Plumbing field brief
Plumbing calculations and code context you can defend on inspection day.
Common field pain points
- IPC/UPC confusion across jurisdictions.
- Rework from wrong sizing assumptions.
- Estimate loss when field signal drops.
Built for inspection day
- Drain Sizing Wizard with IPC/UPC auto-selection.
- Gas Line Sizing and Pipe Offset workflows for field math.
- Saved Cost Estimates with offline queue and reconnect sync.
Before you DIY plumbing
Sewer gas, scalding hot water, frozen pipes, gas-fired water heaters, and trenching for service lines all have stop lines. Know them before you cut into a wall or drain a system.
Emergencies — stop the damage
Shut off water first, then power if anything electrical is wet.
Drains & Venting
Slow drains, clogs, P-trap leaks, vent restrictions.
Unclog kitchen drain
Slow or fully clogged kitchen sink — disposal, trap, branch line.
Start diagnosisFix P-trap leak
Drip under the sink at the trap or slip-joint connections.
Start diagnosisFix shower drain
Slow shower, gurgling, or smell — trap, vent, or branch issue.
Start diagnosisUnclog bathtub drain
Standing water — hair clog vs. branch-line obstruction.
Start diagnosisWasher drain backup
Standpipe overflow on drain cycle — sizing, vent, or partial clog.
Start diagnosisSupply & Pressure
Low pressure, shutoffs, and supply-line repairs.
Fix low water pressure
Weak flow at one or all fixtures — aerator, PRV, or service line.
Start diagnosisFix water pressure at fixture
Single bathroom fixture pressure problem — angle stop or cartridge.
Start diagnosisReplace angle stop
Stuck, dripping, or stripped 1/4-turn shutoff at a fixture supply.
Start diagnosisInstall / replace shutoff valve
Add a fixture, branch, or main shutoff valve — soldered or SharkBite.
Start diagnosisToilets & Fixtures
Running toilets, faucet swaps, shower fixtures.
Fix running toilet
Phantom flush, constant fill, or never-stopping flapper.
Start diagnosisFix toilet flush
Weak flush, double-flush needed, or handle problem.
Start diagnosisInstall new toilet
Full toilet replacement — flange, wax ring, supply, tank.
Start diagnosisReplace kitchen faucet
Remove old faucet, install new with supply lines and sprayer.
Start diagnosisReplace bathroom faucet
Lavatory faucet swap — pop-up drain and supply connections.
Start diagnosisReplace shower head
Standard shower head swap — tape, seal, and flow test.
Start diagnosisWater Heaters
Tank and tankless — hot-water loss, leaks, maintenance.
No hot water
Tank or tankless producing cold — power, pilot, ignitor, element.
Start diagnosisFlush water heater sediment
Annual drain-and-flush to remove sediment buildup.
Start diagnosisRepair water heater leak
Water on the floor — TPR valve, drain valve, fitting, or tank.
Start diagnosisReplace water heater
Full tank-style water heater replacement.
Start diagnosisInstall tankless water heater
Convert to tankless — gas line, venting, condensate plan.
Start diagnosisOutdoor & Basement
Hose bibs, irrigation, sump pumps, sewage protection.
Install outdoor faucet
New hose bib through-wall with a frost-proof sillcock.
Start diagnosisWinterize outdoor plumbing
Drain hose bibs and irrigation before the first hard freeze.
Start diagnosisInstall sump pump
Pit prep, pump install, discharge line, check valve, GFCI.
Start diagnosisSewage backup prevention
Backwater valves, cleanout strategy, and main-line jetting cadence.
Start diagnosisGuides
Homeowner-safe plumbing tasks — fixture swaps, drain clears, water-heater maintenance. Gas connections and sewer-line work require pro-grade safety discipline.
Basement Plumbing Rough-In
AdvancedRough in basement plumbing for a bathroom, kitchen, or utility room, laying out the drain, waste, vent, and supply lines with proper slope and venting.
