, and do it cheaply.

Mounting of house rainwater filter system. Borehole drilling and

Does a Tankless Water Heater Need a Filter?Skip the filter and hard water quietly eats your heat exchanger.

Utility Laundry room with desk and water heater

How to Hide a Water HeaterThat bulky tank doesn't have to be an eyesore, or a safety hazard.

Water pipes, valves and manometers inside house, system with electric pumps and heaters. Metal pipeline of home boiler, cold and hot tubes on utility room wall. Modern pipe installation for heating

How Much Does a Water Heater Cost?Shopping for a water heater? The unit price is only half the real bill.

Technician servicing heating boiler

Do Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance?Skip the flush and scale quietly wrecks your heat exchanger.

The boiler repairman checks the electronics in the water heater.

How to Test a Water Heater ElementOne multimeter reading tells you if the element is dead or fine.

Setting the central heating level in gas furnace panel

How to Turn Up a Hot Water HeaterStuck with a lukewarm shower? The fix is usually one dial away.

Tankless water heater in the bathroom

How to Reset a Rinnai Tankless Water HeaterCold shower out of nowhere? The fix is usually one button on the controller.

how much does a water heater weigh

How Much Does a Water Heater Weigh?Planning to wrestle one down the basement stairs? Know the number first.

Technician servicing an hot-water heater

Who Services Water Heaters?Leak, no heat, or a tripped breaker? The right pro depends on the symptom.

how much electricity does a tankless water heater use

Tankless Water Heater Electricity UseThat 27,000-watt number looks scary until you see how few minutes it runs.

repair electric boiler

How to Test a Water Heater ThermostatCold showers again? The culprit is often one cheap part behind the panel.

pressure gauge in boiler-room

What Causes Too Much Pressure in a Hot Water Heater?Is your tank quietly straining under pressure it was never built for?

Switches in fusebox. Many black circuit brakers in a row in position OFF and one red switch in position ON. 3d illustration

What Size Breaker Does a Water Heater Need?One wrong breaker size means constant trips, or a fire behind the panel.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Sep 21, 2020. A home Goodman high effi

How Old Is My Bradford White Water Heater?Two letters on the rating plate reveal exactly how old your tank is.

Handyman adjusting gas water heater

How to Turn Off a Gas or Electric Water HeaterLeak, gas smell, or a long trip away? Here's the safe way to cut the power.

Element of ignition of the gas water heater, boiler

How to Light a Water HeaterCold shower this morning? The flame behind the panel is easy to bring back.

heater leaking and brass

How to Drain a Water HeaterSediment is quietly wrecking your tank. An hour with a garden hose stops it.

Black kitchen pull out spray faucet

Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Faucet ProblemsHose hanging limp or dripping under the sink? Most fixes take five minutes.

How to Identify a Kitchen Faucet BrandLost the box and the logo won't show? The brand is still hiding on your faucet.

Woman turning on a water heater

How to Turn On a Water HeaterBack from vacation to an ice-cold shower? Here's how to fire it back up.

Man tightening a kitchen faucet with a wrench

How to Tighten a Kitchen FaucetThat wobble every time you wash dishes? It's usually one loose nut.

Plumber holding a replacement faucet

How to Repair a Moen Kitchen FaucetThat drip is almost always one worn cartridge away from silence.

Water heating system

15 Water Heater Brands ComparedNot sure which name to trust with your hot water?

Hot water heater pilot light and burner visible with base plate removed

Why Your Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay LitSkip the cold shower, most dead pilots come down to one cheap part.

Person holding a sink stopper over a kitchen sink

How to Remove a Sink StopperThat puddle in your basin is one gunky stopper away from gone.

Drinking bottled water

25 Facts About Bottled WaterPaying spring-water prices for filtered tap water?

Person flushing a dual flush toilet

Best Dual Flush ToiletsOne button for liquids, one for solids, thousands of gallons saved a year.

Smart water bottles

Best Smart Water BottlesKeep forgetting to drink? Let a bottle that tracks, glows, or filters remind you.

Woman putting detergent tablet in dishwasher

Best Dishwasher Detergents for Hard WaterCloudy glasses again? The right detergent stops mineral spots for good.

