Plumbing Made Simple
No confusing jargon. Just useful explanations to help you understand your home’s plumbing and ask better questions.
Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters
Both heat and store water, but they use different energy sources and have different installation requirements.
Gas Water Heater
Burns natural gas or propane. Venting and combustion-air requirements matter, along with available gas supply and installation costs.
Electric Water Heater
Uses electrical heating elements. No combustion vent is needed for a conventional electric tank, but electrical capacity and recovery time matter.
Which one is better for my home?
That depends on available utilities, local energy prices, hot-water demand, existing connections, equipment efficiency, and installation cost. A plumber can help compare the total cost for your situation.
Water Softener vs. Reverse Osmosis
Water Softener
Typically uses ion exchange to reduce hardness minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. It is intended to address scale and hardness-related problems.
Reverse Osmosis
Uses a semipermeable membrane to reduce many dissolved substances in water. Commonly installed at a drinking-water faucet, with effectiveness depending on the system and contaminants.
Do I need both?
Not necessarily. A water test and your household’s goals can help determine whether one system, both, or neither is appropriate.
Common Plumbing Terms
Shutoff Valve
A valve used to stop water flow to a fixture or section of plumbing, especially important when a leak occurs.
Backflow Preventer / Vacuum Breaker
A device intended to help prevent water from flowing backward into a potable water supply. The correct device depends on the application and local code.
PEX Pipe
A flexible plastic piping material used in many water-supply installations. Approved uses and installation methods depend on applicable codes and manufacturer instructions.
Water Pressure Regulator
A device that reduces incoming water pressure to a controlled downstream level, helping protect plumbing fixtures and components.
Drain Trap
The curved portion of a drain that holds water to help block sewer gases from entering occupied spaces.
Expansion Tank
A tank that accommodates thermal expansion in certain closed water-heating systems. Whether one is needed depends on system design and code requirements.
Still have questions?
Tell us what you’re seeing at home. Clear explanations are part of good service.
Ask About Your Plumbing