Fix Kitchen Faucet
BeginnerFix a leaking, dripping, or low-pressure kitchen faucet by cleaning the aerator, replacing the cartridge or O-rings, and repairing a failing pull-out sprayer.
Fix Leaky Kitchen Pipe
IntermediateFind and stop supply or drain leaks under the kitchen sink, from compression fittings to the P-trap, then test the repair so the cabinet stays dry.
Fix Shower Issues
IntermediateFix common shower problems including low water pressure, dripping handles, and temperature swings by cleaning the head and replacing worn cartridges or seals.
Fix Sprinkler System
IntermediateDiagnose and repair common sprinkler problems including leaking or clogged heads, broken zone valves, and controller faults so every zone waters evenly again.
Flush Water Heater Sediment
IntermediateDrain and flush a tank water heater to remove sediment buildup, restore efficient heating, cut popping noise, and extend the life of the tank and elements.
Foundation Waterproofing
AdvancedStop foundation moisture with interior and exterior waterproofing: seal cracks, apply membranes, and improve drainage to keep the basement dry year round.
How to Connect a Washing Machine
IntermediateConnect a washing machine to water, drain, and power with correct standpipe height, secure hoses, and level installation.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
BeginnerDiagnose and stop a continuously running toilet by checking and repairing the flapper, fill valve, float, and overflow tube.
How to Fix a Slow Shower Drain
BeginnerClear a slow or clogged shower drain: remove and clean the stopper, snake the trap with a drain cable, flush it through, and restore full drainage.
How to Fix a Weak Toilet Flush
BeginnerFix a weak or incomplete toilet flush by adjusting the flapper, chain, and handle, and setting the tank water level for a strong, complete flush every time.
How to Fix No Hot Water
IntermediateDiagnose and fix no hot water on a gas or electric tank heater: check the pilot, thermostat, heating elements, and dip tube to restore a hot water supply.
How to Install a Toilet Seat
BeginnerReplace a standard or soft-close toilet seat: remove the old seat, align the new hinges over the bowl holes, and tighten the top or bottom mount hardware.
How to Replace a Shower Head
BeginnerReplace a handheld or fixed shower head: unthread the old head, wrap the threads with plumbers tape, hand-tighten the new one, and check for leaks.
How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
BeginnerUnclog a bathtub drain by removing and cleaning the stopper, clearing hair from the trap, and snaking the line to restore fast, full drainage again.
How to Unclog a Kitchen Drain
BeginnerUnclog a kitchen sink drain safely with progressive methods, from plunging to snaking the trap, while protecting the disposal and P-trap from damage.
Install Basement Bathroom
AdvancedInstall a complete basement bathroom: rough in the drain, vent, and supply lines, set the toilet, sink, and shower, then finish and test every connection.
Install Bathroom Vanity
IntermediateInstall a bathroom vanity: set and level the cabinet, secure it to wall studs, mount the countertop and sink, connect the faucet and P-trap, and test for leaks.
Install Floor Drain
IntermediateInstall a basement or garage floor drain with proper slope and a trap, connecting it to the main sewer line to carry away water and prevent backups.
Install Garbage Disposal
IntermediateInstall or replace a 1/2 to 3/4 HP garbage disposal, mounting it to the sink flange and connecting the drain, dishwasher line, and power supply safely.
Install Grab Bars
IntermediateInstall bathroom grab bars anchored into wall studs or solid blocking at the right height and angle to safely support weight near the toilet or shower.
Install New Outdoor Spigot
IntermediateInstall a frost-proof outdoor spigot pitched for drainage with a backflow preventer, protecting the supply line from freezing and winter burst damage.
Install New Toilet
IntermediateInstall a new toilet from start to finish: remove the old unit, clean the flange, set a fresh wax ring and bolts, then secure the bowl and test for leaks.
Install Outdoor Faucet
IntermediateInstall a weather-resistant outdoor faucet with secure mounting and a backflow preventer, then pressure-test the connection for leak-free operation.