A modern stainless steel kitchensink

Best Stainless Steel Kitchen SinksPick a sink that laughs off hot pans and heavy skillets.

A ph and chlorine water test kit

Best Water Test KitsLead, bacteria, or just funky-tasting water? Find out what's in your glass.

Woman filling glass from a water cooler

How to Clean a Water CoolerThat cold, clean water sits in a tank nobody has scrubbed in months.

A filtered water bottle

Best Filtered Water BottlesRefill anywhere, skip the plastic. The bottles that clean your water on the go.

Woman drinking from a water bottle during a hike

Best Hiking Water BottlesDehydration ends a hike fast. These bottles keep you drinking.

Person boiling water outdoors

How to Filter Water OutdoorsThat crystal-clear stream can still make you sick. Here's how to drink it safely.

Reverse osmosis filters

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?Ever wondered what really happens under your kitchen sink?

Cleaning the kitchen drain sink

Best Drain Cleaners for Clogs and OdorsSlow drain or sour smell? Match the right cleaner to your clog.

Smiling child using the bathroom sink

Best Bathroom Sinks: Vessel, Undermount, Pedestal and MoreVessel, undermount or pedestal? Find the sink that fits your space.

Woman cleaning a stainless steel sink

How to Clean a Stainless Steel SinkBring back the showroom shine without a single harsh chemical.

Person unclogging the sink with baking soda.

How to Unclog a SinkStanding water in the basin? Clear it with what is already in your kitchen.

Kitchen sink strainer

Best Kitchen Sink Strainers to Stop ClogsStop fishing scraps out of standing water. Pick a strainer that pays for itself.

Woman washing vegetables on the sink

Best Kitchen Sinks for Your Home16-gauge, granite, double bowl? Find the sink that fits your kitchen.

Woman washing vegetables in an undermount kitchen sink

Best Undermount Kitchen SinksWant that built-in look? See which undermount sink fits your kitchen.

Farmhouse sink

Best Farmhouse Sinks for Every Kitchen and BudgetApron-front charm without the buyer's regret. Here are 7 worth the install.

Home reverse osmosis system

Best Reverse Osmosis SystemsTap water hiding lead and chlorine? Filter it out at the source.

Woman getting reverse osmosis water from tap

Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe to Drink?Filtered so clean it worries some people. Is RO water actually good for you?

Elderly man drinking alkaline water

Alkaline Water Benefits and RisksMiracle hydration or pricey tap water? Here's what the science says.

Low flow showerhead

Best Low Flow Shower HeadsSave water without the sad trickle. Here are 7 low-flow heads that still hit hard.

Water softener

Best Water SoftenersScale on your pipes and spots on your glasses? Pick the unit that ends both.

Maintaining water softener

How to Maintain a Water SoftenerA little tank care now saves you a limescale mess and a big repair bill later.

water softener with Reverse osmosis system

How Does a Water Softener Work?Crusty faucets and spotty glasses? Here is what actually fixes hard water.

removing water stains from toilet

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a ToiletThat chalky ring at the waterline is just minerals, and pantry basics erase it.

hard vs. soft water drinking from faucet

Hard vs. Soft WaterLimescale on the faucet or slippery suds? Here's what your water is telling you.

Purolite Water Softener Resin

Best Water Softener ResinSpotty glasses and dry skin? Your resin bed may be done.

Laundry detergent for hard water

Best Laundry Detergents for Hard WaterStiff towels and gray whites? Beat the minerals with the right detergent.

Clearsource Portable Rv Water Softener

Best Portable RV Water SoftenersHard water trashing your rig? These portable softeners fix it at the hookup.

AquaHomeGroup Shower Filter For Hard Water

Best Shower Filters for Hard WaterItchy skin and straw hair? The water, not your shampoo, is the real culprit.

water softener salt pellets

Best Water Softener SaltsPellets, crystals, or rock salt? Pick the right one and skip the clogged tank.

removing hard water stains from glass

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From GlassThose cloudy white spots wipe right off, once you know the acid trick.

removing hard water stains from bathroom tiles

4 Ways to Remove Hard Water Stains from TilesThose chalky white spots on your tile? Four ways to make them vanish.

removing hard water stains from granite kitchen countertop

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from GraniteThose chalky white rings around the faucet? They lift off easier than you think.

