If you’ve ever shopped at Menards or Lowe’s for bathroom fixtures, you may have come across the Diplomat toilet. It’s often positioned as a cost-effective, moderately efficient model that appeals to DIY homeowners and landlords alike. But does the performance live up to the price? Or is it one of those “you get what you … Read more
When plumbing works, you hardly notice it. But when something goes wrong—like a backed-up sink, dripping faucet, or water heater gone cold—you notice fast. Plumbing problems are more than just an inconvenience. Left unchecked, they can lead to high water bills, structural damage, and even health risks. Here’s a breakdown of the most common plumbing … Read more
If you’re dealing with an Eljer faucet, toilet, or valve fitting and see terms like FIP or FNPT in the specs or instructions, you might be wondering: Are these different? Are they interchangeable? And which one do I actually need? The short answer: FIP and FNPT are basically the same thing in most plumbing contexts. … Read more
If you’ve been browsing toilets at Lowe’s, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Project Source. They’re hard to miss—stacked high, priced low, and marketed as an easy, budget-friendly choice. But here’s the deal: is that low price tag hiding bigger problems down the line? This guide walks you through real-world reviews, expert analysis, and … Read more
Air admittance valves (AAVs) are a modern solution to old-school venting issues. They let air into your plumbing system to equalize pressure—but keep sewer gas out. No roof stack, no cutting into walls. Sounds perfect, right? Well, almost. While AAVs solve a lot of installation headaches, they come with their own quirks. If your sink … Read more
Trying to cut down your water bill without dealing with weak flushes or clogs? Dual flush toilets are a smart way to go. They give you two flushing options—one for liquids, one for solids—so you only use the water you need. Less waste, more savings. But not all dual flush toilets are created equal. Some … Read more
The Korky 528 is one of the most popular toilet fill valves out there—quiet, adjustable, and anti-siphon certified. But like any plumbing part, it can act up. Whether your toilet’s not refilling, making strange noises, or leaking from the top, this guide will walk you through the most common issues with the Korky 528 and … Read more
Offset toilet flanges sound like a lifesaver when your toilet rough-in isn’t quite right. Need to move the toilet over a couple inches? Offset flange. Dealing with a joist in the way? Offset flange. But here’s the thing—while they solve one problem, they can also introduce a few new ones if you’re not careful. If … Read more
Got a leaky old faucet but no idea what model it is? If it says “Price Pfister” on it—or just “Pfister”—you’re halfway there. The tricky part is figuring out the exact model so you can get the right replacement parts or cartridges. Whether it’s in your kitchen, bathroom, or shower, here’s a simple guide to … Read more
Let’s be honest—if your bathroom feels like a broom closet, a full-sized toilet isn’t doing you any favors. Whether you live in a studio flat, have an awkward powder room, or just want more space to breathe, a compact toilet can make a surprisingly big difference. But here’s the thing—not all “small” toilets are actually … Read more