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The Plumbers Pages blog
Seasonal plumbing tips, news that affects homeowners, and notes for plumbers – with official sources, no sales pitch.
- How long does it take to become a plumber? It depends on your stateMost plumbers train for 4 to 5 years before their first license, but the rules run from 1 year in some states to 5 years or more in others. Here is every state side by side.
- Leak on your side of the meter? Who fixes what, and how to checkA high winter water bill often means a leak. How to check with your meter, and why the pipe between the meter and your house is usually your job, not the utility’s.
- Thanksgiving and the kitchen drain: where the grease should goTurkey fat and cooking oil are a classic holiday clog. What sewer utilities in Portland, New York and San Francisco say to do with grease, plus disposal and wipes advice.
- Water heater maintenance before winter: 6 checks to do this fallYour water heater works hardest in winter. Six checks from the Department of Energy, the EPA, the CPSC and the manufacturer’s manual, and the signs it is time to call a plumber.
- For plumbers: how homeowners check your license, and how to make it easyHomeowners are told to check a plumber’s license before they hire. About half of the businesses we list print a license number on their own website.
- Lead pipe replacement: what EPA’s 10-year rule means for your homeWater systems must replace lead service lines within 10 years under EPA’s 2024 rule. Here is how to find out if your home has one, and what to do meanwhile.
- Before the first freeze: a 9-step plumbing checklistHoses, sprinklers, exposed pipes and the main shut-off: nine things to do this fall so a cold night does not end with a burst pipe.
Looking for step-by-step help? See the plumbing guides.