woman removing hard water stains from bathtub

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a BathtubThat chalky ring around the tub? Your pantry can beat it.

hard water causing problems for woman's hair

How Hard Water Affects HairGreat routine, still-straw hair? Your showerhead may be the real culprit.

faucet with running water

How to Soften Hard WaterScale on the faucets and no lather in the shower? Here is how to fix it.

kitchen faucet with hard water

How to Tell if You Have Hard WaterSpotty glasses and crusty faucets? Your tap might be giving itself away.

hard water stains on shower faucet

How to Remove Hard Water Stains from Stainless SteelThose cloudy white spots wipe away with something already in your pantry.

Benefits of water

20 Health Benefits of Drinking WaterYour brain feels the dip long before you ever feel thirsty.

How to reduce utility bills

How to Reduce Your Water BillA running toilet can quietly waste 200 gallons a day. Here is how to stop it.

Ways to Save Water

200+ Ways to Save Water at HomeYou use over 300 gallons a day. Most of it never had to leave the tap.

Best Water Filtration System

Best Water FiltersNot all filters do the same job. Find the one that fits your water.

Best Alkaline Ionizer Water Machines

Best Alkaline Ionizer Water MachinesTired of lugging home bottled alkaline water? Get it on tap instead.

Best Alkaline Water Pitchers

Best Alkaline Water PitchersTired of flat, chlorine-tasting tap water? The right pitcher fixes it at the sink.

Woman pouring water from the best water filter pitcher

Best Water Filter PitchersSkip the bottled water. Cleaner-tasting tap, no plumber required.

Best Alkaline Water Brands

Best Alkaline Water BrandsDoes a 9.5 pH bottle really beat water that got its pH from rock?

Best Water Distillers

Best Water Distillers for Your HomeTap water you can trust, no plumber or plastic bottles required.

Uses of distilled water

10 Uses of Distilled WaterYour steam iron is just the start of what pure water can do.

How To Make Distilled Water

How to Make Distilled Water at HomeOut of distilled water? Your stove can make a fresh batch tonight.

Plumber installing water faucet in the bathroom

How to Replace a Bathtub FaucetThat drip is fixable this weekend, no plumber and no special skills.

Pouring alkaline water for drinking

How to Make Alkaline Water at HomeThose pricey bottles? You can raise your water's pH at home for pennies.

Woman filling cup at best hot water dispenser

Best Hot Water DispensersWhy wait on the kettle when near-boiling water is one button away?

portable water filter

Best Portable Water FiltersStuck far from a clean tap? Turn that questionable stream into a safe drink.

water jug cooler

Best Water Jug CoolersFrom the dugout to the campsite, the jug that keeps your crew in cold water.

Woman filling cup at water cooler dispenser

Best Water Cooler DispensersHot tea or ice water on tap, no jug-flipping required.

Can You Drink Distilled Water

Can You Drink Distilled Water?Pure water sounds ideal, but stripping out every mineral has a catch.

Distilled Water Vs Purified Water

Distilled vs. Purified vs. Tap WaterNot sure which jug belongs in your glass? The pick depends on your goal.

Water Purification Inventions

11 Modern Water Purification InventionsFrom boiling pots in 2000 B.C. to pulling water out of thin air.

Best Countertop Water Filter

Best Countertop Water FiltersClear tap water can hide lead. Do you know which filter number stops it?

Using the best refrigerator water filter

Best Refrigerator Water FiltersFunky-tasting fridge water? Find the right filter for your model.

Whole house water filtering system

Best Whole House Water FiltersWorried about what's really in your tap water? Start at the source.

Water from a the best faucet water filter

Best Faucet Water FiltersCut the chlorine taste and reduce lead at the tap, no bottled water needed.

Plumber installing the best under sink water filter

Best Under Sink Water FiltersTired of chlorine taste? Here are the under sink filters that actually fix it.

tap water with chlorine removed

How to Remove Chlorine from WaterThat pool smell in your morning glass? It's easier to fix than you think.

Plumber changing a water filter system

How to Change a Water FilterSlow flow or a funky taste? Your filter is overdue for a swap.

How To Remove Calcium From Water

How to Remove Calcium From WaterChalky faucets and flat lather? Your water is probably too hard.

