Earl's Plumbing Blog - You Ask, We Answer!

Serving Frisco, Lubbock, San Angelo, & Abilene

Are There Differences in Water Heaters that Plumbers Install vs. Big Box Stores?

Yes. The water heater brands sold by the largest home improvement stores are not made in the same factories as their professional plumber-grade counterparts. Licensed plumbers do NOT purchase these water heaters primarily due to quality concerns, warranty-related issues, and of course price. Below are some of the major differences between retail and professional-grade water … [Read More]

Is It Better to Have Undermount or Drop-In Sinks?

Undermount sinks certainly have their pros and cons, and the choice is up to you! We can provide some insight for homeowners weighing their options. Our best advice is to choose a reputable contractor to install the sink. Undermount sink pros: Undermount sink cons:

What does a double check valve do?

The DCV operates with a series of spring-loaded check valves that allow water to pass through one way but not the other way (in other words, not backward—thus “backflow prevention”). A DCV is a safety device in many ways, like a properly working vacuum breaker on a hose spigot but more robust. The DCV also … [Read More]

What are the parts of a hose spigot that must be operational?

Other than the obvious fact that the hose spigot must turn off and on and must not leak or drip while in use, there are some other important reasons that your hose spigot must be 100% operational.Read More

How Much Does Changing a Pressure Reducing Valve Cost?

Unfortunately, Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) can be one of the more expensive plumbing repairs that we do. The PRV and shut off valve work (always done together and not optional) is typically quoted over the phone with some ranges built in for the unexpected. These quoted ranges are based on the replies to questions answered … [Read More]

Why Do You Need to Inspect My Water Heater When Installing a PRV?

There are two reasons why we will need to inspect your water heater. In addition to any plumbing leak and making sure that an expansion tank is present and properly installed per plumbing code, we must also ensure that your water heater is in good condition and not at the end of its normal expected … [Read More]

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