Install Sump Pump
AdvancedInstall a sump pump for basement flood protection: set the basin, wire the pump and float switch, run the discharge line outdoors, and test the full cycle.
Install Tankless Water Heater
AdvancedMount, plumb, vent, and commission a gas or electric tankless water heater for endless on-demand hot water, with correct gas, water, and venting hookups.
Laundry Room Plumbing Layout
AdvancedPlan and rough in laundry room plumbing: hot and cold supply lines with shutoffs, a properly vented drain standpipe, and an optional utility sink connection.
Maintain Pool Equipment
IntermediateMaintain and troubleshoot pool equipment: clean the pump basket and filter, check the plumbing for leaks, and keep water circulating for clean, clear water.
Repair Irrigation Valve
IntermediateRepair a faulty irrigation valve: fix leaks, replace the solenoid or diaphragm, and trace wiring faults so the zone opens and closes on schedule again.
Repair Water Heater Leak
IntermediateFind and repair a water heater leak at the T&P valve, drain valve, or fittings, and learn when a leaking tank means the heater must be replaced instead.
Replace Bathroom Faucet
IntermediateReplace a bathroom sink faucet: shut off the water, disconnect the old supply lines, remove the faucet, set the new one with a seal, reconnect, and test.
Replace Kitchen Faucet
IntermediateReplace a kitchen faucet: shut off the water, remove the old single or two-handle unit, set the new faucet, reconnect the supply lines, and test for leaks.
Replace Kitchen Sink
AdvancedReplace a kitchen sink: remove the old drop-in or undermount basin, set the new sink, and reconnect the faucet, drain, disposal, and water supply lines.
Replace Washer Supply Lines
BeginnerReplace aging washing machine supply hoses with braided stainless steel lines, check the shutoff valves, and leak-test to prevent costly water damage.
Replace Water Heater
AdvancedRemove an old tank water heater and install and commission a new gas or electric unit, with proper water, fuel, and venting connections plus a full leak test.
Sewage Backup Prevention
IntermediatePrevent sewage backups by installing and maintaining a backwater valve, clearing the main line, and improving drainage to protect your basement from flooding.
Utility Sink Installation
IntermediateInstall a utility sink in a laundry room or basement: mount the basin, connect the faucet and supply lines to shutoffs, fit a P-trap drain, and test for leaks.
Washer Drain Pan Installation
BeginnerInstall a washing machine drain pan to catch leaks and overflows: position the pan, connect the drain hose to a floor drain, level it, and test for flow.
Washer Drain Repair
IntermediateFix a slow or overflowing washer drain by clearing the standpipe, trap, and branch line, and setting the correct standpipe height to stop future backups.
Water Heater Maintenance
BeginnerMaintain your water heater: flush sediment, inspect the anode rod, test the T&P valve, and check venting and connections to extend its service life.
Waterproof Shower (Reseal & Caulk)
IntermediateReseal a shower to stop leaks: scrape out failing caulk and grout, clean and dry the joints, then apply fresh waterproof sealant. Not a full membrane install.
Winterize Outdoor Plumbing
BeginnerWinterize outdoor plumbing to prevent freeze damage: shut off and drain hose bibs, blow out irrigation lines, and insulate exposed pipes and fixtures.
Calculators
Sizing, pressure, and drainage tools.
Water pressure
Static and working pressure across a supply system — PRV sizing, fixture demand.
Open calculatorWater heater sizing
Tank gallons or tankless GPM for your household demand profile.
Open calculatorDrain slope
Fall over run for horizontal drain lines — meets IPC/UPC minimums.
Open calculatorGas line sizing
Pipe diameter from BTU load and run length — NFPA 54 longest-length method.
Open calculatorFixture units
DFU and WSFU loads for sizing drainage and supply branches.
Open calculatorDWV pipe sizing
Drain-waste-vent sizing from fixture units and stack rules.
Open calculatorPump sizing
Sump/sewage/irrigation pump GPM and head for your run.
Open calculator