DIY Water purification filter with activated charcoal

How to Make a DIY Water FilterNo clean tap? A few household items can turn murky water into a safe drink.

plumber cleaning a water filter

How to Clean a Water FilterA clogged filter can make tap water worse. Here's how to bring it back.

Plumber changing a water filter

How Often to Change a Water FilterA clogged filter can leave your water dirtier than no filter at all.

plumber installing new water filter in the kitchen

How to Install a Water FilterSkip the plumber. Clean water is often just a wrench and an afternoon away.

plumbing fittings

Types of Plumbing Fittings and Their UsesThat bin of copper and brass parts is simpler than it looks.

water filters

Types of Water Filters and How They WorkNot sure what's actually in your tap water? Here's how to filter it out.

replacing bathroom faucet

How to Replace a Bathroom FaucetNo plumber needed. Swap out that dated faucet in an hour or two.

fixing bathtub faucet

How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub FaucetThat midnight drip is costing you. Here's the fix hiding behind the handle.

kitchen faucet

How to Fix Low Pressure in a Kitchen FaucetBarely a trickle at the sink? The fix is usually two minutes at the spout.

Cleaning Tap

How to Clean Faucets and Remove LimescaleThat crusty white ring around the spout? It doesn't stand a chance.

fixing shower faucet

How to Fix a Leaky Shower FaucetThat drip behind the wall is real money. Here's how to silence it.

replacing kitchen faucet

How to Replace a Kitchen FaucetSwap a worn faucet yourself with a basin wrench and save on the labor bill.

fixing leaky kitchen faucet

How to Fix a Leaky Kitchen FaucetThat drip is quietly draining thousands of gallons. Here's how to silence it.

Grohe Faucet

Best Grohe FaucetsGerman engineering for your sink? Here is which Grohe is worth the splurge.

Kingston Brass Kitchen faucet

Best Kingston Brass FaucetsVintage looks, solid brass, modern valves. Which one fits your sink?

Danze kitchen faucet

Best Danze FaucetsHalf your favorite Danze models are gone. Here's what to buy now.

Pfister bathroom faucet

Best Pfister Faucets for Kitchens and BathroomsStyle, low leaks, fair price. Here's which Pfister to put on your sink.

Modern bathroom faucet

AquaSource Faucets: What They Were and What to Buy NowAquaSource is gone from Lowe's shelves. Here is how to fix yours or replace it well.

Glacier Bay Kitchen Faucet

Glacier Bay Faucets: A Buyer’s Guide to Home Depot’s House BrandWhat's the deal about Glacier Bay? Find out here.

A beautiful Waterstone Faucet

Best Waterstone FaucetsLuxury brass built to outlast your kitchen, if the budget can stretch.

Kohler Pull down Faucet

Kohler Kitchen Faucet ReviewsBig brand, dozens of models. Here's how to pick the one that fits your sink.

Hansgrohe Kitchen Faucet

Best Hansgrohe FaucetsBrilliant German build, but which model fits your sink? An honest shortlist.

Vigo Kitchen Pull Down Faucet

VIGO Faucet ReviewsDesigner looks on a renovation budget? Here are the VIGO picks worth buying.

A Kraus kitchen faucet

Best Kraus FaucetsWant the high-end look without the luxury price tag? Start here.

Delta Touch Kitchen Faucet

Delta Touch FaucetsWhich Delta touch faucet is worth it? We rank five you can buy now.

Technician troubleshooting a problem of a tankless water heater

Bradford White Tankless Water Heater Error CodesThat flashing number on the display is telling you exactly what went wrong.

Navien Tankless Water Heater

Navien Tankless Water Heater Error Codes and FixesStuck on a blinking code? Match it, then get the shower hot again.

Ao Smith Tankless Water heater

AO Smith Tankless Water Heater Error CodesThat flashing number is your heater pointing straight at the problem.

Rinnai Tankless water heater

How to Fix Rinnai Tankless Error CodesCold shower and a blinking code? Here's what your Rinnai is trying to tell you.

Rheem Tankless Water Heater

Rheem Tankless Error Codes and How to Fix ThemThat blinking code on the display is telling you exactly what to fix.

Noritz tankless water heater

How to Fix Noritz Tankless Error CodesThat blinking number on the remote is your heater asking for help.

Black kitchen faucet

Best Black Kitchen FaucetsWant black hardware that won't peel or spot? Here's how to pick it.

Bathroom shower head and faucet

Best Shower FaucetsTrim kit or full valve? Pick the right shower faucet without a plumber's bill.

A vintage bronze kitchen faucet

Best Oil-Rubbed Bronze Kitchen FaucetsDark, warm, and built to last. Here is how to pick the one that fits your sink.

A pull down faucet in a commercial style kitchen

Best Commercial Style Kitchen FaucetsWant a restaurant-kitchen rinse at your own sink? These ten fit a home setup.

Woman washing vegetables on a white kitchen sink

Best White Kitchen Faucets Worth BuyingWhite faucets that stay white, picked for finish, valve quality, and real availability.

Laundry room sink faucet

Best Utility & Laundry Sink FaucetsWhich faucet survives mop buckets, paint trays, and garden-hose fills?

A white bathroom faucet

Best Bathroom Sink FaucetsPick a faucet that outlasts the drips, spots, and wobbly handles.

A touchless kitchen faucet

Best Touchless Kitchen FaucetsRaw-chicken hands? Wave the water on and keep every handle spotless.

A pull down kitchen faucet

Best Pull-Down Kitchen FaucetsWant a sprayer that docks tight and reaches every corner of the sink?

Mom helping her daughter get water from the kitchen faucet

Best Kitchen FaucetsFrom pull-down to touch to rustic bronze, a faucet for every kitchen.

Water sputtering from faucet to a glass

How to Fix Air in a Hot Water LineThat spitting hot tap is trapped air, and clearing it is a 10-minute job.

Residential water heating system

Direct Vent vs. Power Vent Water HeatersOne needs an outside wall, the other needs an outlet. Which fits your setup?

Man adjusting a fitting in the water heater panel

How to Replace a Water Heater ThermocouplePilot flame keeps dying? A tiny copper rod is usually the culprit.

Tankless water heater with timer

Do Water Heater Timers Save Money?Stop paying to keep the tank hot while the house sleeps all day.

Man adjusting a water heater heat trap

Water Heater Heat Traps: What They Do and How to Install OnePaying to heat water that just floats up the pipes? A heat trap stops that.

Old water heater left in the backyard

How to Determine Your Water Heater’s AgeStrange noises or rusty water? Your tank might be older than you think.

Man flushing a water heater

How to Flush a Water HeaterPopping tank and lukewarm showers? Blame the grit at the bottom.

Man fixing a problem with a water heater

Water Heater Noises and What They MeanThat popping in the basement is your tank asking for a little help.

Replacing a damaged water heater heating element

How to Replace an Electric Water Heater ElementCold shower? A dead heating element is a cheap DIY fix, not a new tank.

Man removing water heater parts

How to Fix Hot Water That Smells Like Rotten EggsThat sulfur stink from the hot tap almost always starts inside your tank.

Adjusting water heater thermostat

How to Replace a Water Heater ThermostatWild swings between icy and scalding usually trace to one cheap part.

Adjusting the water heater control

How to Replace a Water Heater Gas Control ValveCold showers or scalding taps? The gas valve may be the real culprit.

Tankless water heater piping system

How Does a Water Heater Work?Ever wonder what actually turns your cold water hot?

Woman washing her hands in the facucet

Why Is My Hot Water Cloudy?Milky water from the hot tap? Usually it is just air, and it clears fast.

Woman testing the temperature of the shower

What Is the Best Water Heater Temperature?Is your tank set to a number that is both safe and cheap to run?

Indoor heating system with tank and tankless water heater

How to Size a Water HeaterBuy too small and someone gets a cold shower; too big and your bill pays for it.

Tankless water heating system mounted on the wall

How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?Endless hot water is the easy part. It's the install quote that needs a plan.

Testing if shower is hot or cold

How Long Does a Water Heater Take to Heat Up?Waiting on a warm shower? The clock depends on what heats your tank.

Replacing water heater anode rod

How to Replace a Water Heater Anode RodThe cheap metal rod that keeps your water heater from rusting out.

DIY Water Heater Covers

5 DIY Water Heater Cover IdeasThat metal tank in the corner? You can make it disappear this weekend.

Old Water Heater

What to Do with an Old Water HeaterThat rusty tank in the garage could actually put cash in your pocket.

Water heating system with expansion tanks

What Is a Water Heater Expansion Tank?Is your relief valve dripping? A missing expansion tank could be why.

Man opening the lid of a water heater to check for problems

How to Fix Common Water Heater ProblemsCold shower, a rumble, or a puddle under the tank? Here's where to start.

Retired Water Heaters

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?A little yearly upkeep can add years to the water heater you already own.

Water heater leaking

Why Your Water Heater Is Leaking and How to Fix ItThat puddle is usually a loose valve, not a dead tank. Here's how to tell.

Tank and tankless water heaters installed outdoors

Best Water HeatersCold shower this morning? Find the right water heater before the next one.

Richmond Tank Water Heater

Richmond Water Heaters: An Honest Buyer’s GuideRichmond is Rheem in a Home Depot box. Here's what that means before you buy.

State tankless water heater

State Water Heaters Review: Are They Any Good? A Buyer’s GuideOwned by A.O. Smith, sold mostly through plumbers. Here is what that means for you.

Rinnai Water Heater mounted to a wall

Best Rinnai Water HeatersRunning out of hot water mid-shower? The right Rinnai fixes that for good.

Bradford White Tank Water Heater

Bradford White Water Heaters Buyer’s GuideWhy plumbers trust Bradford White, why only a pro can buy one, and what an install costs.

Rheem water heater

Rheem Water Heaters: Are They Reliable?Is Rheem reliable? See how its tank, tankless, and hybrid lineups really compare.

Ao Smith Water Heater

A.O. Smith Water Heater Buying GuideA.O. Smith is a top water heating brand, here's why you might choose a unit.

Navien Tankless Water Heater

Navien Water Heaters: An Honest Buyer’s GuideSky-high efficiency, but a plumber has to install it. Is that trade worth it?

A Tankless and Tank Water Heater

Tankless vs Tank Water Heaters ComparedOn-demand or always-on? See which water heater actually saves you money.

Person repairing a tankless water heater

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance: How to Flush ItTankless does not mean maintenance-free. Skip the scale, keep the hot showers.

Water running from the shower

What to Do When You Have No Hot Water in Your HouseFaucet pouring straight from the Arctic? A few fixable culprits.

Hot shower from a water heater

How Tankless Water Heaters WorkEndless hot water, right up until you outrun the unit's flow rate.

Adjusting the temperature of a water heater

How to Reset an Electric Water HeaterLost your hot water? The fix is often one button behind the access panel.

A tankless water heater installed at the back of a van

Best RV Tankless Water HeatersHot showers wherever you park, no bulky tank needed.

Home tankless gas water heater

Best Gas Tankless Water HeatersNever run out mid-shower, and skip the bulky tank while you're at it.

Electric heater on bathroom wall

Best Electric Tankless Water HeatersEndless hot water on demand, no tank required.

water heater with drain pan underneath

Best Water Heater Drip and Drain PansA slow tank leak can rot a subfloor long before you ever see a puddle.

home hybrid heat pump water heater plastered to wall

Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters: A Complete Buyer’s GuideIt moves warmth from the air into your tank instead of making it.

Plumber checking electric consumption of pump

50-Gallon Water Heater Buying GuideSizing, fuel type, efficiency, safety, and the 50-gallon tanks worth buying.

Tankless water heater flushing

Best Water Heater Flushing KitsFlush the scale and add years to your tankless unit.

Household heating system

Best Hot Water Recirculation PumpsStop wasting water waiting for the tap to run hot.

Man hand regulating heat of home boiler

Best Condensing Water HeatersSqueeze more hot water from every therm of gas.

under sink water heater in bathroom

Best Under Sink Water HeatersInstant hot water at the far sink, no long wait for the tap.

Camplus Portable water heater in the back of the trunk

Best Portable Tankless Water Heaters for CampingNo more cold rinse at camp. Here's how to get a real hot shower off-grid.

roll of mineral wool with foil

Best Water Heater Blankets to Save EnergyCut standby heat loss and trim the bill with the right tank blanket.